Walking in my Shoes

As I sit in a crack house, my heart is heavy while seeing the faces who have lost hope, and lost their value in the midst of wounds, a hurt that has never healed. I look around, I am reminded of such grace upon my life to be in a place most people wont go, or will be invited to. Then in the center of my thoughts, I feel squeeze from one of my favorite children, I am greeted with a smile. I look deep into his eyes, of worry where food will come from next, or if he will reach his dreams one day. In that moment, I see God showing me why He has brought me into a dark place, to be a glimpse of light and His love.

Walking in my shoes, seems to be an easy walk to most people, visually.  However it is easy when I invite God to be my strength, in the midst of a broken world. God never said it would be easy, or that we will feel much better of ourselves. Most of my days are spent crying out to God, because my heart if overwhelmed, and in need of God's love for me, to love these kids, to shine His light in these dark place, or when one of my kids decides to take a step down, I in no way can do anything with out His grace in my life, as He helps me push through the days.

Simply, my life is not easy but I would not do it any other way. My life is not my own, but to bring glory to God, so that many will see that they have value, in this broken world, to know His love, to be built up for His kingdom, and to know His grace. I am just a servant with nothing special about me, but that my life is God's. I will continue to live this way until I can no longer breath. I will continue to pick up my cross and follow God, because I belong to Him. Who do you belong to? 

The Struggle is REAL

4 months ago I felt a calling to move and serve at an orphanage called La Tribu in Tijuana, Mexico. Never in my craziest dreams did I think I would fall this deep in love with these kids, never did I think I would become a mom to them, never did I think I would be meeting many of their needs physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I never thought I would be this deep in!

The orphanage for the past 14 years has been run by a very special women named Edith with a HUGE heart for these kids, but even with a huge heart to do this work there has been a lack of structure and recourses for these precious children. Many of the kids at the orphanage have never been to school or know how to read because it has never been a choice for them due to different circumstances. As some of you might not know that many of these children come from abused backgrounds, drugs, and neglect. Another issue is that these kids were kicked out of school because of their conduct due to anger they carry from the past. Many people would come and go from this orphanage because the lack of structure and not enough staff to meet the needs of the children. Everyone would give up on them and it built more deep wounds in these kids hearts.  However, the messiness did not scare me, but motivated me more to completely lay down my life to serve in a different level that I have never served before. 

Everyday my heart is overwhelmed by the needs I can not meet... Sometimes there is no gas to fill the van to take the kids to school, there is not enough food, no uniforms for school (so the kids get made fun of because they are the poor ones), no water, no electricity, no basic needs, and the list goes on... I see the everyday struggle to keep these 80 kids alive and what a sacrifice it is! My heart is heavy everyday as I cry out to God for these children asking that He will provide every need not just physically but spiritually. Then I see God's hand upon every situation and the way He takes care of His children and He has never let them down. 

Even as my day starts at 6am every day and ends until midnight because these kids are my world I could not feel more honored then to serve these precious babies. There is days I feel like giving up, when I feel I have no strength, and that I am not enough, but I know God has called me to completely lay down my life for these children, to do things right because no one has ever done things right for them, this is so that they know they have value and are worthy. Yes, meeting the needs of 80 children individually  is overwhelming, but so beautiful to see these babies flourish for the first time in their 

lives. 

Moving on, I want to share this powerful testimony of one of my teen boys. This boy came into the orphanage because this was the last place that would take him. He had been kicked out of every orphanage because of his conduct and drug use.  When I first saw him he looked at me with eyes of hate and would not talk to me... But somehow I  knew he thought I would also give up on him like everyone in his life has. Everyday he was in trouble at the orphanage because he would not follow the rules. Then one day I decided to sit next to him and tell him you were created with a purpose and your life is precious. He looked at me confused with watery eyes and I gave him a hug then walked away. Those words were so powerful for him to hear because so many times he has been told he is trash and would never do anything with his life. Now he is one of the most behaved teen boys and he is eager to study at school. This is just one of the many stories that happen everyday of transformation for these kids.  I wish I could share them all in one sentence however, it's so beautiful the work God is doing here and now.  

