The Unexpected Journey: Introducing our newest board member, Josefina Chavez

Like many, Josefina’s life has been one of many intentions and unexpected turns.

For starters, she never intended nor did she want to stay in the United States.  Coming from a well-to-do middle class family, her father, Martin Chavez, sent her to the United States at the age of just 13 with the intention of her learning English, later to return to Mexico after high school to study Agriculture at the University of Zacatecas.

Instead, Josefina stayed and attended El Paso Community College, got an associate in science, a certification as a nurse assistant, then started working at a nursing home in El Paso, Texas. She then transferred to Fort Worth to continue her education in the medical field, but in the process God directed her to change majors and decided to study family counseling at SWBTS, where she got certified as a Biblical Family Counselor in 2010.

Another unexpected turn was when Josefina, coming from a strong  Catholic background, became the first in her family to come to Christ in the Fall of 1998.  She is grateful to God for subsequently saving more than 80% of her immediate family.

Josefina started attending Citylight Church in 2003 where God called her to serve as a teacher and missionary.  She has traveled  to Brazil several times, Bahamas and uncounted other state and local mission trips. Josefina, along with her late husband, started directing and teaching in the ESL ministry over 20 years ago. She has had the privilege of presenting the Gospel to hundreds of students who come to learn English and has been involved with the community as a translator, friend, and counselor.  She unexpectedly lost her husband in 2018, but she continues the legacy set by her husband to share the gospel without holding back.

Josefina enjoys spending time with my family,taking walks, riding bikes, and exploring new places to eat. Her two adult children-Martin (29) and Kate (26) are her  greatest life’s blessing and joy; but her greatest mission is to help others know Christ through teaching, serving, and by living a lifestyle that brings honor to her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her life's scripture is: “I'm the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5