I grew up in Worcester, MA. taught me what is needed to live a successful life. As a young boy, we would play football without equipment, just a ball and a lot of scratches and bruises. I learned quickly that the person who is the fastest and strongest of the line has the greatest advantage. This applies directly to our lives in Christ as we struggle on a daily basis. Starting the first moments of the day with Jesus on our lips lets us leap from our beds in faith in God. We spring from the darkness of sleep to face the challenges of the day with Christ in our hearts. After 25 years serving the Church, I have learned that starting the day with Creed makes the demons of the world tremble. Yes, every morning I read the Nicaean/Constantinople Creed to give me strength and a swift call to action to face whatever the world brings me. Leading Project Mexico as the Executive Director I am faced with constant challenges and diversity but in Faith, I have the upper hand and leap to serve Jesus overcoming the darkness.
Leading does not mean you know exactly how to get to where you need to go. God is challenging us to grow the Church in Tijuana. Just miles from the American border, the Mexican people are thirsting for the Truth and yearning to feel Jesus’ loving presence. As a result, we have been charged to open an infant orphanage to care for children from birth to four years of age. As well, the local community has grown so much that a church needs to be built off the grounds of the ranch property. Both endeavors have been thoroughly considered and we have a clear path forward, but there still is so many unanswered questions that can only be addressed once we take the first steps. This is faith. This is leaping up to be challenged not knowing how all the problems will be solved but with the solid hope that ALL the problems will be overcome. Jesus Christ’s Church will grow, caring for the suffering, and bringing encouragement to all.
I have said many times that taking care of children who have been orphaned is the “toughest job you will ever love.” Yes, I love my work and it is very difficult. We are charged to excel and care for boys with so many physical and spiritual wounds. Leaping to face the challenges is essential. But I do not face it alone. I labor with Jesus in my heart. My springboard is the Holy Spirit being filled with God’s Grace, and I am filled with Faith that I can do it. My leap of faith is the fact that I leap with Jesus holding my hand and this comfort allows me to persevere.
Recently one of our boys shared with me that the St. Innocent Orphanage only became his home after much tragedy. Until he was six he lived in the Tijuana prison because the Mexican law several decades ago allowed an incarcerated woman to keep her children with her even if that meant the young child would have to share a home (jail) with thieves, murderers and criminals. This story I share not to paint a picture of pity but rather remind us of the difficulties we have to overcome in order to bring hope and rescue the distressed. The Orthodox Church has risen to the occasion for over 35 years in Tijuana. Jesus is holding our hands and we leap with faith having the strength to change the world into a better place.