When Jamie and I got married, of course, we talked about our future, our goals, our hopes, and our dreams. One topic that came up was our desire to show compassion to those around the globe who need it most. We felt so strongly about this that we decided to leave the door open for God to use us if the need or opportunity arouse. That meant we did not want to have a house payment, car payment or student loans because those things may limit how God could use us. A year into our marriage and we started to want a home of our own. Several times we went to open houses and found ourselves “house shopping.” We were even approved for a mortgage and excited to buy a place to call our own but, we never felt God leading us in that direction.

In October 2013 we took a short trip to Tijuana, Mexico to help build a couple houses for some families who needed a home.Homes Of Hope is an organization associated with YWAM that builds houses in poor communities in and around Tijuana. YWAM in Tijuana currently has several outreaches that work to combat the issues of homelessness, hunger, and child prostitution as well as many other issues. They have built several orphanages and continue to offer support to the children, men and women of Tijuana. Alongside these ministries God’s word is being taught throughout the community. Jamie and I traveled to Tijuana with the purpose of simply volunteering a couple weeks of our time. God had a different purpose. Our hearts began to change just a few days into our trip.  We started to pray, a lot. How compassionate were we actually willing to be? Let me just say it is amazing what happens when we pray. Jamie and I found ourselves praying together in a guest room in Mexico (In a bunk bed at that!).We were praying for those hurting around us and also for guidance in our future. Later that night during “pillow talk” we recognized the door God had placed before us.  We realized God has already given us a home, Earth, and we were ready to be apart of the remodel process that started 2000 years ago. Here we are Lord, send us.

To be honest we have no idea where or what God will lead us to do. We are willing to listen and follow his will. To know God’s will we must first take a leap of faith. So here we go!  We will be moving to Tijuana and joining YWAM. We hope to arrive in Tijuana by April, 4th 2014. Upon arrival we will start DTS, a 5 month training program that YWAM offers. To serve on full-time staff with YWAM you must first complete their training program. After completion of the training we will have opportunities to serve full-time in Tijuana as well as hundreds of other YWAM locations around the world (YWAM is active in 130 countries worldwide). YWAM has no paid positions so all full-time staff is responsible to raise support. Jamie and I are excited about this decision but we know we can not do it alone. We are asking our families, our friends and colleagues to pray for us. This will not be easy and we will face many trials and setbacks. We truly need people praying for us on a daily basis. We also are asking our families, our friends and colleagues to financially support us on a monthly basis. There is an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  We want to go far. Far could mean Tijuana, Africa or somewhere in the USA but more so it means longevity. We are willing to move from our comfortable life and go to a place where injustice, hunger and disease thrive, wherever that may be. With God leading us we hope to create a team of believers that will see this through. Please take time to pray for the millions who are in need. Please pray for Jamie and Ronnie. Pray they will have discipline, courage, unshakable faith and that they will always walk in God’s will. And please pray about what gifts you could give every month to make this possible. Please be apart of the vision God has placed in our hearts and help change the world one decision at a time.