Thank you to all of you who make this possible. 

Also want to invite you to partner with me through this ministry as my goal each month is $1000 in order to provide immediate needs for these kids and also living expenses for me to stay. If you would live to give a monthly donation or one time click here: https://www.youcaring.com/project-f…/moving-to-mexico/344777

Thank you and love you all! 

Not alone

To be honest there is days all I want to do is cry and I do because I completely feel alone with the work I am doing here in Mexico (I know God is with me). Everyday I have obstacles and people that fight against what I am doing, however that has not stopped me to be a voice for these kids. I fight and fight for them so that they will have a better future, so that they will know that they are valuable. If no one does then no one else will... God has called me to see theses precious children succeed and so that they will know they are not the trash people said they were, or  useless as it has been spoken many times to them. 

However, the greatest reward is to see theses kids smile again and for them to finally believe that they have a future. That they are worth it and that they are worth fighting for! When I first came into the orphanage the kids would tell me why should I even try in school if I have no future, who will pay my tuition, university, and materials? Their mentality was to quit school and get a job because there was no one that believed in them. Now 3 months later as you sit with them and ask them what they want to do, they will share their hopes and dreams of becoming something. 

God says that He is the light and I have seen it first hand in a dark place... There is light, a light of HOPE, that only comes from Jesus Christ. Theses kids for the first time in years have a chance to live life and to know that their lives matter. 

#Unity4Orphans 

 

NEW

Today I was reflecting on this year on returning from living in India to joining a new ministry, I realized more and more that His was are not our ways.

Missions has always been a burning desire and passion I have had since I became a Christian 10 years ago. For me my ideal dream as a follower was living out of a backpack for the rest of my life and traveling the world to make His name known (I know I'm a bit of a gypsy). So I pretty much did that for the past 6 years of my walk with the Lord. However, God kept redirecting my steps, but I know no time was wasted as every experience was to build my character to the destiny God had called me to.

Returning from India God made if very clear that He was doing a "new thing." First He had me go to a new church which was terrifying and to step into a whole new ministry, woah lots of change! To tell you the truth it was not easy because I was comfortable where I was, so I ran like Jonah for a couple of months. Then I kept running like Jonah from the new ministry God has called me to because it was not what I wanted it to look like. In my mind it needed to look like what my plans were not working with orphans... So, He brought people to come and talk to me randomly out of no where. Even before they would talk I would say " don't even tell me you came to tell me about the orphanage? " Seriously God has a sense of humor, he did create humor!

Then I finally surrendered and told God I would do anything He asks me to do. He told me that I was moving to the orphanage in Mexico in June I said "yes!" I was even willing to go alone and was planning to do it all by myself. But without sharing or even asking people to come help He brought people that were 150% committed to carry on this vision He put on my heart. I did not even have to try God was the one opening the doors and bringing the people He has called to this. I now have the most incredible team!

Then today while looking at my journal I found this page where God was speaking to me during my prayer time and it was talking about the orphanage how I will be serving and loving the chosen not the abandoned, but the CHOSEN and ADOPTED by Him. What an honor! Also on the other side was a picture I drew a couple years back and it said CHOSEN and ADOPTED, wow! Sometimes I just draw things that come to mind and this was so appropriate hahaha...

It's such a sweet gift from the Lord to be lead by Him and knowing His voice. He always wants to give us good gifts but we have to be willing to do what is uncomfortable, not easy, and sometimes it not what we had in mind. But we can TRUST Him because He always knows best wink emoticon He has truly given me His best and working now with the people I work within ministry has been the biggest gift. It's amazing!

