His family was also close with ABWE missionaries who served in Brazil. Their stories inspired Cole to one day do the same. Growing up in a Christian family, he trusted Christ at the age of five. He stayed close to his home in Des Moines, Iowa, through his college years, attending a small Christian college just up the road.
He met Debbie, who was also a Des Moines native, at Faith Baptist Bible College. She had been brought up in a Christian household and had given her life to the Lord after her mother presented the gospel one night while cleaning up spilled dinner on the kitchen floor.
During his junior year of college, Cole participated in a Spanish immersion program in Peru. According to Cole, his role included many responsibilities not so unlike that of a youth pastor—from organizing sports programs to teaching at youth events.
He returned to the US affirmed in his desire to enter the mission field. Cole and Debbie graduated in 2008 and married in 2009. For the next three years, they began searching for ways to go to Brazil. However, the Lord had other plans. At every threshold, Cole and Debbie were met by closed doors. It was a frustrating stretch of years, as God seemed to be rejecting their offers to faithfully serve abroad.
In the meantime, Cole began three real estate and construction businesses and became a deacon at his church while he and Debbie entrusted themselves to however God would use them, regardless of vocation. In February 2019, they sensed the Lord moving them. But instead of Brazil, the Lord opened the door to Peru. By the end of 2020, they will be leaving to help a church plant in Lima.
Editor’s Note: Learn more about the Albrights’ ministry here.
