Somaliland's Forgotten Children

WE DO EXIST - Somaliland's Forgotten Children from David Darg on Vimeo.

My Identity

“Those Americans made fun of me every chance they got. They were cruel because I couldn’t speak English.” Those were the words I heard from my father’s lips one night after he got home from work. We were at the dinner table and he had just narrated a story about the first time he attempted to order food at a McDonald’s in the United States. He had only left El Salvador a few months earlier because of the violent revolution that was taking place. “I ordered a meal at the drive through window and then decided to ask for ketchup. I couldn’t pronounce the word very well, so it sounded more like “katsap”. The guy asking for my order yelled “what?!” every time I tried to say it more clearly and finally ended up cursing at me.” You could tell that even though it had happened years earlier, it still brought back feelings of pain and resentment in my father.

When you’re 10 years old and you hear your father speak these words, something inside of you changes. In my case his story translated to: “You’re different. Your family is different, your culture is different, and everything about you is not the norm.” I grew up feeling inferior in a lot of ways. I felt that somehow being Latina meant that I was dumber than everyone else. My grades didn’t reflect this at all, but it was still the way I felt when I was with other people from other ethnic backgrounds, especially Caucasians. In high school I was in the gifted and talented classes when it came to literature and writing. At times I was the only Latina in those classes, which made me feel even more awkward. I was later accepted at the University of Maryland College Park, which was huge for my family and friends. I knew I was talented, but it was hard to get past my insecurities.

Little by little, as my relationship with the Lord grew, I began to understand that my identity had to be based on more than certain ethnic characteristics. I had to get past the negative experiences my father had faced, past the fact that I was Latina, and see myself simply as a creature of God. One day I read Genesis 9:6b that says, “…For in the image of God has God made man.” (NIV) This meant that my nature was more like my heavenly Father’s, than my earthly father’s. What a revelation this was!

As I thought more about this subject, I decided to search for the definition of the word identity. Webster’s Dictionary defines identity as the “sameness of essential or generic character in different instances”. If we think about it, wherever we go, we are the same. Wherever we go we carry our Father’s nature. Every situation that we experience, we are creative and rational like He is, relational, emotional and volitional. Each of these God characteristics plays out in some way throughout all of our life circumstances. We cannot help but be like our God.

To know and understand this is reassuring to me. The more I comprehend it, the more confident I feel. I feel that I have what it takes within me to achieve and accomplish whatever He is calling me to do. I am equipped because of my godly nature to do above and beyond what I’ve dreamed. My identity is not based on ethnicity, family, culture or certain preferences anymore, it is based on my Creator: Jesus Christ. The more I know Him through His Word, the more I know who I am and my purpose on the earth.

Ministry-Not Meant to be Done Alone

Imagine a young couple, just married, excited about life, with lots of dreams and high expectations. They have few worries in life and are optimistic of what their future holds. They are madly in love and truly believe that life will be perfect just because they love one another. Have you seen these types of newlyweds? That was my husband and I five years ago almost to this date. We had only been married for four months when we got a call with a major ministry offer. We were offered to lead a worship institute for young adults in our area. We prayed and ask the Lord for guidance and shortly after decided to take the dive and go into full time ministry. We were excited!

We gave our entire life to the ministry. The ministry became our baby. We gave it our hearts, our time, and all our energy. We were in our element: teaching, leading, and inspiring young people to pursue God relentlessly. Several years passed and we were still on cloud nine, until…adversity hit. We faced major challenges in our ministry that very few couples have to face at such a young age. Unfortunately at that time the relationship with our pastor was distant and therefore we had no one to talk to except for a few friends our own age. We were lost, confused and lonely. According to my husband and I, we had done everything right…or so we had thought.

We learned a very important lesson the hard way: Ministry is not to be done alone. No matter how much energy, passion or innovative ideas you may have, it is impossible for it to be done by yourself. Ministry is a war zone. It is a place where you fight the enemy head on and pour your heart, sweat and tears into other people. It requires much self sacrifice and therefore is not designed be accomplished single-handedly. The importance of having leaders and mentors in your life is essential. It is essential because you need someone pouring into you as much as you pour yourself into others. That is what the apostle Paul did for Timothy:

“… Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.” (I Corinthians 4:17) Paul mentored Timothy and taught him to follow Christ and therefore Timothy’s spiritual walk and ministry thrived because he was able to pour into others what Paul had poured into him.

