My name is Esteban Alvarez but people in Northern Ireland call me Steven. I am 25 years old and I am from Chile, South America. All my life, I have been involved in the church because my family are Christians. When I was 17 years old I decided to serve God with all my life and work full time for His kingdom. For that reason I studied psychology specialising in kids and teenager to assist my future ministry.

My plan this year was to work in my church in Chile for one year and then go to a Bible college, as part of the regular training to be minister. But God had a different plan for me this year. So now I am in Northern Ireland working as a volunteer in St Saviour’s, Church of Ireland, for one year through SAMS Ireland.

My home Church in Chile is called “Cantagallo” or Rooster-singer in English. It is a new Church plant in “well-off” area of Santiago. My father, Pablo Alvarez, is the minister there. So please remember him and my church in your prayers. We have the Sunday service in a hall in one the University’s of that area, and have different activities during the week and weekend in the church’s house located in the same area. My work in my church, the last 5 years, was principally the leadership of youth people and ministry of worship and a member of the vestry. Also, all the implications of be the son of the minister.

Now in my church here in Northern Ireland, I am trying to get involved in as much as I can, and I’m really thankful to God for the evangelist in charge there, Myrtle Morrison (remember in your prayers too), because she is an example for me, she no only teaches me things but also is willing to learn from my experiences. And thank God for living with “the Blair’s”, because both are a blessing in my life. So, my work here the last 8 weeks has been serving in different ways. For example in the Sunday’s school, mum and tots, kids club, youth fellowship, worship, visits, etc.

Finally, I can only say… “However, as it is written: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9)