About our calling ...

While active in missionary service for over 15 years, in 2004 Alejandro & Diana began seeking the Lord's leading through prayer about beginning Vine & Branches Ministries in order to expand & implement Educational & Outreach Opportunities for youth & children in Piedras Negras, Mexico.

Why we serve
Diana began to feel a burden for missions while serving on short term missions trips to Mexico during her college years.  I (Alex) had always thought of missionaries as very specialized people (doctors, teachers, Bible translators, church planters) until the Lord showed me that it isn’t my ability He needs, it’s my availability. Before ever meeting and throughout several years of each serving short term or part time in local, national and foreign missions both Diana and I  served and waited for God’s timing to call us into full time missionary service and into each others lives.  Diana and I met during a mission trip for Diana to Piedras Negras in 1999.  We each desired to see my people come to know a personal RELATIONSHIP with Jesus Christ.  Mexicans in general are a very religious, non-practicing Catholic people and do not read God's word personally.  Sharing the same vision, love for one another and calling to missionary service we were led by the Holy Spirit to commit to each other and to full time missionary service when we were married October 14, 2000.  Our daughter Aleana was born on July 27, 2004 and our son Elliott on March 18, 2007. 

We feel it has been a privilege serving Jesus in Mexico and seeing Him at work, using each of our talents and past experiences for His glory, seeing the lost saved and discipling believers.

What we do
Alex:  I am active in directing our Christian Evangelical Soccer League: "VICTORIA".   We have 20 churches / teams participating and in our first tournament saw over 43 decisions for Christ, who are currently congregating, being baptized and taking steps towards growing in and becoming part of the the body of Christ.   Children's Outreach Programs take place in several nieghborhoods throughout our city.  We are active in visiting and organizing these special oportunities to reach the children with the Good News of Christ.   While overseeing  our Scholarship Program I visit scholarship students homes and schools weekly to check in on their progress.  I preach, teach and minister as God opens doors at local Schools and churches and organize Teacher and Leadership conferences with my wife Diana.     

I am working on developing a donated 6 acre property for our VICTORIA Soccer Park.  Currently as our land is paid off for the VBM Recreational Outreach Facilities, I am diligently working on getting building permits at city hall, presenting plans and getting our land surveyed as well as drawing up accurate estimates on the cost involved in each stage of building for the Outreach Facility & Conference Hall which is the first building we will begin, Lord willing, as He provides the needed funds. I am a proud father of our 2 precious children!

We have the spiritual blessing from our "home" church, Iglesia Cristiana Nueva Creacion,  as  we receive invitations from churches both local and beyond to preach, teach and minister.

The evangelism of children and youth is extremely important as 72 percent of Mexico’s population is 24 years of age or younger. 

Diana: In addition to serving and assiting in the above listed ministries, I am blessed that God chose me to be Alex's wife am mother to our children Aleana (5) and Eliott (2.5 yrs).  I  serve in updating our ministry website information, church correspondance and prepare reports weekly and monthly for our Financial Director  & Board. I preach, teach and minister as God opens doors at local Schools and churches and organize Teacher and Leadership conferences and workshops with my husband Alex.  

Our experience in Christian service

Alex:  I am from Mexico City & was saved at the age of 21. The Lord led me to serve in missions with YWAM (Youth With a Mission) in Mexico City for four years while also serving as an Elder & in Pastoral Care with Iglesia Amistad church in Mexico City.   Relocating to the border town of Ciudad Juarez for 2 years I was then called to missions, church planting & leadership in Piedras Negras. Studying Bible & Theology for over  25 years I have earned diplomas in apologetics, evangelism, discipleship and theology.  I served for 4 years establishing, directing and training others to serve in an Open Meal Program.  As well I worked with short term american work groups as Outreach Director, beginning an Outreach Program with Crossroads Missions for 4 years which continues to grow and expand.  With the birth of VBM in 2005, the Lord finally opened a way for me to serve full time in Outreach ministry with the dream of one day establishing a Recreational Outreach Facility and Christian Soccer League in our city.

Diana: I grew up in Charlotte, NC and was saved at the age of 19. While studying at Milligan College & earning double majors in Sociology & Spanish, I served on over 15 short term mission trips to Mexico. During my college years I felt a call to teach and disciple the children and youth of Mexico in 1990. While in college I served as a youth sponsor at Avoca Christian Church, began a migrant worker Outreach Program to Hispanics and served as a missionary in 1994 teaching at Instituto de Esperanza and working with the Kickapoo Indians along the Eagle Pass, Texas – Piedras Negras, Mexico Border. From 1996-2000 I served on staff in teaching & supervising at Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Va.  From the beginning & during my mission trips to Mexico the Lord confirmed my call as I fell in love with the country and the Mexican people.  In 1992 I too began to dream for the Lord to establish a Recreational Outreach Center for After-school, Open Meal Programs,  retreats, concerts and baptisims to take place for the needy youth, children and their families in Piedras.

Begining in 2000 both Alex & Diana served in pionerring Street-Side Vacation Bible Schools across their city, equipping and training others to continue to reach out in Christ's name.  As well they  served on staff as Field Missionaries with CrossRoads Missions in Piedras Negras, Mexico for 4 years, receiving american work groups, developing an Outreach Program which has since been able to expand and continues to run across the city.  Outreach, Open Meal ministries the Aburtos began in Piedras continue to grow and bear lasting fruit for the kingdom of God.