Dr. Mercado, has been in the ministry for 63 years. MGM International founder, Leonardo S. Mercados father, Gumecindo Mercado, emigrated with his family from Mexico City to northern Arizona during the Mexican Revolution. Dr. Dick Mercado was born on March 23, 1930 and in 1970 succeeded the founder as senior pastor of the church, as well as general director of the mission. In 2003 the name of the mission was changed from Mexican Gospel Mission to Mission Gospel Ministries International (MGMI). This reflects the broadened scope of the mission, which includes Hispanics in America, as well as Spain and Latin America.

In 2005, at the age of 75, Dr. Richard Mercado stepped down as the General Director and was named International Representative for MGMI. The MGM Mother Church has itself for a number of years had the joy of helping to send out missionaries to various fields, including various parts of Mexico, Puerto Rico, New Mexico, Africa, and even Mongolia. For more information, please visit the website at www.mgmi.org.