As we prepare to leave in just 3 short days, I want you all to get to know the amazing man we’ve been working with, Mr. Alex Rocha.
I am constantly blown away at how perfectly he exemplifies the virtues of love and generosity. Every day, he seeks to serve his family and his community with a heart on fire for God. He provides free English classes at his home, he seeks to mend the division made by gangs by playing baseball with kids on both sides, he plans events and makes connections to awaken people’s passions whether it’s through reading, painting, break dancing, or anything else he can bring to them. And let me tell you… he is succeeding.
I see the way people look at him. When he speaks, people listen. When he walks, people follow. He is unifying this community. And he does everything for God’s glory.
He grew up on these streets and didn’t always live his life for God. He lead of life full of gangs, partying, and drugs. But when he felt the call, he responded. And the second He accepted God in his life he hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back.
He works full time as a tour guide to support his family and his ministry. And let me tell you… this is one amazing family. He has raised 6 AMAZING children that just light up my life with their humor and generous hearts. I can’t even begin to explain the joy I feel when I hear them call me, “mi hermana” (my sister). Then there’s Mama Mercy, Alex’s wife. I could go on for days about this beautiful woman of God. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen her call a kid from the street to give them a snack or a piece of clothing. And her laugh is the best sound I’ve ever heard. Alex so tenderly and completely loves his family. It is a truly beautiful thing to watch.
But it isn’t just the ministries or family time that make him a great man of God. He lives completely from a generous heart. Every where we go, I watch him stop to help people without a second thought. It all happens so naturally. It is in his very nature to give. Whether he bumps into English speaking backpackers trying to find a place to stay, he sees someone’s kite get stuck on a passing cart, or any other passing moments that so many of us overlook he is always there to give them the love of Jesus.
I have experienced so much love and growth working alongside this amazing man of God and I hope to learn more every day about how to live like he does. My Colombian family has left their door wide open for their new hijas (daughters) to come back to them whenever we like. And ya never know, this hija just might. 😉
Keep an eye out for a more full video of his testimony from my teammates Tera Bradham and Sarah Cork!
We head to our next assignment in Guyana in about a week where we will join forces with Team Wild Abouts!