Currently, my husband and I are taking a short hiatus from ministry. We were led by the Lord to do this in order to rest and prepare for whatever He has planned for us next. We made major decisions that led us to find amazing mentors who have enriched our lives like no one. I’d like to encourage you to do the same. Pray that the Lord will lead you to find your “Paul”. You’ll never be the same, your ministry will rise to the next level, and your perspective of God will be transformed. You will not only survive in ministry, but you will thrive in it, as Timothy did. All of this will happen, as long as you and I understand that ministry was never meant to be done alone.

One's Arm

Rectangular frames rotate clockwise in my head
images within them of yellows, blues, purples and reds
colors are mixing or standing alone
lights that are flickering, growing dim and unexpectedly they glow
Dancing silhouettes join in on the show
Each one on a journey, each one on its way
twisting and turning, reluctant to stay
where they have been, not more than a day

Let your feet rest, let your arms hang
lay on your stomach and rest your head
Let your weight fall all on One's arm
Let him take you to your destiny
no need for luck, magic or charms.

Unlike a Giant

While many feel strong and famous, unafraid of life, unafraid of any consequences, I stand here feeling small and weak, unable to move or act.  Unlike a giant among an army of tiny men,  I tremble.  I am one of the tiny men; a miniature soldier with a toy sword.  However, as I think about it, I don't know if I ever want to feel like the "Goliath".  Maybe being the "David" isn't such a bad thing after all.  Only as David can I see a small rock become a missile in my hand.  As the miniature soldier, at the end of the day, I can only look to heaven and say "thank you".  Only as the tiny man can I look to days of dependence and surrender; that through my feebleness the world may know there is a God.

"Bursting your Christian Bubble" Part 2

By Karla Rodriguez

Last month my article was titled, “Bursting your Christian Bubble”. I told a bit of my life story and expressed how interesting it was to grow up as a Latino Pentecostal preacher’s kid in the United States. I explained how looking back towards my childhood, adolescence and young adult years in the church brought both joy and regret. I felt joy because I had the privilege to see first-hand the intricate workings of the local church. However, I also felt regret because I realized that I had related only to Christians in exclusive Christian environments. I called the latter, my “Christian Bubble”; hence the title of my article.

Lately I’ve been challenged by God to burst my Christian Bubble in order to reach the lost and build relationships with unbelievers. Let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. Some suggested ways seem so simple, yet when attempted are very difficult. The idea of bursting your Christian bubble sounds exciting and innovative, even a bit rebellious and revolutionary. However, when put into practice, is not as glamorous as you think. Reason being: Bursting your Christian bubble actually means that we must step outside of our comfort zones. “Yikes!” might be our first reaction. It also requires the occasional interruption of our daily routines and schedules. “No way!” might be our second reaction. It might even mean taking a few minutes to talk to the next-door neighbor whose name we still don’t know after 10 years. “Do I really have to?” might be our third response.

I believe that the best way to begin bursting our Christian bubble is by taking small, progressive steps. Drastic changes all at once will most likely lead to failure and then discouragement. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Read about the life of Jesus. If there is something that will reignite your heart for the lost, it’s the Word of God. It is a two-edged sword that penetrates the hardest of hearts. As we read about the life of our Savior, we will discover His priorities, His practices and His passion for people.

2. Re-evaluate your priorities. As you learn about Jesus’ priorities, you will desire to apply them to your own life. Evaluate where your relationship with God stands, where your husband and kids stand, and where the unsaved stand. What is taking most of your time? What things can be rearranged or even cut out of your schedule to accommodate priorities? This will allow time to speak with unbelievers and be an example with your lifestyle.

