Full Breakdown
First-Generation Americans Embrace Missionary Work in Colombia
2/26/2026, 2:15:45 PM
Commitment to the Mission Field
Elian and Aletha Álvarez, a first-generation Cuban couple residing in the United States, have chosen to leave behind the American dream to fulfill their calling to serve an Indigenous people group in Colombia. Their journey began at Iglesia Bautista Peniel in Ocala, Florida, an immigrant church predominantly composed of first-generation Latinos. Pastor Yoslier Brache recalls Elian stating, “I didn’t come to this country to pursue the American dream, or to prosper. I came to this country to reaffirm my call to missions.” This commitment led to their partnership with the International Mission Board (IMB), facilitated by connections within their church community.
Church Support and Missionary Training
The congregation at Iglesia Bautista Peniel has actively supported the Álvarezes' mission. After their approval to serve with the IMB, the church formally commissioned them as missionaries, with members gathering to pray over them. Brache noted the significance of this moment, emphasizing the biblical authority of local churches to send missionaries. The church has committed to ongoing prayer and annual trips to Colombia to support the couple's work.
Facing Danger in Colombia
The Álvarezes' mission is not without risks. During a recent trip to Colombia, Brache and a team encountered potential threats from local paramilitary groups, including a tense moment when they were surrounded by cartel members. Despite the dangers, Brache expressed confidence in their mission, stating, “We went with the power of God, and we know that He protects us.” The church members, many of whom are immigrants themselves, are accustomed to taking risks for their faith, which has prepared them for challenges in their missionary endeavors.
The Cost of Gospel Access
The dangers faced by missionaries in Colombia were underscored by the tragic death of Simon, a local missionary and translator for the team. Brache reflected on Simon's sacrifice, stating that it highlighted the real costs associated with spreading the gospel. The church has recognized the financial challenges of sending members on mission trips, as many work long hours to support their families. However, the congregation remains committed to making sacrifices for their mission work.
Future Aspirations and Partnerships
Iglesia Bautista Peniel aims to expand its missionary efforts beyond the Álvarezes. Annel Robayna, the IMB’s Hispanic church mobilization strategist, noted that the church exemplifies an ideal partnership for sending missionaries. Brache hopes to inspire more church members to engage in international missions, fostering a culture of sending within the congregation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I didn’t come to this country to pursue the American dream, or to prosper. I came to this country to reaffirm my call to missions and to find ways to go,” — Elian Álvarez, Missionary
- “We went with the power of God, and we know that He protects us, but we also know that it is a very dangerous place where we were,” — Yoslier Brache, Pastor
- “The fact that we are immigrants, we are prepared to work, to take risks, to not have so many conditions to serve God, because in our countries, we never had great resources, and yet we surrendered to God,” — Yoslier Brache, Pastor
- “Brache said it was a beautiful scene and powerful to see the church embrace and adopt the biblical perspective of the authority given to the local church to send missionaries from their pews.” — Yoslier Brache, Pastor
This narrative illustrates the dedication of first-generation Americans like the Álvarezes, who prioritize their faith and mission work over personal comfort, demonstrating a profound commitment to serving others in challenging environments.