His pure LOVE

After a long day today @ the Mexico orphanage and taking care of various tasks my day just got more interesting. As I arrived at the younger kids house I settled into the room where I was spending the night, then all the younger girls all came into my room to invite me to see a movie. I hesitantly dragged my feet with tiredness, however still with joy in my heart to spend time with theses kids. When I got to the second level where the movie was I came across a little boy. He was kicking the other kids and punching them. My natural reaction was to discipline and tell him to stop, but he would not listen! To tell you the truth I was a bit frustrated.

However, as I stopped and looked at him I saw a deep pain in his eyes and just not a pain but sadness. As I tried to grab him he spitted a candy at my face, but I knew I should not react. I sat him down next to me and tried to ask him why he was being so disruptive? He just kept pretending he was not listening me and closed his eyes.

Something in me knew that he was acting this way because he was sad. As I looked at him I said what is your name? He replied Isaiah and I started to share that his name was in the bible and how God used Isaiah in a powerful way. Finally, I started to get his attention. Then I asked if he was sad and he said "yes" because his mom left him at the orphanage and had promised to come back but never did.

I gave him a hug and told him he is never alone and that God loved him. He replied by nodding his head in agreement. I gave him a kiss on the forehead telling him I love him and that I believe in him to do great things.

It was incredible to see his attitude change and he just sat on my lap giving me hugs as I embraced him. Today taught me that love changes even the hardest of kids. Also we sometimes don't know why people or kids act they way they do. Sometimes it's all the pain and hurt they have gone through but overall it's love that changes all, God's pure LOVE.

 ‪#‎unity4orphans‬

A life Surrendered

"Surrender!" But what do you mean God? I would say. I was 19 years old and addicted to drugs and was getting married to the love of my life. I was living my life the way I wanted and in no way I was going to surrender the life I was living. As the days went by I felt empty and with no hope. All I could feel and see was darkness as I was sinking in deeper to the wounds that I thought would never heal. In my heart I was desperate for a savior and longing to be freed from the mediocre life I was living. As my life took a turn for the worst where I almost lost my life, as I took my last breath, I said "Lord give me a second chance." As I grasped for air I could feel His hand giving me life once again, as I was pulled back I saw and light and He said. "You are a light."

As I surrendered all I was reminded that God had implanted a dream long before I knew him to travel the world. But at 19 years old I had not traveled anywhere. I have not even been on a plane before! That dream was meant to glorify Him, so at 21 I took my first missions trip to Guatemala where the Lord spoke to me "this is what I made you for." I knew deep down in my soul that God was calling me to the nations. Ever since that day I began to travel to bring hope and the gospel to many nations (40 different countries to this day). I have witnessed thousands give their lives to the lord, I have seen miracles, planted churches around the world, made disciples, etc... However, the greatest transformation has been my life to see Him heal my wounds, giving me my true identity, taught me to love again, and understanding that I am a child of God was worth surrendering it all.

When God asks us to surrender our lives it is really not to lose it but to gain it. God has something so wonderful for each one of us, but we are fearful of losing what we think is good and in reality we are getting something greater when we surrender. You are precious to Him and He wants to use you to be a light to many. heart emoticon

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.- Matthew 10:39

LOVE changes all...

Brian was brought to La Tribu de Jesus orphanage when he was 6 years old and now is 16 years old. He was rescued out of a home that was abusive, had a mom that was a prostitute, and for most of his 6 years he was left alone. He has lived such a hard life that I can not tell you all about to protect him, but seeing the restoration in his life reminds me that there is a God that heals. Seeing him smile and his eyes glow when he passionately speaks about what he wants to do when he graduates high school, reminds me that there is HOPE, and that LOVE changes people.

As I took him to visit his mom for the first time in a year I could see the pain in his eyes because he does not have a great relationship with her, but he said that he hopes one day that relationship would be restored. Then as the conversation went on he told me that one of his greatest desires in to be a solder in the military and to learn English one day. However, because of his past decisions to do drugs and run away from the orphanage he was behind in school and that reaching those dreams will be harder. As I looked at him I said "I see so much potential in you and I know you will reach those dreams and when it gets hard keep trying! Never give up!" He looked at me as if those words were foreign. In that moment I knew that Brian was not the abandon orphan but CHOSEN, WANTED, ADOPTED.... His life is so precious and valuable, not because I felt sorry for him, or because he needed anyone to pitty him, but because he is God's child, His father is a king.  

