At Mission 98, we work to highlight and amplify the stories of those who serve in multi-housing ministry, and today, that means we get to introduce you to the Albarracin family.
Meet Andres and Loanny Albarracin. They serve in an apartment community of 262 units in Galveston, Texas. In case you can’t pick Andres out, he’s the one with a really excited face and his hands in the air. He’s also the one who says Romans 1:16 is the heart behind their apartment ministry.
Romans 1:16 states, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
Andres and his wife, Loanny, serve at Club of the Isle. Andres describes the community they serve as very transient including everyone from college students who live in the apartment community for just a summer to people who are retired and live there much longer. The Albarracins see God moving in this community by working in the hearts of those in property management who have allowed the Albarracins to minister there. Andres says this movement gives him a boldness to minister all the more.
Recently, we caught up with Andres, tapped into his experience, and asked him a few questions about multi-housing ministry.
- Is there something churches and individuals can do to support people engaged in apartment ministry? Churches contributing financially and sponsoring a unit in the apartment community to use as a Kingdom outpost or providing for events is really helpful. Another way churches can support people in apartment ministry is by having a prayer team that intercedes for those serving.
- What prompted you to serve in an apartment ministry? Tell us about the process of making that decision. When I first heard about the opportunity, I kept hearing “love your neighbor.” It’s the only and greatest command. I could not help but obey.
- Why do you think churches need to focus efforts on engaging with people living in apartment communities? At some point, everyone will live in apartment community. Many multi-housing communities actually represent your community. You cannot reach your community without multi-housing ministry.
- What have you found is the best way to share the gospel with residents? Loving and serving them practically.
- Can you think of any misconceptions people have about those living in apartment communities? One misconception is that people live in apartments because they don’t have financial stability and an apartment is their only option, but that’s not the case. People choose to live in apartments while still paying upwards of $2,000.00 a month because they are choosing a specific lifestyle.
- Please share a specific story in which you cared for residents and how that impacted your relationship with them. We have cared for Mr. Adam and his wife from building one. He’s a retired individual with a chronic disease. While knocking on doors, we got to know them, and started serving them. For example, we served them by bringing groceries, visiting them, giving them a listening ear, and helping Mr. Adam when he fell.
- Describe several things others should know about serving in an apartment community. Serving in an apartment community is not easy. You often don’t see the fruit for a long time. I’ve learned to trust God not myself. It’s His work not mine.
Serving in an apartment community is not easy. Often, you don’t see fruit for a long time. I’ve learned to trust God and not myself. It’s His work, not mine.
Andres Albarracin
Thank you Albarracin family for living out your faith and serving your community in Galveston well!
Do you want to meet people like the Albarracins who are engaging in multi-housing ministry? Jump into our community.
