Suncreek UMC's Missionary in Juarez - Rita Thomas

Our new missionary is Rita Thomas. Rita will be moving to Juarez, Mexico at the end of September to work with the ministry of Proyecto Abrigo. Rita will be helping with the administration of Proyecto Abrigo, the not for profit ministry that is run by Rev. Jose Luis Portillo. The ministry builds cinder block homes to replace the cardboard and wood pallet homes that families are using for shelter. Rita will also help with the medical clinic, school sponsorship program, community center and more which are all associated with the Wesley Fundacion Community Program in Mexico.

Reflections from Rita:

When Suncreek began advertising an adult mission trip to Juarez, I was intrigued and very interested in participating. I was so disappointed when I was unable to join the team on that trip in the fall of 2002. I was bound and determined to go on the next trip in the fall of 2003. Little did I know that the experience would change my life in such a profound way. Since my first trip to Juarez, I have returned on every adult, family, and college trip offered.

I continue to be amazed at the feeling of peace I have in my heart each time I visit. I am so sad to leave when each mission trip is over. Upon returning home, I immediately start the countdown for my next visit! From the beginning, I felt a special connection with the people of Juarez and with the people of Proyecto Abrigo with whom we work.

For over two years, I have planned to move to Juarez to work with Proyecto Abrigo on a full-time basis once my youngest child graduates fromcollege in 2012. After my position at Nortel was outsourced in 2006 and my next job at a national direct marketing company ended due to the mortgage meltdown last year, I found myself once again looking for work. I experienced several months of stress and tear-filled days wondering what I was going to do. I seriously looked for work, calling friends, associates, and total strangers looking for a job.

One evening, I randomly opened my study bible to read and at the bottom of thepage was a paragraph that said “Are you where God wants you to be?” The paragraph went on to say that for some that could mean crossing the street to help a neighbor, for others, moving to a foreign country without a regular income or the comforts of home that many of us take for granted. I thought, “Are you talking to me, God?” Since then I have talked to Kathleen, Janet Hunt, Jose Luis Portillo, my family, and my friends about the tug I feel in my heart to be in Juarez. I truly feel that God is calling me to make that move now. There is so much work to be done and so many people that need my help.

So, I have decided to take a leap of faith and my plans are to move to Juarez at theend of September. I realize that it won’t always be easy and I’m sure I will be homesick at times. However, I will put my trust in God and look forward to awonderful adventure in this next chapter of my life. Having the prayers and support of my family, friends, and my Suncreek UMC family means the world to me.

If you have questions about any missions project, we encourage you to send an e-mail to missions@suncreekumc.org. 

Click here to view Rita Blog about her ministry in Juarez