This Week in Ministry (02/24/13)

It's that time of the week again! A lot has happened since I last wrote a post about the ministry, so let's see what's been happening in the ministry in the last week(s)...

1. I started volunteering as an English teacher in a Latino Presbyterian church near my house. They were looking for a new teacher to teach intermediary English. I went  to the church just to observe one Tuesday night, but the pastor, who at the time was teaching the class,  told me "Oh it's so good that you are here! I have a hospital emergency and I need to leave. Here is the material, can you teach the class tonight?". And that's how it started.


2. One of the youth who we used to serve in San Francisco is now living one block from where I live! I've had the pleasure of visiting him and his new born baby a couple of times. It has been such a great blessing!

3. Our relationship with the immigrant community in East Oakland keeps growing! We keep planning some hang out time with them, and many of them are improvised, Latino style! A couple of weeks ago, for example, one of them taught me and one team member how to make hand made tortillas. I'm still learning how to make them, as this seemingly simple skill is no simple at all. But the taste, oh my, once you go hand made you can't go back!

4. The choir keeps growing! We have 3 new volunteers and finally one girl to balance all of our testosterone filled voices! It's not all shine and candy in this musical land, as many times I feel inadequate directing the choir. Please pray for me.



Me looking weird with one of the new choir members

5. I've been feeling the need to go back to my Latino roots more than ever. I'm also desiring to connect with the poor by simplifying my life. They cut one more day from my job, and I want to use the opportunity to readjust my budget and live more simply. This means not getting all of my food from the grocery store, for example, but getting it donated by volunteering for food giveaways for example.

That's it for this week! See you next!

This Week in Ministry (01/20/13)

It is that time of the week again, where I muse about whatever happened this past week(s) in Ministry! So here are the top 5:


1. Can I officially say that I'm burned out? I don't think I'm as young as I used to be, or something is wrong with my energy levels, because I feel like I need a 2 week vacation! I need to consider this seriously, as my leader told me "the greatest enemy for a missionary is tiredness".

2. I enrolled to a theology class! There has been a burning desire in my heart to study theology, and while I study theology on my own, I feel that the academic setting and its demand is very helpful for me. I'm super excited about this! Classes start in February.

3. The choir keeps growing! The responsibilities for it are also growing. We led our first worship session this past Thursday, and it was ok for the most part. Some mistakes on my part, as I'm still a bit nervous with this role! Please pray for me!

4. The Honduran youth started asking us for a Bible study! They keep saying to us, "we should meet to study the Bible". The team is currently reviewing a Bible study curriculum, and we are very excited about the prospect of starting out one for the youth!

5. I have missed Wednesday night Soccer with the youth for far too long. I've been really tired and I've decided to take a couple of weeks off to recover. Please pray for energy so I can get back to it!

That's it for this week, see you next!