At UBA, we have a pretty amazing team of people hard at work in our churches. As you interact with the association, however, you may only know a few of our staff. And that's sad.
Our team is one of the best assets you have. Part of getting connected to our network of churches is knowing the people who can get you connected.
So we wanted to highlight the people whose stories you might not otherwise know. Because every member of UBA is what makes up the association. Churches, ministers, staff, and associations are all #BetterTogether.
1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Alexandra Martinez, but everyone calls me "Alex." My husband of 14 years is Mario Martinez. I serve as the Administrative Assistant to Josh Ellis—among other responsibilities. I have served at UBA for over 31 years, and my husband and I serve at Second Baptist Church Houston at the 1463 campus in the Katy/Fulshear area.
2. How did you get connected with the association?
Back in December of 1989, the Union Baptist Association was looking for a secretary. Campo Londono, my uncle and my pastor at that time, recommended me to Alcides Guajardo, who was a UBA consultant.
I interviewed for the position with Glen Ray, church planting director, and the Lord opened the door for me to begin a wonderful journey of learning and growing with UBA on January 1, 1990.
3. How does your role advance the gospel in our context?
“I’m motivated to go to work because I enjoy serving and using my talents and skills to help Josh, to keep things organized, to care for our pastors, and to follow through on what is entrusted to me.”
I'm not a church consultant, but especially over the pandemic, I've been connecting and keeping up with some of our pastors and leaders on the "front lines" to support them. And now, we still keep up.
I also keep things organized and connect people to others who can help them reach out more effectively.
4. What's one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don't know that I am enrolled and actively working to earn a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University. I only need to complete three more courses in order to graduate!
5. What are you reading right now? (in the Bible, interesting books, etc.)
I'm reading/studying Breaking the Jewish Code by Perry Stone. I find it fascinating to learn about Jewish life and their love and respect for God and the Scriptures. I am learning to have more respect and appreciation for God's Word.
6. What motivates you to go to work?
“The UBA staff helps make connections between churches so they can help one another.”
I'm motivated to go to work because I enjoy serving and using my talents and skills to help Josh, to keep things organized, to care for our pastors, and to follow through on what is entrusted to me.
7. What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
One of my favorite projects was the team effort to deliver gift bags to our pastors back in December 2019. It was special to meet our pastors in person and deliver a personal touch.
8. What do you love to do when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work, I like to rest, relax, and study.
9. What’s so special about a local association of churches?
UBA is special because of the connections. Our staff is like a family, and we are friends with the pastors and staff of our churches. The UBA staff helps make connections between churches so they can help one another.
10. Tell me a story that makes you smile.
“It makes me smile to see pastors interact, help one another, listen to each other, rejoice, laugh, and even hurt together.”
There is a group of five pastors, which originally started meeting as UBA's nominating committee. They still meet once a month to share a meal; to express their joys, burdens, and needs; to relax and be themselves; and to pray for one another.
It makes me smile to see them interact, help one another, listen to each other, rejoice, laugh, and even hurt together. It has been a blessing to be there to see God work through each of them to minister to one another.
So now you know a little bit more about Alex. If you're interested in organizational tips, how to turn the nominating committee into a pastor support group, or just want to talk to one of the friendliest people you’ll meet, send her an email to connect.
UBA's Administrative Assistant Dana Bowdoin shares her fascinating family history, excitement about our renovated office building, and humility to serve behind the scenes to support our churches.