This week I have been in Mexico for the past two days which were very memorable & heart-wrenching as one day Brian was struggling because of his past and was at a very hard point of his live. Brian was caught between the desires of this world and in his heart was bitterness, hatred, and no hope because of what he had gone through. But,

Brain was not alone he has a family now in La Tribu... So all of the teen boys gathered around him, embraced him with hugs, prayed for him, and said "we love you." To see all of these boys that come from the streets show that deep love to one another reminded me of God's unconditional love for us.

This why I do what I do. To see lives transformed and restored. This is the greater work 

‪#‎unity4orphans‬

Benito

It was such a sweet day today at the orphanage. The kids and I surprised Benito with a birthday cake! Benito is the care giver for the boys at the orphanage. He takes care of 40 boys, one with a disability with no function, cooks all meals, cleans, etc... He seriously is my hero. I have never met a person that pours out so much and loves like Christ, not just by words but by actions. When we brought him the cake he said this was his first present he has ever received in many years... It truly was a special day to celebrate and let him know how appreciated he is. Happy birthday Benito!

Era un día tan especial hoy en la casa hogar. Los niños y yo sorprendiemos a Benito con un pastel de cumpleaños ! Benito es la persona encargada del cuidado de los niños en en la casa hogar . Él cuida de 40 niños, uno con una discapacidad que no tienen función , cocina todas las comidas , limpia , etc ... en serio es mi héroe. Nunca he conocido a una persona que da su vida y ama como Cristo, no sólo con palabras sino con acciones. Cuando lo trajimos el , dijo que era su primer regalo que jamás haya recibido en muchos años ... Realmente fue un día especial para celebrar y hacerle saber lo apreciada que es. Feliz cumpleaños Benito !

New Tires for the Orphanage!

As we headed down to Mexico to get new tires for the van at the orphanage, we really did not know what the day had in store. When we arrived to the orphanage, we were told that the van that needed tires was parked at the kids school, so we needed to drive down and pick it up. About an hour later we headed down, but to our surprise we were not just picking up the van, but a van full of 25 kids! 3rd world county miscommunication, my favorite! 

When we arrived to the tire shop we were told it would only take an hour, but what they actually meant was 4hrs. I was stuck there with 25 hungry children, so my friend and I had to find a way to feed them all. We ended up walking to a grocery store and bought enough to make them all sandwiches... They were super excited for them too! Especially to have meat which is a treat for them. 

As the hours went by the kids were restless so we decided to take lost of selfies! Haha... Even through all the trouble it was such a sweet day to spend with these kiddos, and to get to know each one individually. They are some of the sweetest,  most loving kids I know, and I would do this again in a heartbeat.

I am incredibly blessed to be working beside Unity 4 Orphans​ who is making an impact and difference in these kids lives. Not only do they meet their needs physically but most importantly LOVE these kids. I am seeing lives transformed each day through this organization dedication and hard work. 

 #unity4orphans

Running away...

As I stand still during a busy day of work and trying to make the world a better place, I realize I have been running away. 

2 months ago the Lord asked me to surrender missions. 

I have fought.

I have cried.

I've been confused?

Through all the emotions and not understanding "why" I have taken my own measures. I tried every possible way to get out or follow missions in every direction. 

Every door has closed. 

I felt like Jonah. 

Just like him I've been running away. 

Running from what God was calling me to...

For the past 10 years I have been a missionary overseas and that is all I have known.

I did not understand why God will be calling to something different. 

However, coming back from my last venture in the field God gave me this verse:

Isaiah 43:19

God kept telling me He is doing a new thing. 

Not the same,

NEW.  

