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Desi and Rachel met in Bible school and were married in 2003. Both are ordained ministers with the UPCI and have served in many different capacities at churches in California, Missouri, Delaware and Louisiana. In April 2021, the Lugo family moved to the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and served as AIMers then as associate missionaries. During their two years in Vanuatu, both spent most of their time teaching at the GATS Bible school, writing exams and supplemental curriculum, and helping with school administration. They also preached at local churches, taught seminars and helped implement a new discipleship program. At the end of their two years of service, Desi and Rachel were asked to move to New Zealand to help with the Bible school and plant churches on the South Island. The Lugos were appointed intermediate missionaries in February 2025. Their target city is Dunedin, a university town and the second largest urban area on the South Island. Currently, there are only two churches on the South Island and the Lugos are excited about planting a new church in this strategic city as well as continuing involvement in the Bible school, training the next generation of church leaders.