Alêssandra accepted God’s call to serve, but left the details to Him.
by Gillian Bethel
“I didn’t choose Hartland. God chose this college for me,” smiles Brazilian student Alêssandra Lima de Sousa. She adds, “God can transform your life in a flash!” He certainly did that for Alê!
Although raised as a Seventh-day Adventist, Alê lost her way for a while; but as a teenager she felt God’s call. She surrendered her life to His will, whatever it would be, and was baptized two years later.
From then on, Alê dreamed of being a missionary. As a start, she worked for the conference in São Paulo. But then, under God’s guidance, her life suddenly took a new direction.
One day, Alê met an American Adventist couple who invited her to become an au pair for their children and learn English in the States. She accepted, and later the couple told her about Hartland and encouraged her to apply for a Missionary Training Fund scholarship. Alê realized this was God’s leading. She had never dreamed she would be studying at an English college in America!
Not knowing what to study, Alê prayed, “Lord, You choose what I need to do; I will just follow Your instructions.” She was so excited about filling out her application that she missed the part about choice of major. Her “host mom” filled in “Health Ministry” for her, understanding her talents and desire to be a missionary. Alê saw this as God’s choice for her and an answer to her prayer.
Alê loves her major and hopes to work in health counseling to draw people to the gospel. She feels Hartland is thoroughly preparing her. As well as in-depth theoretical and practical health knowledge, “I’m learning how to create Bible studies, how to give lectures, how to preach, how to organize a health outreach, how to be a Christlike leader and a self-supporting missionary.”
Alê wants to do well in her classes: “Being an MTF student challenges you to do your best and get high grades. The money that comes through this project is from people who believe in you, people who have their own needs but are faithfully giving this offering which is such a great blessing.”
To MTF donors, she says, “You have been a powerful instrument in God’s hand. Because of your choice to be a servant, God answered my prayers and used you to fulfill His purpose to His glory. Thank you so much!”