This past year of reflecting and re-evaluating my life I realized that my most fruitful season has been here in the USA. 

Lifting up this generation 

to RUN after God

with a PASSION.

Looking back, I realized 95% of the women I have discipled have gone to the missions field 

or have been raised up as leaders...

Many churches have been planted. 

Lives have been impacted. 

Generations are still being changed.  

Leaders are rising! 

 As I continued to plan my life, God redirected me. As a loving father He lead me to His best. 

I am not saying I am completely leaving missions.   

Missions is an everyday life choice. 

It is everywhere we go. 

It is having a mindset that we are made to share His love with every person we meet. 

We need to change our perspective 

missions is here

His KINGDOM.

I also know that God will use me to lead trips short term, so that others will know their calling. So that others will step out in faith and know who they are in Him. God has used the missions field overseas in my life to mold me into who I am. 

To show me His heart for every nation. 

But I know that this season is to serve Him wholeheartedly here. 

My life is surrendered to His will and not my own. 

  

It's about His KINGDOM!

...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.…

Hebrews 12:1-2

When people ask me for advice about going out into the missions field or serving in ministry. I always respond with this:

It's about His KINGDOM! 

Now this is the part where I become transparent with you. 

I have been hurt by many ministries I have served in. 

I have been told you are not worthy enough. 

You are not good enough. 

I have been asked to do things that are outside of what I belief and I have stood up to say "no."

It caused problems for me. 

God has asked me to speak truth

because He was not pleased. That got me into a deeper hole. 

Ministry is MESSY. People are MESSY. 

PERIOD. 

BUT. 

It's about His kingdom. 

Not what people say or do.

But what He says. 

What He has called

you to. 

His TRUTH.

Our validation should be in HIM. 

Not people. 

And

there is GRACE. 

Forgiveness. 

Reconciliation. 

Don't miss this important factor

if we call ourselves "Christians."

We must walk daily in grace. 

But through the messiness

our eyes must be on JESUS. 

Not People. 

Our validation should not be from people, but from JESUS. 

We must run this race with endurance. Not look back 

but forward to what is ahead. 

Eternity. 

to Him

the

King of KINGS

and

Our great reward.  

Like I said it's about His kingdom. 

Its about:

The souls that never heard the name JESUS. 

The poor,

orphans,

widows.

the hurting. 

the brokenhearted... 

If we focus on our circumstances then we miss God.

We miss the opportunities

to

be 

LOVE

&

HOPE.

If you have been hurt or burned by the church "forgive." God wants to restore and heal those relationships. He wants to heal your wounds so that He can finish the work He has started in you. You are worthy. 

You are precious.

You have value. 

Keep running this race

with 

endurance. 

He will

Be 

your 

STRENGTH.

Wait

For the past 8 years I have moved from country to country. 

From mission to mission that the Lord has spoken to me. 

Now for the first time ever in my life He has said "wait be Still." 

It will be a year since I returned from the mission field and it has been a year of not hearing what is next? One of the hardest things for me if you know my personality.

 However, he has taught me that being Still is an act of obedience and worship to Him. 

That when we are still He unfolds His plan for our lives. 

He is building us up for greater things... 

As it says in Psalms 1: "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." 

He builds us like trees planted by streams of water, so when that day comes you will not be shaken but planted in TRUTH and in Him alone. 

Everything you do shall prosper!

 God has placed a calling in our lives. 

A calling that is specific to each person and that is part of the body of Christ. 

We all have a unique role to play in this story that God has written for us. 

Even if you are in a season of "waiting" know that He is writing your story even in the waiting.

 He has a purpose for your life. 

But it is all in His perfect timing... 

And when that day comes it will be sweeter then when we try to do things is our own strength which brings destruction. 

Wait and taste the GOODNESS of who He is.

In the Wilderness

In the wilderness? 

Don't tell me your life has always been perfect and you have never been through season of just nothing happening. Where you feel stuck and God is having you wait. Of course not we all have been there. So this is why I share this to 

ENCOURAGE 

YOU!

