My Story, His Glory | Step Into the Story

Alejandra’s Story

I first got connected with 28:19 Ministries last year. I was walking through one of the hardest seasons of my life, searching for God and trying to come back to Him. During a mission trip to Peru, I met Megan, who shared with me about 28:19 and the English Learning Community (ELC). Right away, I thought, “I would love to do something like that.”

When I came to my first night at ELC, it felt so welcoming. I had flashbacks of when I first started taking English classes myself. I could feel the love and community in the room—it was like family. People came to learn English, yes, but they also found something deeper: belonging, encouragement, and the reminder that they are seen and valued.

Volunteering at ELC has been especially meaningful because I know what it feels like to be in our learners’ shoes. I came to the U.S. as an immigrant 12 years ago, not knowing the language, the culture, or the system. It’s so easy to feel lost, unseen, or discouraged when you can’t communicate. I remember the frustration of wanting to give up, thinking I would never learn English. God put kind people in my life who helped me, but I also experienced moments when others were not so patient. That’s why being part of ELC feels like coming full circle. I get to offer the patience, kindness, and encouragement that once carried me.

There have been moments in volunteering where my faith has shifted. At first, I doubted myself. I told Megan, “I don’t think my English is good enough.” But she encouraged me: “You can do this. You’ll be great.” And she was right—God used this role to show me that I do have something to offer. Even something as simple as speaking Spanish became a way to serve Him. It gave me hope again.

One of the most powerful parts of ELC is watching lives transform. I’ve seen families like William and Diana’s begin seeking Jesus because of the love and support they’ve experienced here. I’ve had conversations with learners who felt hopeless about learning English, and I could say, “Don’t worry—I was just like you. I’m still learning, too.” Their faces light up with hope when they realize they’re not alone in the journey.

Being part of ELC has impacted my personal relationship with Jesus in big ways. Seeing the love, sacrifice, and joy in the team made me want to serve Him more fully. I realized that serving God doesn’t always look dramatic—it can be as simple as using what He’s given you, whether that’s a smile, a kind word, or a second language.

To me, the English Learning Community is more than a class. It’s a family. It’s a place where immigrants feel seen, supported, and free to be who they are. And it’s a place where both learners and volunteers are growing as disciples of Jesus.

If someone is unsure about serving with 28:19, I would tell them: please try. It’s an amazing opportunity. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a team that feels like family, doing something for God that feels natural and authentic. It doesn’t always feel like “work”—it feels like joy. And in the process, you’ll discover that everyone has something to offer Him.

The story isn’t finished yet. When you become a Legacy Partner, you step into what God is already doing through 28:19 Ministries—sharing His love, strengthening communities, and changing lives for eternity.

Step into the Story, and Become a Legacy Partner.