Alexander Torres Paulino

Alexander Torres was born on May 21, 1975, in the town of Moca, Dominican Republic.  He was baptized and grew up in the Roman Catholic church, but at the age of 24 he joined a non-denominational Evangelical church with Calvinistic teachings.

Towards the end of 2004 and into 2005, Alex met some of our WELS missionaries through a mutual friend named Javier Guzman.  Even though Javier did not agree with Biblical, Lutheran doctrine, he introduced Alex to the missionaries, and they started studying together.  At first, Alex had a hard time accepting certain doctrines--he himself especially mentions infant Baptism--but he was impressed that the missionary's response was always to say: "Let's see what the Bible says about that..."

Alex credits "God's great, great mercy" for leading him finally to put his own human reason aside and submit to God and his revealed Word.  He joined the Lutheran church in October 2005 and immediately started studying in our Bible Institute and Seminary.

He brings with him a wide range of work experiences including:  credit assessor, auditor, sales manager and collection agent.  He is also quite an entrepreneur, having started his own factory of disinfectant cleaners, a washing machine rental agency, car rental agency, and a handcraft shop.  His knowledge of the business world serves him well as he interacts with his community and serves Cordero de Dios (Lamb of God) Lutheran Church in Moca.

Alex is married to Sandra, and they have three children: Joseph, Alexandra and Alejandra.  (It is common in the DR for parents to simply combine their names when naming their children.)  Sandra and both daughters suffer severe asthma, so we pray the Lord keep them in good health.

"Lord of the Harvest, thank you for providing Alex and his family as gifts to your church.  Bless his service to your people."

The Lord bless you with his peace,

NW

Helve Robert

Helve Robert was born in Cabo-Haitiano, Haiti on March 13, 1972.  After studying Communication in school, he worked for a while at a radio station and also taught French Grammar and Speech at an elementary school in Haiti for two years.  Helve then decided to change professions and spent four years in medical school.  In 2006, however, before finishing medical school, he decided to change again, this time deciding to study in our Lutheran seminary here in the DR in preparation for serving as a pastor some day back in Haiti.

Although Helve was baptized in the Roman Catholic church as a child, he grew up in the Baptist church.  It was in early 2005 that one of his fellow medical students--a friend of Rona Abraham who was pastor of the Haitian congregation and studying in our seminary--invited him to attend a Sunday service.  Soon thereafter he grew in his faith and understanding of the Gospel through a Bible Information Class.  He was convinced we were teaching the truth and joined the Haitian congregation.

Helve is an active member of the congregation and studied in our Bible Institute, desiring to serve more.  He graduated from the B.I. in Feb 2006 and has been studying in our seminary ever since.

Helve was married, but sadly his wife abandoned him and their infant daughter Ester shortly after Ester was born.  We ask for your prayers that the Lord give Helve the wisdom and strength he needs to fulfill his duties as a single father and seminary student.

We praise the Lord for giving Helve as a gift to his church and pray that he bless Helve's family and ministry.

The Lord bless you with his peace,

NW