WELCOME to my blog! I have been meaning to start a blog for quite some time, but now having just begun the initial steps of creating a nonprofit organization, Abogar International Ministries, NOW has become this time to get blogging! Being new to the blogging world, I ask for a little grace if I don’t do it quite to the norm.
AbogarIM = Abogar International Ministries
Mission Statement: “Based on the knowledge that all children have been created in the image of God, Abogar International Ministries’ mission is to advocate for and minister to orphaned children, street-children, and youth at risk throughout Latin America; networking with organizations, ministries, churches, and businesses to develop strategies and implementation to offer these children hope, stability, love, and a brighter opportunity-filled future.”
Abogar is a Spanish word, in the infinitive form of the verb, which literally means “to advocate; to intercede for; to plead on behalf of” and is a word that God has burdened my heart with over the last couple of years. As of March 1st, 2012, in obedience to this calling and burden, I have officially started forward in designing and starting an advocacy nonprofit organization named Abogar International Ministries (AbogarIM).
Being in the initial stages, all the administrative aspects a bit overwhelming, and surely not in my set of giftings and strengths. However, having a clear sense of calling from God, and an unshakeable faith, partnered with passion and compassion to advocate for orphaned children, street children, and youth at risk in Latin America I am now venturing unwaveringly forward!
- In a wow-ing start, I am off to Guatemala at the end of March for a two-week trip to foster connections and observe some ministries working to advocate for and empower orphaned children, street children, and youth at risk in the area. This will be the first official trip representing the ministry of Abogar International Ministries. Yay! I have made connections and appointments to interact with a few different ministries while in Guatemala, and am very excited to see how God leads for future interactions and collaboration!
- Towards the end of May I will be venturing to Ecuador, where I will be observing and participating with at least four different ministries that work with children who are orphaned or abandoned. This will be a 2-3 week trip, and I will be shown around by a former classmate from grad school. This trip has really piqued my interest, as each of the ministries I will be visiting sound like they are doing amazing work! More information concerning this trip will be forthcoming!
- Since the beginning of 2012, I have been part of a ministry from my church which goes to an orphanage across the border in Mexico one Saturday a month, to spend the day loving on the children and helping around the orphanage. I will be continuing this monthly activity as another way to be working with and advocating for orphaned children of Latin America. My profile picture for this blog is actually a photo taken of me tickling and laughing with one of the children at the lunch table this past Saturday. This ministry has already been such a blessing to partner with, to share love with these precious children!
Well, this is a rather long first post… but I am so excited to be able to sharing what is happening in my life, and how God is leading me to love and minister now! I appreciate your prayerful thoughts and reflections!
