By Alejandro Chavez
In 1987, I came to believe in Jesus Christ as my only Savior. In the city of Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, God used several missionaries with CMML, most prominently Bard and Pam Pillette’s family (Missionary Prayer Handbook Day 30), to lead me to Him. Shortly thereafter, I married Adriana, who had come to know the Lord around the same time I had. God blessed us with two beautiful daughters, and during a family vacation about 14 years later, we visited the Pillettes in Oregon, where they had moved to serve the Lord cross culturally. That experience transformed the course of our lives.
As we witnessed the Pillette family’s testimony and experienced the love with which they ministered to the Hispanic community, God placed in Adriana’s heart and mine the desire to dedicate our lives to the same work. Upon returning to Mexico, we began praying for this new direction. Six months later, we received an invitation from the Pillettes to join their ministry in Oregon and serve the Hispanic community alongside them.
In 2002, I resigned from my job as a financial adviser, and fully trusting in God’s calling, I attended Emmaus Bible College in Iowa for one year, which was a privilege. This time was crucial for deepening and strengthening my biblical knowledge and preparing me for the ministry God had called my family to.
In 2003, we arrived in Oregon, specifically in the city of Medford. Our purpose was to collaborate with the Pillette family in a missionary work focused on the Hispanic community.
Oregon is home to many ethnic communities, including Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Filipino, and Vietnamese. The Hispanic community, however, is the largest. Since our arrival, it has expanded. Between 2003 and 2013, Hispanics grew from 9 to 12 percent of the state’s population, with many working in agriculture and construction.1 By 2020, they represented 13.9 percent, with second- and third-generation families becoming more integrated into society.2 Current estimates place the Hispanic population at 14 percent, with cities like Eugene having seen notable growth.3 This demographic shift underscores the importance of our ministry.
A new beginning in Eugene
After working closely with the Pillette family to appoint elders and deacons in the established churches in Medford and Grants Pass, my family and I felt the Lord’s clear calling to embark on a new ministry. He led us to the city of Eugene on November 13, 2013, to plant a Hispanic church, and we trusted that God would guide every step of this new endeavor.
Our efforts began humbly but meaningfully. During a visit to a local store, we had a providential encounter with a couple. We approached them intending to share God’s Word and asked if they would be willing to participate in Bible studies. To our joy, they agreed. Thus, we began meeting with them, trusting that the Lord would bring more people in time. Indeed, little by little, others joined our small group, which initially consisted mostly of Mexicans. Each meeting strengthened our spirits and confirmed that God was working in the attendees’ hearts.
Evangelism and growth through outreach
As the group grew, we began leveraging public Hispanic and non-Hispanic events as evangelism opportunities. At these events held throughout the year in Eugene and surrounding cities, we would distribute copies of the Gospel of John and evangelistic tracts about our faith in Jesus. These initiatives allowed us to participate in our community and connect with more Hispanics interested in learning about God’s Word.
One of the most significant moments occurred on July 4, 2022, during an Independence Day parade in the city of Creswell, Oregon, about 15 miles from Eugene. While distributing evangelistic tracts and copies of the Gospel of John to Hispanic families and individuals, we met a couple who had recently arrived from Colombia. They showed genuine interest in joining Bible studies, and as a result, a new phase in our church’s growth began. Five other Colombian families, most of whom have since trusted in Jesus Christ, soon joined the couple. They not only strengthened our church but also marked significant numerical growth for Iglesia Bíblica de Eugene (“Eugene Bible Church”). This development has been a clear demonstration of God’s faithfulness and His work in the lives of those seeking to draw closer to Him.
The importance of discipleship
Discipleship is one of our priorities as a church. We firmly believe it is a foundational pillar in every believer’s spiritual growth. For this reason, we offer everyone who joins the church and places his or her faith in Christ a discipleship Bible study. It is designed to teach the principles of the Christian faith and help the individual establish a personal, solid relationship with Christ. This discipleship aims to not only impart biblical knowledge but also encourage a life of obedience to Christ, integrating the teachings of God’s Word into daily living.
