Meet Anaisis Espinosa Ogra

Serving the Lord in Curitiba, Brazil

My name is Anaisis Espinosa Ogra.

I was born on September 2, 1985, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. I am a wife and mother, and by God’s grace, my life has been marked by various experiences that have taught me to serve, support, and connect with people, especially those going through difficult situations.

I took my first step in the Christian life in the Baptist Church, where I had the opportunity to grow in faith and serve as a youth leader. This ministry allowed me to walk alongside young people, share God’s Word with them, and understand more deeply the value of serving others and sharing God’s love.

I hold a degree in Social Work, a profession I practiced in Cuba. I had the opportunity to work with individuals and families in various vulnerable situations, visiting high-need communities, and working in prisons as well. These experiences allowed me to see different realities up close and learn to listen, accompany, and help those facing difficult circumstances. However, my Christian life also transformed my understanding of that service.

Knowing the Lord helped me see people through a different lens and realize that, beyond addressing their needs, I could draw near to them by showing the love, compassion, and hope we have in Christ. Many of the experiences in those communities were also opportunities to serve and demonstrate that love.

After leaving Cuba with my family, we lived in Suriname for a time. Although circumstances made it difficult to find a church home where we could settle, God allowed us to meet a few believers who were just starting their walk of faith. We had the opportunity to gather with them at home, study God’s Word together, and share what we had learned, walking alongside them in their early steps of faith.

Later, we arrived in Brazil. Throughout this entire process, both the hardships faced in Cuba and the experiences in other countries were moments where God strengthened our faith and taught us to rely more and more on Him.

After much prayer to find a church where we could gather and grow in sound biblical teaching, by God’s grace we came to the Lutheran Church. As we began attending, we found a church where we could see fruits of faith and, above all, preaching centered on God’s Word. This led us to stay and grow within this faith community. Since then, I have had the opportunity to learn more about the work being done and to participate in various forms of service.

In this new chapter, God has allowed me to become especially involved in supporting Hispanic individuals and families facing needy circumstances. Together with brothers and sisters from the church, I have had the opportunity to visit immigrants, listen to their stories, understand their needs, and approach them with a heart ready to serve. I have also begun assisting with classes for Hispanic children.

When I received the invitation to serve as a missionary, I saw this opportunity as God’s response to a calling He had already placed in my heart. Although I did not know how it would unfold, today I can look back and recognize that many of my experiences—my background in social work, serving in the church, visiting communities in need, my journey as an immigrant, and growing in faith—have been part of the preparation God used to lead me here.

My desire is to continue serving the Lord with humility and faithfulness, offering the gifts, knowledge, and experiences He has blessed me with to walk alongside people, meet their needs, and, above all, share with them the love and hope we find in Christ.

It is my hope that through my service, many people will come to know God, find comfort in His Word, and experience the love of Christ in the midst of whatever circumstances they are facing.

I recognize that it is not my own strength that has brought me this far, but God’s grace and faithfulness. Therefore, I place this calling in His hands, trusting that He will continue to guide every step and prepare me for all He has in store.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9