So, what is next for me?
After the race, I questioned if the biggest adventure and mission of my life has ended. Or was it just the beginning. I choose to believe that it is just the start of something more.
Let me first explain my dream, which I may have gone over before in previous blogs.
I can't recall the exact time and place when I realized that I have the God given gift to speak into the lives of people. Before I pursued the Lord, I despised public speaking. I mean I had panic attacks just calling up a friend on the phone. I could fill a pool with the sweat that slid off my body. Communication was NOT my thing. I mean even while I was in college, my momma would quickly remind me over the phone that she had no idea what I was saying due to my lack of enunciation.
"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
The Lord not only has a sense of humor but has a plan. He chooses those who are unqualified and calls them to the very thing they are unqualified for. However, the Lord takes those who willing and transforms them into something beautiful. He makes new creations and uses our weakness to glorify Him. It is because of Jesus, that I am able to speak in a way that people want to listen. It is not in my own ability that I can speak because people who know me well, know that I am a hot mess when it comes to communication. I mispronounce words all the time and cannot express how I feel clearly.
If you haven't guessed by now, but public speaking is my dream. I would love to go into the public schools and inspire hope for the students. To chose to live another day and to hope for a better tomorrow and be the change in the world. After a week of visiting local schools, invite the students to a youth rally and present the good news. I don't want to leave it just at that but I want to partner with the local churches to establish some form of discipleship for the students who decide to dedicate their lives to the Lord. They don't need another feel good message but they need someone to show them the path and guide them along in the way of the Lord.
My missions statement is to inspire, challenge and remind the lost, the hopeless and broken through exhortation and counseling.
How do I get there? I'm not sure but I am willing to go where He leads me. I was presented the opportunity to help a church plant in Red Hook, Brooklyn. The pastor there is a college friend of mine and we worked together with the missions department. He knows how I work and he knows the potential I have and wants me to be part of the church plant. However, at the same time he wants to help me reach my dream as well.
This move will give me hands on experience with all types of people and different situations. I will gain experience of actually doing life with people, in turn I will be confident when I speak into the lives of people.
I am moving to New York at the end of August. I will be living in Queens with my beautiful aunt who is more than willing to take me in. I don't have a paying job and I am not sure how I will manage to pay my bills and my basic needs. It freaks me out and I'm trusting that the Lord provides for my needs.
Specific ways to pray for me:
- Wisdom and discernment
- Part time job in a nonprofit organization
- Community of believers who actively pursue the Lord with all their heart, mind and soul
- Perseverance and endurance
- Courage, boldness and actively seeking opportunities to love people
I don't like asking this but if you feel a tug at your heart to donate to me as I make this transition from a small town to a big city. I would appreciate the sacrifice you make to help me use this God given gift to enhance the kingdom of God. Thank you so much for your continuous support and love.
To financially support me on this new mission in New York.
Ruby Lopez
440 Kreamer Avenue
Sunbury, PA 17801
Or email me for more information
[email protected]