We personalize the discipleship process to each person’s level of knowledge and spiritual maturity, allowing the believer to grow effectively in his or her walk with the Lord. During these Bible studies, participants study key topics such as salvation, prayer, Bible reading and meditation, the importance of the local church, leadership in the church, and the call to share the Gospel. They are also encouraged to ask questions, share their concerns and experiences, and seek ways to apply the truths to their daily lives.
Through this discipleship, we aim for new believers to not only grow in their understanding of the Scriptures but also feel supported by fellow believers. Discipleship strengthens bonds among church members, fostering relationships based on love, prayer, fellowship, and mutual service. By the end of the process, many participants have grown spiritually, and some help to disciple others, fulfilling Jesus’s mandate in Matthew 28:19–20 to make disciples.
This focus on discipleship has been key to the consolidation and growth of our church. It ensures that everyone who joins feels welcomed and receives the tools necessary to develop a living, committed faith.
The preparation of future church leaders
As part of our commitment to the church’s spiritual growth and edification, we dedicate one weekday exclusively to preparing prospective elders and deacons. A group of about eight faithful men participate. The biblical leadership course they study equips them with not only solid theological knowledge but also practical skills to serve with love and humility.
The course content is based on principles drawn from Scripture. Some of the passages it emphasizes are 1 Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Acts 6, which outline the qualifications and responsibilities of elders and deacons. During the sessions, the participants delve into topics such as Christian character, conflict resolution, preaching and teaching the Bible, resource management, and pastoral care. Additionally, they work on their understanding and practice of prayer, intercession, and serving with a willing, obedient heart.
We are deeply grateful for and encouraged by the level of commitment the eight men have demonstrated. They actively participate in the training sessions and practice what they learn. Each one plays a key role in ministering God’s Word, both in Sunday gatherings and weekday Bible studies. This dedication reflects their desire to serve the Lord and the congregation with integrity and love.
Training elders and deacons is essential to the strength of our church; it ensures that the congregation’s spiritual and practical needs are effectively met. Beyond academic preparation, we seek to cultivate in them spiritual sensitivity and servant’s hearts, making them capable leaders who can guide others toward a deeper relationship with Christ. This preparation is not only a biblical mandate but also an investment in the future of our faith community, ensuring it is well shepherded for years to come.
Prayer requests
Obedience in making disciples of all nations: Please pray that the Lord will grant us, as a church, hearts willing to obey His command to make disciples, as stated in Matthew 28:19–20. May each of us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, sharing the Gospel with those around us, whether they are family, friends, coworkers, or strangers.
Additionally, please pray that our congregation will be organized and enthusiastic in participating in the evangelisticoutreaches we carry out. May the events provide fruitful opportunities to reach people from various cultures and backgrounds, and may God prepare their hearts to receive the message of salvation.
The growth of future elders and deacons: Please pray that God will continue to work powerfully in the lives of the men who may become, in the future, our church’s elders and deacons. May the Lord shape their hearts, strengthen their faith, and guide them in walking closely with Him.
Let us ask that they may grow in spiritual maturity, wisdom, and humility, reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives. May the Holy Spirit prepare them to take on responsibilities with dedication and joy, enabling them to faithfully and lovingly serve the congregation in Eugene.
A willing heart to love and serve the Hispanic community: Pray that the Lord will continue to renew in our church a heart filled with love and compassion for the Hispanic community living in the United States, especially in Oregon. May we see each person as the Lord does, recognizing his or her spiritual, emotional, and material needs. May we always be willing to extend a helping hand and show the love of Christ through our actions.
Let us pray that many Hispanics in Oregon will hear the message of salvation. May the Lord prepare their hearts to receive His Word, granting them hope and eternal purpose amid the challenges they face as they settle in a new country.
Alejandro and Adriana Chavez are commended from Iglesia Creyentes en Cristo in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Originally published in Missions magazine, April 2025. For more content, sign up for a free subscription (US) to Missions at CMML.us/magazine/subscribe
