Eager to Study and Serve

Alejandro is a seminary student in Mexico. A typical day for him begins with seminary classes in the morning. Each afternoon he devotes about five hours to homework. Most days he also heads down to the mission “Divina Gracia” (Divine Grace). There he helps out with evangelism visits and Bible studies. On Sundays, he participates in services at the mission. All of these activities keep Alejandro busy. They also help him prepare for his future as a pastor in Mexico.

Before studying to become a pastor, Alejandro held a steady fulltime job. He lived with his family in Puebla, a city in central Mexico. With his earnings, Alejandro supported his mother, who is crippled with arthritis and unable to work. He also supported his two young siblings.

For a long time, Alejandro dreamed of becoming a pastor. “I really wanted to spend my days talking to others about Christ,” he recalls. But studying to be a pastor would be a tough change. It would mean leaving his family and moving to the Mexican Lutheran Seminary in Torreón. That’s about sixteen hours away from Puebla by bus. In a country with close-knit families, living on his own would be a challenge for Alejandro.

Even though moving would be hard, Alejandro decided he really wanted to become a pastor. Yet this decision brought on a greater challenge. To study for the ministry, Alejandro would have to leave his fulltime job. He would need to find a different way to support his family.

This challenge was overcome with a seminary scholarship. This economic aid allows Alejandro to study fulltime. His days are filled with classes, homework and on-the-field training. Yet he can still provide for his family.

Seminary students throughout Latin America have similar situations. They attend classes, do homework, and participate in church work to gain valuable experience. Additionally, most of them have families to provide for.

Scholarships help these men dedicate their time and talents to the ministry. Like Alejandro, they are eager to serve. Remember Alejandro and the seminary students in Latin America in your prayers.