Meet Luis Alvarez Matos, a dedicated husband, father and scholar from the Dominican Republic, who is pursuing his online Master of Arts in Theological Studies. With a deep love for God and a strong desire to serve others, Luis is not only called to become a theological professor but also an advocate for sharing the richness of Scripture with future generations. Knowing that his academic journey is fueled by personal faith and a passion to inspire more Latinos to study theology and engage deeply with the Word of God, Luis’s approach to life and graduate school is one of unwavering commitment and grace. While balancing family life and graduate studies is no easy task, Luis aims for his story to reflect the beauty of combining intellectual pursuit with spiritual devotion in hopes of encouraging others to explore theological education. Through his studies and future teaching, Luis aims to be a bridge between faith and knowledge, inspiring hearts and minds alike both in the United States and abroad.
One-Way Trip: Dominican Republic to United States
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Dominican Republic, Luis remembers what life was like on the island. From making lifelong friends to serving in his church to finishing his college degree in engineering to meeting his wife and having his kids, Luis never thought he would need to leave. His life, in many ways, was complete. And yet, as Luis says, God had other plans. One day, after a few meetings commenced, Luis was told some news: the church was looking for a new youth minister and asked him if he would be interested. Feeling inadequate and a tad bit shy, Luis decided to ease his way into ministry by simply being a part of the youth ministry team. Organizing classes, activities, events and so many festivities, Luis felt a tug in his heart; he was being called into ministry. Taking up the full-time role as youth minister shortly after, Luis and his wife started working together in ministry around the Dominican Republic, never knowing they would soon be picked up and moved in a matter of years.
“I never truly realized how or why God was calling me into ministry,” Luis says. “I was working as an engineer and never had any real training in ministry before other than helping out with the church. And yet, God saw something in me and my wife and just like that, we were off.”
As time went on, Luis recalls hearing about other pastoral positions and was encouraged to consider seeking them out. Unsure of where it would lead, if anywhere, Luis accepted and applied. And then, it happened. He was being offered a role in Winter Haven, Florida – a historic town located in central Florida. In shock about the opportunity to travel – and live – in the United States, Luis says he was torn.
“I just told my wife and kids and we just decided to pray about it,” Luis says. “It was something that we really needed to consider and we just wanted to do what God wanted. Turns out, it was to move.”
Packing up his belongings, wife and kids, they set off to the United States, eager to see what was in store for them.
Finding His Passion Via ACU Online
As the Matos were settling into their new life in Winter Haven, Luis started to see how church operations and leadership worked in the United States. And while he held the experience to be a faithful pastor, he began to realize he still needed the intellectual knowledge (more than he had already). Searching for schools that could fit his lifestyle, preferred language and had a real focus in ministry and teaching, Luis believes he found ACU Online purely out of divine intervention.
“When I was 17 years old, I heard a radio announcement that talked about going to school at Abilene Christian University,” Luis recalls. “As a kid, I wanted to go but I knew I could never. And now, here it was. The chance to go, and from the comfort of my home and family.”
After realizing this remarkable God coincidence, Luis started to research what made ACU Online different from others and instantly fell in love with its mission for worldwide service. Seeing how ACU was offering a Certificate in Hispanic Ministry via the Graduate School of Theology, Luis remembers having a conversation with Dr. Omar Palafox, Assistant Professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, where he was told he should consider applying for the master’s degree. Nervous about the language barrier, Luis hesitated to say ‘yes’ right away. Still though, God began to work in his heart. And soon enough, he was enrolled in the online Master of Arts in Theological Studies program with a focus in early church history.
Already well into his first year, Luis says the program is so much more than what he expected. From the professors to his colleagues, the amount of encouragement and support is unlike anything he has ever experienced before. And though he is being mentally challenged on multiple fronts, Luis says he is beyond blessed that he is finally at ACU. His childhood dreams have come true.
“Can you imagine being a kid in a poor country, not speaking English, and dreaming about going to Abilene Christian University?,” Luis says. “It seems impossible. But, of course, with God, He makes the impossible possible.”
Today, Luis carries a deep passion for teaching, particularly in the area of early church history — a subject he believes is vital for today’s Latino ministers. Seeing the roots of the Christian faith not as distant or academic but as a living story, he believes that once one understands the foundations of early Christianity, they can begin to see the clarity, depth and renewed purpose of Scripture. Not only that, his love for history is matched only by his joy in studying the Word of God and he hopes to awaken that same joy in others. Whether he’s teaching, preaching or simply having a conversation with a church member, Luis strives to inspire those around him—including his own family—to seek God in every moment and through every avenue. His dream is to equip a new generation of Latino leaders with historical knowledge and spiritual passion to teach truth, wisdom and love.
“God has brought me and my family here for His purposes,” Luis says. “We are merely obeying Him, joyfully.”
Whether you are passionate about church history, interested in adding to your pastoral calling or are deeply interested in pursuing your ministerial calling from the comfort of your home, ACU Online has the right degree for you. Partnering with the ACU Graduate School of Theology, you can begin your academic journey today with the support and guidance needed to impact tomorrow. Visit our website and learn how you can get started with ACU Online.