3. Do less. This principle applies to our personal lives in regards to work, home and school. But it also applies to ministry. Why is it that at times it seems that the more we do, the more efficient we think we are? Our ministry calendars are booked solid with activities throughout the week. Our church families are asked or sometimes pressured to come to church several times a week to serve when they already have so much on their plates. Could it be if we do less, we will have more time to relate to unbelievers?

4. Be Aware. I believe that as we do less, the more we’ll be aware of the people who surround us. Over-occupation tends to bog us down emotionally and mentally, which then leaves us with no desire to reach out to those in need. Open your eyes and ears to the needs of your neighbors and co-workers. Be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides you to befriend a cashier or waitress who you see once a week at your favorite restaurant or grocery store.

5. Don’t be Legalistic. One of the things that Jesus rebuked the most was legalism on behalf of the Pharisees and the scribes of his day. He pointed out their outward expression of “holiness” and their internal lack of love and compassion for others. Sadly, this spirit of legalism still exists today. Jesus challenges us to love others as we love ourselves no matter how they look or how their lives look like. How many times have we scoffed at people who dress, speak or think completely different than ourselves because we judge them by their outward appearance? Tattooists, body piercers, atheists, gang bangers, drug addicts, homosexuals or prostitutes should never make us turn our backs in rejection, but break our hearts with compassion.

6. Don’t Fear Rejection. Jesus Himself said that if the world rejected Him, it would reject us, as well. In other words: “get used to it”. The enemy wants us to fear rejection so we will never step out of our Christian bubble. When we know that not everyone will receive God’s love with open arms, we understand that at least we have planted a seed that in its time will give fruit.

Sometimes people reject us because of the way we present God to them. There are so many ways we can share God’s love without breaking out a 10-point sermon on the wages of sin. Sharing God’s love actually means we must genuinely love people. How is it that genuine love is expressed? It is expressed through actions. As you get to know people, be sensitive to ways they feel loved. Some people might need to be listened to; others need encouragement through words, a quick e-mail or a note. You can invite people over for dinner or go to the movies with them. Remember people’s birthdays and send a card if you know they’re sick. Little things like that will make a world of a difference and will impact their lives like you can’t imagine. Sooner or later, they’ll want to know the God loving them through you.

7. Pray. Last but not least: Pray. Pray for every one of these last points to be made real in your life. Little by little the Holy Spirit will soften your heart and show you the areas that need to be changed within you. Be patient as He shows you and obey what He tells you to do. The way you live life and lead your ministry will never be the same.

“Burst your Christian Bubble”

Mentoring Women in Ministry Article for April 09

Growing up as the daughter of Latino Pentecostal pastors was an exciting experience.  I had the amazing privilege to watch my parents serve the Lord and learn about the intricate workings of the local church.  I was involved in several different ministries and was placed in leadership at a very young age.  I am grateful for all of the experiences God allowed me to live as a result of my parents’ obedience to His call.

Nevertheless, as I look back toward my adolescent and young adult years, I can’t help but notice that my world revolved solely around the church and other Christians.  As I mentioned before, I was practically raised in my father’s church.  I attended a Christian private school for a period of time.  I graduated high school and attended a Christian university where I met amazing Christian friends.  I met my Christian husband there as well, got married and returned to serve in my father’s church.  Later, my husband and I began a Christian music institute and worked for four years as full-time ministers.  All of these experiences were wonderful and life changing.  However, I cannot deny the regret that I feel when I realize that I barely interacted with unbelievers.  I admit that I was comfortably living in my secluded Christian “bubble”.

As one reads through the Gospels, it is evident that Jesus did not live in such a “bubble”.  He surpassed all barriers to be with the unbelievers.  It was said that Jesus constantly “welcome[d] sinners and [ate] with them” (Luke 15:2).  It got to the point that the Pharisees criticized Him (Matt. 9:11) because they could not conceive that Jesus could do such a thing and be called the Son of God.

As Christian women in leadership, we can easily be pulled into a “bubble” if we are not careful.  We can become so focused on what we are doing within the four walls of the church, that our compassion for those outside them might be lost.  I encourage you to stir up the fire of compassion within you and step out boldly as Jesus did.  Your city will never be the same.  Will you choose to “burst” your Christian “bubble” today?