If you run into Rodrigo, Olivia, or Ana Contreras on the campus of The Master’s University, there’s a good chance you will find them with each other.
Most school days, they commute to campus together, even if one of them needs to be there earlier than the other two. During breaks, you might find them studying together at Trophy Coffee. During chapel, they enjoy sitting with each other. And all three were enrolled in Dr. Abner Chou’s class on hermeneutics during a recent semester. Spend any amount of time with these three, and it becomes obvious they are not only siblings — they are also friends.
“We have always prioritized family and community,” Olivia says. “That’s part of our culture.”
The Contreras kids were raised in Mexico City. Their parents, who met at The Master’s University, have ministered in Mexico’s capital and largest city for decades — their father, Luis, teaching at the pastoral training center connected to The Master’s Academy International (TMAI). Because their mother is American (Luis was born in Mexico), Rodrigo, Olivia, and Ana are American citizens, yet they have always embraced Mexican culture, particularly its emphasis on family.
Of course, their relationship has grown even stronger over the years as each of them embraced Christ and developed similar passions to serve His church. All three are currently majoring in either biblical studies or biblical counseling, so they anticipate a lot of shared homework and time in the classroom.
“It’s such a wonderful time of life, to get to share this all together at TMU,” Rodrigo says. “We are so grateful.”
The Contreras siblings are particularly grateful to be recipients of The Master’s Global Scholarship, which is funded by the John MacArthur Trust. This unique scholarship provides financial aid to children of The Master’s University and Seminary alumni, or students of employees at The Master’s Academy International, Grace to You, or Grace Community Church. Students whose pastors are TMU or TMS alumni are also eligible for this scholarship. It helped pave the way for Rodrigo, Olivia, and Ana to attend TMU and prepare for a lifetime of ministry.
Recently, the Contreras siblings shared what a typical day is like for them on the campus of TMU. Their schedule allows them to enjoy some of the remodeled buildings, classrooms, and facilities that the John MacArthur Charitable Trust has invested in. This is a unique, precious time for these three siblings, and as a day in their life unfolds, it shows how the Trust has helped make it possible for them to enjoy an environment where their family and hundreds of young people like them can continually grow spiritually, academically, and relationally. You can learn more about The Master’s Global Scholarship at masters.edu/global-scholarship.
Olivia, Ana, and Rodrigo typically arrive together just before 8 a.m. during the school year since Ana has a morning class.
Olivia and Ana studying together at Powell Library, a favorite study spot, particularly for Olivia. The library was recently renovated, an improvement made possible in part thanks to a gift from the John MacArthur Charitable Trust.
In between classes, the Contreras siblings often meet each other and friends at Trophy Coffee. Since it opened in 2018, Trophy has become one of the most popular gathering spots on campus.
Rodrigo, Olivia, and Ana sit together during Dr. Abner Chou’s Hermeneutics course on the second floor of the Biblical Studies Center. This classroom was remodeled two years ago to add more technology and create a more effective learning space.
Rodrigo is an intern in the enrollment office at TMU. He greets prospective students and gives tours of campus, among other responsibilities.
A few days a week, Ana works in the cafeteria. Her main responsibility is to check in students as they arrive for dinner.
