Planting a church in a new area takes vision. It takes planning, intention and a lot of work. Alexandra is on the visioning team with her home church to plant a community of believers in Pedro Carbo, Ecuador. Her determined character is softened by her kindness and her smile.
When Alexandra met the Lord a few years ago, she decided she would seek to serve Him in all the ways she could. Presently, this means spreading the Gospel in Pedro Carbo.
"In this area, the people are very idolatrous and even though there are churches here, not everyone has heard about God," Alexandra says.
The process is difficult. Many people are wary of the Gospel and close themselves off to its saving power. There are a few who do listen to Alexandra when she shares and they come to the Bible studies. However, there seems to be a disconnect between what they learning and how they are living their lives.
Despite this, Alexandra has not become discouraged. God is changing the community and she can see it in small ways.
"When I first came here, there were people who knew God but they had drifted away. Other people who went to the church felt shut off and could not see the work they could be doing," Alexandra says. "Now all of them know we meet every Friday at a certain house. We also have meetings in the park so people can hear the Word of God."
Alexandra received church planter training with Multiplication Network Ministries and learned how to motivate those already attending the church. She shows them the potential they have for impacting their community if they share the Gospel with their neighbors.
In addition to this, Alexandra prepares the teachings for each Bible study meeting. She knows not to do this alone as that would hinder the growth and multiplication of the church. She involves others so they can learn how to lead their own groups and disciple others.
Alexandra has a vision of growing God's Church in this area. She is sure God will do great things in the lives of the people and their way of living will reflect a heart change.