Experiencing God’s Calling as a Child
Do you remember the first time God spoke to you? Maybe it was a quiet stirring in your heart during prayer or meditation, or perhaps His voice came through loud and clear, urging you to take action on something in your life. God speaks to us in many ways. For Jennifer Sosa Alvarez, God spoke to her at just eight years old, setting the course for her life in a profound way.
Jennifer, now 18, comes from a family deeply rooted in faith and ministry. We’ve previously shared her father Osmani’s story, an integral part of the Atulado ministry, and featured her sister Daniela. A few months after Jennifer was born, her parents began a sports ministry to share the Gospel, which eventually led to starting a church in their home. Inspired by their example, her faith journey began when she was young.
Jennifer has been actively involved in church life and ministry for as long as she can remember, with her parents providing her opportunities to grow her faith, learn about God, and get involved in church. Her parents have not only encouraged her faith journey through conversations about serving the Lord but also by modeling it through their actions and teachings. Today, Jennifer works in children’s and teen’s ministry, leads teams, and plays the piano on the worship team. This year, she plans to begin her seminary studies, furthering her dedication to serving the Lord and deepening her faith.
One night, when Jennifer was eight, her mother told her a story about a missionary girl, which resonated with her. Inspired by the story, Jennifer wanted to be like the girl. The very next day, God revealed to her that she would become a missionary. This calling ignited her passion for learning new languages and deepening her knowledge of God’s Word. From that moment on, Jennifer was eager to join her mother and father on missionary trips.
Since then, Jennifer has joined her parents on many mission trips across Cuba, bringing hope, sharing God’s Word, offering encouragement and prayer, and providing much-needed resources. On many of these trips, she’s experienced first-hand how God works powerfully through her father to touch lives. Many face very tough situations, and the simple act of visiting them and investing time in them and their family is incredibly uplifting and encouraging. Afterward, pastors and leaders are ready to continue their mission of serving God and their communities.
After many mission trips in Cuba, Jennifer joined Osmani along with Wayne on her first international mission trip to Kenya last summer. They visited a United Nations refugee camp where Osmani taught pastors and leaders about the Bible, prayed with people, and offered encouragement. From the moment their car passed through the camp gates, Jennifer felt God’s presence in a profound way but had no way of knowing how it would impact her in the days to come.
Jennifer devoted her time to the children, teaching them about Jesus Christ, sharing God’s love, and playing games. Their eagerness and hunger to learn about Jesus deeply moved her. The entire experience was life-changing—not only because it was her first time outside of Cuba but because it confirmed her calling. Witnessing her father teach the Bible and spending meaningful time with the people, she felt God’s undeniable pull on her heart to become a missionary.
She returned to Cuba driven to study the Bible harder, read it cover to cover, and with more intention. She also focused on improving her English skills, including mastering its idioms, to better equip herself for future ministry and service to others.
While Osmani has been a powerful influence on Jennifer’s life and spiritual journey, so has her mother, Geidy. Geidy’s passion for children’s ministry has shaped Jennifer’s love for working with children. She has taught Jennifer how to effectively engage children and capture their attention to share the message of Jesus. Jennifer is especially moved by children’s honesty, sincerity, and unwavering faith, which she finds unique compared to adult ministry. Their genuine appreciation for learning about God and wholehearted belief in His word fills her heart with joy. When children from church run up to her on the street with big hugs, it reaffirms her calling. Without Geidy’s example and her dedication to blessing children, Jennifer’s path might have been different.
After her seminary studies, Jennifer’s open to wherever God may call her heart to go, whether in Cuba or internationally. Jennifer is passionate about sharing the Bible and praying over children and teens around the world.
Jennifer’s favorite Bible verse is Daniel 12:3, a scripture God revealed to her when she needed it most.
“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
“I was facing a hard time, feeling unimportant and bad about myself. God gave me that verse to remind me of my value as His daughter. The verse came alive, and I knew my calling was to teach others and spread the Good News.”
– Jennifer A.
This picture captures an incredible moment for Jennifer. All the boy wanted was a uniform so he could go to school. She was overwhelmed when she gave him a uniform.