I have been in a season of waiting. A season of being still. There is those feelings where you ask "God where are you?" and yes I know His word says He is always with us. 

But He is SILENT...

But He is there

because

His

Word

says.

Silence...

Something as humans we don't like

Especially as American's we have become 

a culture of self gratification

We want it now culture.

In this season I have learned 

to WORSHIP

Him. 

To not give up.

More then ever

hold onto 

His promises.

Being a Christian is not an easy road. There is always those season that we go through. Some of those really test our faith. But in those times is when God is growing us the most to TRUST Him. 

You are LOVED by the King of Kings 

He loves you

too much

to let 

your 

life 

go 

to

waste.

<3 p="">

I will Follow

Luke 18:22 tells us when Jesus was speaking and said sell everything and follow me. 

Matthew 28:19 talks about going and making disciples of all nations. 

I have a question did Jesus come in a BMW? No in fact in a donkey which was one of the lowest and humbling things for a king like him. When Jesus asked His disciples to leave their lives behind Jesus did not have anything. I am sure he must looked like a man that was completely dirty and did not have the latest clothes. 

How can we as Westerners go out into the world and expect others to leave everything behind when we don't leave our own comforts, but we bring them with us. 

We live way better then the locals. It has become a western culture to go out and so easily find luxury. Then we ask the people there to leave everything behind (when they have nothing) and follow Jesus. 

We need to be an example. As the old saying says "Actions speak louder then words." 

Are you living by example or just words? 

They will know His LOVE

“You are the light in this dark world and sometimes you are the only light there is.” “As I heard the Lord whisper theses words into my soul, I was looking out at the mountains of Nilgiris, India where I could see hundreds of tea workers from the Badaga villages.  At that moment my heart was full of sorrow and all I could do was cry out for these people who do not know the love of God.  Ever since that day my heart has been burdened for the Badaga people, who are from the mountain villages that I see around our home.

One day while we went to visit my friend Archna, we decided to take a different route to the top of the hill. As we walked, we had no idea where we were going.  All around us were hundreds of trees and dirt paths.  We stopped to ask each other which path we should take. I stopped and said, “Lets ask the Lord where he wants to take us.” At that moment, I heard, “Straight.”  As we started walking straight, we saw about two hundred Badaga women laboring in the tea fields. I stopped and asked the Lord, “Do you really want us to walk through all of these women?”  I heard a solid “yes” from the Holy Spirit.  Step by step, I started shaking their hands and hugging them.  A few of the ladies started dancing with us in their traditional dances. I felt the LOVE of God dive down into that place.

As we kept going, we found ourselves hiking up steep hills and before we realized it, we ended up at a school.  Through the windows of the school building, I heard children saying “hello” with excitement in their voices. As I started giving the kids high fives, one of the teachers approached us.  For a moment, I thought I must be a nuisance to him because I was the source of the children’s distraction. Then he asked me, “Where are you from?” As we started a conversation with him, I asked where the kids were from. He pointed to the village at the top of the hill. I felt eagerness in my heart because this was the Badaga village that we’ve been praying for. He asked if we would like to come and teach at the school. As we left the school all I could do was cry and rejoice that God is so GOOD to us. 

As we walked to my friend Archna’s place to love on her, I realized that there are many doors being opened for some of us to reach the Badaga people. We may have the opportunity to reach the children from the Badaga villages, and as we approached the shop where Archna works, I remembered that she is also Badaga.  I have been visiting her and her family every week to show her the love of Christ.  The Lord has given me a heart for her and her family. Although I know that only He has opened this door, God has been impressing in my heart that it will not be easy for her to come to know Him.  It is only by the power of His Holy Spirit that she will be saved, so I must regularly be on my knees praying for her and her family. As I’ve prayed for her, she has become more open with me when I talk about God. As I once told her that I pray for her every day, she replied in gratitude, “Thank you, I really need that.” God is softening her heart. I know that He is going to do something amazing through this relationship. Please keep praying for her and her family.

