Despite deep losses, OC scholar shows passion and perseverance for serving the Lord

From a well-educated family in Monterrey, Mexico, Gabriela (Gaby) Tijerina earned her Master’s degree at the Evangelical Seminary for Pastoral Education (ESEPA) in Costa Rica in 2000. OC President and CEO David Baer was Gaby’s professor at ESEPA. He reports that she was a delightful person and deeply committed servant. She pastored a church of poor refugees alongside her studies. David and other ESEPA professors saw potential in her to help fill the great need in Latin America for servant scholars who shape future leaders.

Gaby pursued her PhD in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. There she was one of only a few women and the only Latino in the department. Gaby’s studies required seven years rather than the typical three to four due to travels back and forth to Mexico to care for her mother who had suffered a serious accident. Against extraordinary odds and difficulties, including the eventual loss of her mother, Gaby earned her PhD. When she finished her studies, she had nothing but a plane ticket and seven British pounds with which to celebrate.

Still in mourning and exhausted by her experience in Scotland, Gaby has taken up work as the administrator of a local store. She was recently invited to write the chapter on the Gospel of Matthew for the Latin America Biblical Commentary and to teach modular courses at a new OC partner seminary, the Presbyterian Seminary of Mexico. However, Gaby has sold her theological books in order to pay for her mother’s medical expenses, calling it “one of the most solemn acts I have ever done in my life.”

Gaby says the biblical Job became her mirror as “things I lost ran through my hands like water.” She left her professional career, her family in Mexico, material goods, Costa Rica and Scotland. “When I thought I had nothing left to hand over, I realized that my handing over had barely begun,” referring to the loss of her mother. “In a moment of great economic stress, I took my books and sold them, along with everything else that was mine…Finally, the Lord and I were alone together – no one and nothing else.” Gaby says she has put into practice what she has learned. “I have fulfilled my promise to give to the Lord whatever He asked…You can never outgive the Lord.” One month after selling her books and without knowing that she had done so, David sent Gaby a Bible in Greek and Hebrew as a PhD graduation gift. Although it is her only book right now, Gaby says, “It is sufficient…The only thing I need right now is new strength.”