If Alexander Javier isn’t the biggest seventh-grader at Nueva Vida school in Nicaragua, then he’s definitely the oldest...at 19!

Alexander got a late start in school, because he had spent much of his earlier years hanging out with his fellow gang members. Regularly, the gang would come around the school to harass the students.

Then the school’s teachers began visiting his house once a week, encouraging Alexander to attend church. Eventually he started showing up at the church services ... and he gave his life to Christ! His gang members soon followed him.

Saved and separated from his life as a gang member, Alexander wanted to learn. Then 18, he was too old to start school since he had dropped out in fourth or fifth grade, but the school made an exception and placed him in the sixth grade. Alexander, now in seventh-grade, is adored by his fellow students and teachers.

Alexander is also a deacon in his church and has been given the responsibilities of the keys to the church. In addition to preaching, Alexander is in charge of an outreach ministry at his school and a ministry at his church, to which he often brings his friends.

This young man may be doing things unconventionally, but God is using him to make a tremendous impact in his school and community!