(Archna and Family)

One day, I know that no longer will a temple stand at the top of the hill where the Badaga village rests, but a cross and a reflection of God’s grace and love. I also know that Archna will also know who her true God is and will finally know the grace and love of God.

Please continue to pray for the ministry here in India and that God will continue to soften hearts. Also pray for funds to continue to come in for this ministry. I am in need of $1000 for living costs. I also need to raise an additional $4000 in order to purchase transportation to reach the people of the Nilgiris.

 If you would like to give to this ministry and support me in this go to: www.mogiv.com/rockmissions/ruthcontreras

This is India

India so far has been interesting. Learning to be in a new culture and learning the language. When we first arrived there was so much excitement in my heart to be here that all I could do is smile, but then I was told that if you smile at men that means you are interested. Well I guess I was interested in many men... hahaha... Sad but true. It's the little things that we grow up doing and mean no harm but are looked at differently in India.

Here is a list of the culture differences that I keep learning:

* do not hug men in public (guys on our team)
*don't hold hands while praying
*must eat with ONLY right hand...
* when they say 30min it means 2hrs
*everything is slower
*must wear head covering during church and prayer

Well those are the ones I have so far. I am sure there will be many more to come.

So it will be hitting the month mark tomorrow since we arrived in India and it has gone by so fast. I feel like I just left yesterday. This month has been getting adjusted to being here and learning more about the culture and how things run here. It really has been an adventure and a different pace of life here. Now we have to start learning the language which seems very difficult to pronounce things. I have picked up on some things here and there. But my hearts desire is to be fluent so that I can speak to the people here and build more relationships.

Lately we have been working with a pastor that is in the next town from us. We have done testimonies at his church, lead worship, and we do Sunday kids school. I have been in charge of putting children's ministry together and it has been such a blessing to be with the little ones that bring so much joy to my heart. Especially when the call me "aunty" that is what children call their elders. For men it would be "uncle." I am in LOVE with the beautiful children here. We also got an opportunity to go to an orphanage for the past 2 days that is 4hrs from where we live. It was such an exciting two days with the kids as we, played games, bible stories, sang songs, and loved on them. As we left the kids were hugging us so tight crying asking us not to go. I knew in that moment that they experienced the love of Jesus. That was the reason why we were there so that they may experience His love through us. It brought tears to my eyes that God could use us that way.

What is next? Well we will be starting a English service with the church we are working with. I am also building relationships with some of the young girls in church that God put on my heart to diciple. I have invited one of them to our house to spend time with her. The only thing is that she lives far from where we live, so I am praying that God will provide for us to meet every week to build that relationship. Please keep that in your prayers. One option I have is to get a scooter to get around the town which will cost me $1000 in order to start discipleship with theses girls.

If you would like to partner with me in that please go to: https://www.mogiv.com/rockmissions/ruthmendoza/

I am in love with the people of India and I could not ask to be anywhere else but here serving them. Thank you to those that make this happen every month.

Thank you for your support and love. I miss you so much! 

I am Inadequate

I am inadequate to do the work the Lord has for me in India. 

As sit here and ponder of the things I lack to teach people about Jesus or even help people in India the Lord reminds me of every person He used in the bible who was inadequate to do the work the Lord had sent them to do. 

               Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. Exodus 4:12

for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:20

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27

None of us are adequate to do the work of the Lord. It does not matter what degree we have or how much money we have. The Lords ways are far beyond our ways and far beyond what we can comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9).

All we can do is humbly accept what he has given us and the work He lets us partake in. We are unworthy of it, but because of His grace He has made us worthy to serve Him.

Yes, through the opportunity to serve Him we will mess everything up, but He still uses us because He wants us to be part of the work he is doing so that we may experience Him.

We truly serve a gracious God who deserves all praise and honor! 

Be Humble...