Introduction
Paola Dominguez is one of my students in the virtual program at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia.
This is part of her story.
When Paola was 26 years old, she fell in love with the man of her dreams. Hernan was a pilot with Avianca Airlines in Bogotá, Colombia. They planned to marry and move to Miami; however, when Paola became pregnant, Hernan left her unexpectedly.
Paola’s world collapsed.
The Lord Redeems
At the time, Paola was not a Christian. Her family situation became difficult. Her parents had never approved of her relationship.
She felt rejected, abandoned, judged, and scared, especially by the prospect of being a single mom. In this moment of despair, a friend took her to church.
By God’s grace, she became a believer that night.
She confesses, “I fell hopelessly in love with the Lord. His love over me was so strong. He became my redeemer, restorer, helper and defense as well as my husband and a father to my daughter.”
When Paola’s daughter Sofia turned three, she began to ask about her dad. Paola had no answer. She suggested they pray all the while hoping that God would bring a man into their life who could substitute for Sofie’s father.
Well, three years later, Paola and Sofie’s prayers were answered. Hernan had also come to know the Lord, and when he did, he came looking for Paola and his daughter immediately. Paola married Hernan, the man of her dreams, that year, six years after their relationship had ended.
Rivers in the Desert
What Paola knew going in the second time is that Hernan had previously lost his position at Avianca, but had secured employment with Qatari Airlines.
The family would be moving to Doha, Qatar!
Paola and Hernan (and two daughters now) have been living in Qatar for 9 years.
When they first arrived, they formed a small prayer group in their home with other Hispanics in Doha. As with other rich Arab cities, there are many work opportunities particularly for foreigners in engineering, services, and teaching.
The small community flourished to 50 people. When their pastor from Bogotá came to visit, he said, “Congratulations. You have planted a church!”
Paola and Hernan have discipled countless individuals in their church. Many come for a two or three year contract and then leave. Their daughters are part of the worship team. Though Paola and Hernan are not pastors in the traditional sense, they are true shepherds of a community that exists in a hostile environment. Indeed, it is the only Hispanic church in all of Qatar.
Both Paola and Hernan are students of the Biblical Seminary of Colombia. They are studying because they want to better serve their community. They also want to be better prepared for their unexpected calling as church planters.
It is my great privilege to play a small role in their formation, to pray for, counsel and encourage them as they undertake their ministries with courage and humility.