October 12, 2015, was a turning point for Alex. Ana, who had recently begun to attend Gateway with their children, encouraged Alex to go with them to the Pursuit Conference. He was reluctant, and agreed to attend only because their niece—who had recently arrived from El Salvador to study at Fanshawe—wanted to go, and was convinced that God was going to do something significant on October 12. Although Alex had grown up as a Christian—and had been healed of severe migraines at age 14 after prayer in his Catholic church in El Salvador—he had stopped attending church due to some negative past experiences. But on that chilly October evening, even before stepping inside Gateway, Alex received a warm welcome from Jeff and Krista Buck at the inviting campfires that were burning in fire pits outside. During the service, Alex had to take his fidgety 4-year-old son out to the atrium. But immediately someone told him that guest speaker Mike Miller was inviting “the man carrying his son” to join him. When Alex and Ana and their two sons went to the front of the church, Mike told Alex in a powerful way that God wanted to use him to encourage others. He also said that God had put Alex and Ana together and was affirming their marriage. Mike then got the entire congregation to pray for them.

Since that amazing experience Alex and Ana have been very involved at Gateway. They initially participated in Growing Kids God’s Way with Matt and Jen Koopman, and later benefited from the Alpha Course. At a Table for 8 dinner they met an elderly couple that became wonderful mentors. Since then they have been involved with Connect groups, and currently serve on the Welcome Team. Ana and Alex are also part of the Prayer Team. Their son Alejandro (19) was previously a junior leader at GSM and helped with the camera on Sunday mornings. Adrian (14) enjoys participating in GSM.

In addition to times of great blessing and encouragement, Alex and Ana have faced challenging seasons. When they came to Canada from El Salvador as refugee claimants 18 years ago, they faced five years of legal obstacles as they sought permanent residency status. Although they had work permits and were able to work at a bank, they experienced a roller coaster of emotions during the appeal process. Finally, encouraged by many letters of support, they were accepted for Permanent Residency status under Humanitarian and Compassionate grounds. They both continue to work at a bank, Ana as an analyst and Alex as a manager of customer service.

Four years ago Ana experienced severe physical symptoms of generalized pain, headaches and fatigue—and was eventually diagnosed with thyroiditis. For several months she was very ill, and feared that she would remain sick for her entire life. During this difficult time, Ana and Alex experienced the power of community as their Connect group supported them, and prayed for them. Although her physician said that medication would only control symptoms, not cure the disease, Ana is thankful to God that her symptoms and laboratory results eventually improved completely, and she was able to stop the medication.

As they think about their hope for the future, Alex and Ana are impacted by Psalms 32:8. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. “We want to integrate our faith more and more into our lives as a couple. To be a strong pillar for whatever God has for us, and that people can count on. God drew us together and we want to serve together. We see how people struggle. Many people are lonely. Sometimes service can be as simple as listening and giving time. We want to model it for our kids.”