Sofía, strong in her Lutheran faith, continued attending church faithfully, and Luis, coming from a Catholic background, respectfully joined her. My husband, Rev. Rodrigo Fernández, and I began to pray fervently that the saving grace of Jesus Christ would reach Luis through the preaching of the Word and the Sacraments. And because our hope is a living hope in Christ, we soon began to see fruit in Luis’s life.

Humble in heart and eager to serve, Luis began helping at church and in the wider community. He enrolled in Evangelist Training and shortly after started a sports-centered faith community. He organized soccer tournaments, always asking Pastor Rodrigo to help him share God’s Word during those events.

Then, not long ago, something unexpected happened during a family lunch. Luis surprised us all when he shared that he felt called to do more. God had placed a burden on his heart for the next generation—for the children. He said he wanted to start a soccer school for kids using the church grounds.

My heart leapt with joy. I had been witnessing his spiritual growth firsthand—how the Holy Spirit was shaping his desires and directing his mission. The enthusiasm on his face said it all. Here was a 23-year-old young man who could be doing anything else with his time, yet his heart and mind were set on the Great Commission. What a beautiful testimony to the power of Christ!

But what touched me most was his determination. Luis told us, “I’m starting in two weeks.” I confess—I worried. How would he afford it? Where would the supplies come from? I gently suggested he wait a bit to raise funds and get organized. But his reply pierced my heart: “Whatever is needed, I will provide myself.”

Knowing his personal situation—his immigration expenses, the responsibilities of providing for a young family with another baby on the way—I was moved to tears. That kind of generosity and commitment can only come from a heart transformed by Christ.

Thanks to the support of Manantiales de Vida Lutheran Church, the soccer school is now up and running, and Luis is receiving some financial help. Praise be to our beloved Jesus!

Today, Luis faithfully leads the soccer school, welcoming between 20 and 25 children each week. After his long workday, he arrives every Thursday to prepare the field, set up equipment, and organize three different class groups. What stands out to me now is not just his willingness but his perseverance. Many can be willing, but consistent? That’s rare.

With the support of his wife Sofía and fellow evangelists like Romina, Estefanía, Rev. Rodrigo, and me, we’re now witnessing real fruit. Two families who began bringing their kids to the soccer school have joined the local church and are taking their first steps in the Lutheran faith.

Who would’ve thought? The quiet young man who once came to our home asking to marry our daughter is now a District Evangelist, used by the Lord to preach the gospel and share Christ’s love every Thursday at a soccer field. He no longer needs Pastor Rodrigo’s help to share the Word—Luis now proclaims it himself.

There have been so many changes in such a short time. But then again, nothing is impossible for God. A once timid and soft-spoken young man, now a bold instrument in God’s hands, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to children every week.

By Dayana Fernández
Texas District Evangelist Training
Lead Evangelist Trainer Area D