Getting to Know Pastoral Resident Josue Alvarado

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Getting to Know Pastoral Resident Josue Alvarado

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Growing up in my country, Honduras, I was blessed by theguidance of my family and my local church where I cameto faith in Christ and served for many years. Later, I wasworking as a civil engineer and realized that I did not haveenough time to invest in making disciples through thechurch, which is what I love to do most. God provided aBible school in Texas where I was trained to handle the Biblebetter. After graduating I worked as a pastoral assistant forfour years in Chicago and had the opportunity to take theCharles Simeon Trust Chicago course on preaching whereI found great support and guidance.

HOW DID YOU COME TO FAITH AND WHAT LED TO THECOLLEGE CHURCH RESIDENCY PROGRAM?

Growing up in a Christian environment, I knew how to act as a Christian, but became a follower of Jesus once I understood the truth of the Word of God. My mentor walked me through Ephesians 2:8-9, and it was then that I was convinced that faith in Christ was enough, and I was safe in him.

I prayed for many years to be part of a healthy church whereI could learn from biblical leadership, sound doctrine andgodly men from whom I could learn, and that is exactly whatI found at College Church. I am thankful for godly men andwomen who model Christ to me and my family.

WHEN YOU LOOK AHEAD, DO YOU HAVE A SENSE OF HOW YOU WOULD LIKE THE RESIDENCY TO HELP YOU IN FUTURE MINISTRY?

As I serve and learn from godly men and women at College Church, I aim to follow the same pattern wherever God leads me. I want to make disciples through the local church and lead them to do the same as commanded by His Word.

IS THERE A STORY IN YOUR STORY THAT YOU COULD SHARE? WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE GET TO KNOW YOU A BIT.

I remember sleeping on a small island in India for a mission trip, the temperature was so hot and uncomfortable that I am not sure if I slept that night, but it was worth it. Two friends and I had the opportunity to lead a soccer camp and teach the gospel to people from the area; many of them never had the chance to hear the gospel. One of our last games was during a rainy morning, but we still played in the muddy field. It was worth it, because after the game, we went to drink tea with them and had more opportunities to know these young guys and keep sharing the love of Jesus with them.

With all kinds of challenges and barriers, we were able to share the gospel in a place where Christians are persecuted for their faith. I thought, How much more should we share the gospel in are as where we have freedom and resources available.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY—WIFE/KIDS?

My wife, Kristen, and my daughters Zoey and Taya are the ones with whom I play, laugh, read, pray and learn to love God more every day. By God’s grace, we are expecting a baby in the month of June for whom we pray to love Christ as we do.

WHAT ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL PLACE OF HONDURAS?

In 2015 I lead a group of 12 Rio Grande Bible College students from different countries on a mission trip to my country, Honduras. We provided school supplies and Bibles for students of low-income areas and had a week of missions conference, to encourage different churches to reach out all the nations for God’s glory. It is a good reminder of the great physical needs that people in Honduras have and an even greater need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

WHAT THREE WORDS BEST DESCRIBE YOU?

Dependable, approachable, competitive. (This is from mywife. Thank you for the suggestion.)

FAVORITE HANG-OUT PLACE?

I like to find new coffee shops or parks (not in the winter) to drink coffee and read. I enjoy playing soccer and watching my favorite team, Barcelona F.C.

DO YOU KNOW SOME OF YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENTS AS A RESIDENT?

I will be assisting the discipleship area (men’s group and small groups particularly). I will be speaking on March 11-13 on the HYACKs spring retreat and supporting WOW at11 a.m. on Sundays.

I preached the evening of Super Bowl Sunday. I love preaching God’s Word. I enjoy preparing, praying and studying God’s Word for God’s people.