First-Generation Cuban Couple Leaves American Dream to Serve in Colombia

Their church, made up primarily of first-generation immigrants, rallies behind them as enthusiastic partners in the Great Commission.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A first-generation Cuban couple living in the U.S. decided to leave the American dream to serve among an Indigenous people group in Colombia. Their church, Iglesia Bautista Peniel in Ocala, Florida, whose members are primarily first-generation Latinos, has enthusiastically supported the couple's calling to missions.

Why it matters

This story highlights how first-generation immigrant churches in the U.S. are embracing a global missions vision and sending their own members to serve on the mission field, even in dangerous areas. It demonstrates the sacrificial commitment of these congregations to the Great Commission.

The details

The couple, Elian Álvarez and his wife Aletha, told their pastor Yoslier Brache that they did not come to the U.S. to pursue the American dream, but to reaffirm their call to missions. Brache connected them with the International Mission Board, and the church commissioned the couple as their own missionaries. The church committed to praying for the couple and making yearly trips to minister alongside them in Colombia, even though the area is under the watch of two infamous paramilitary groups.

  • Two years ago, Iglesia Bautista Peniel had a vision to get involved in international missions.
  • The church made its first trip to Colombia this year.

The players

Elian Álvarez

A first-generation Cuban living in the U.S. who is serving as a missionary with the International Mission Board in Colombia.

Aletha Álvarez

Elian Álvarez's wife, who is also serving as a missionary with the International Mission Board in Colombia.

Yoslier Brache

The pastor of Iglesia Bautista Peniel, an immigrant church in Ocala, Florida, whose members are primarily first-generation Latinos.

Iglesia Bautista Peniel

A church in Ocala, Florida, whose members are primarily first-generation Latino immigrants and has embraced a global missions vision.

Emmanuel Roque

The Hispanic church catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention who connected the Álvarez couple with the International Mission Board.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't come to this country to pursue the American dream, or to prosper. I came to this country to reaffirm my call to missions and to find ways to go.”

— Elian Álvarez (christianindex.org)

“The fact that we are immigrants, we are prepared to work, to take risks, to not have so many conditions to serve God, because in our countries, we never had great resources, and yet we surrendered to God. So, mobilizing the first generation to go to a place of danger, or to sleep in an uncomfortable place, or to go through a bit of need, is not a problem. People are willing to do it.”

— Yoslier Brache, Pastor, Iglesia Bautista Peniel (christianindex.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.