Get to Know the Acuna Alvarez Family

Ministry Description

Ministry Description

We serve in northern Mexico as part of Word of Life, focusing primarily on reaching young people and strengthening local churches. Our ministry centers on three key areas: evangelism, discipleship, and leadership development.

On a day-to-day basis, we design and implement practical tools and programs that help share the message of the Gospel in relevant and meaningful ways. This includes organizing camps, mission trips, evangelistic events, and working closely with churches in different cities.

A big part of our work is investing in people. We spend time mentoring, teaching Scripture, and helping develop leaders who not only grow in their faith but are equipped to influence others and multiply that impact in their communities.

As the ministry continues to grow, we are actively involved in developing a ministry base in northern Mexico, specifically in Durango, with a vision to expand into other regions such as Sinaloa, Zacatecas, and Coahuila.

Our focus is not just on running programs, but on building relationships, strengthening churches, and seeing lives transformed through Christ—creating lasting impact that can be passed on to the next generation.

Learn more about the ministry in Mexico.

About Gerson

Gerson Testimony

Hello, my name is Gerson Acuña Álvarez. I currently serve with Word of Life Mexico, primarily working with youth through evangelistic programs, camps, and support for local churches.

I grew up in a difficult family environment. The absence of a consistent father figure and the influence of unhealthy examples led me, at a young age, to make poor decisions, including alcohol use and other behaviors that I knew were not right. Even though things looked normal on the outside, I knew inside that something was wrong.

At the age of 12, I was invited to a camp where I clearly heard the message of the gospel. Through God’s Word, I understood that I was a sinner (Romans 3:23), that sin has eternal consequences (Romans 6:23), and that Jesus Christ died for me to offer salvation (John 3:16). That day, I made the decision to place my faith in Christ as my personal Savior.

A few years later, at another camp, I realized that God not only saved me but was calling me to serve Him full-time. I responded to that calling by training for three years at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Mexico.

During that time, I met my wife Karla, who shares the same heart and calling to serve God. Together, we have served in different ministries, working with youth, supporting churches, and sharing the message of hope in Christ.

Today, we remain committed to this calling, serving in Mexico and investing in the lives of the next generation.

The verse that summarizes my decision is John 1:12:
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

About Karla

Karla Testimony

Hello, my name is Karla Yanet Ibarra Medina. I was born in Durango, Mexico, into a family with religious traditions, but from a young age I had the opportunity to personally understand the gospel.

At the age of 9, I understood that God loved me and that Jesus Christ died for my sins to give me salvation. At that moment, I made the decision to receive Christ as my personal Savior.

From that point on, my life began to change. I became actively involved in church, growing in my relationship with God and serving in different areas, especially with children and youth.

Over time, even while working as a preschool teacher, I began to realize that God wanted something more for my life. In 2012, while serving at a camp, I clearly understood His call to serve Him full-time. I chose to surrender my life to Him and be willing to follow wherever He would lead.

During that same time, I met my husband Gerson, who shares the same calling. Together, we have served in different ministries focused on youth, and today we are part of Word of Life Mexico, working with the next generation and supporting local churches.

I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving God and being part of what He is doing in this country.

The verse that guides my faith is John 5:24:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” – Acts 20:24

Contact Information

gersonacuna@wol.org
Skype: https://join.skype.com/invite/itYsmiqKOQ9b
R. Buelna #203, Francisco Sarabia. Durango, Dgo. México