July 2009

Dear friends,

Rejoice in the Lord and again I say rejoice! I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from so many of you, and all I can say is THANK YOU! I feel humbled by the responsibility of your trust, as you partner with me to be God’s hands and voice in Costa Rica. With my support complete for 2009, I will return to Costa Rica on July 29.  I am trusting that your partnership with my ministry will continue in 2010, not like a sprinter but like a long distance runner. (See details below.)

It will be hard to leave, as always. Minneapolis-St. Paul in July is an awesome place to be, with 100 miles of bike trails, flowers blooming everywhere, an abundance of lakes and water sports, not to mention theatre and concerts. I have become very attached to the people at my church, First Baptist of St. Paul, who have welcomed me with open arms. I will miss being a phone call away from my sister and my childhood friends. 

But I’m excited to be returning to my second home. Unfortunately the dream house I had rented before is occupied, so my first task will be to find a house and a car. In the meanwhile, my colleagues the Baits have graciously offered me a bed. I am eager to see the friends I have missed this year and return to my Costa Rican church, Primera Iglesia Bautista en Desamparados, to catch up on their news.

I will be the Christian Education professor at the Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana (Latin American Biblical University), which prepares pastors and leaders for churches throughout Latin America. (Check out their website at www.ubila.net) After working for years with Sunday school teachers, I am aware of how crucial it is to have a pastor with a vision for Christian Education if the church is to move forward. My first responsibility will begin in August, working with a student from the Dominican Republic on her senior thesis. My Christian Education class will start on October 26.

I will also be working with the Publications Department. The University offers many extension courses for students who are unable to travel to the campus. Each professor develops a textbook for his or her subject. The University has asked me to help edit those materials, based on my 20 years of ministry in publishing.

Please pray for me during this period of transition, and that I will find an appropriate house and reliable car.

With thanksgiving,

Ruth 

Rev. Ruth Mooney

 

If you wish to partner with me financially, you can do this directly online at http://www.internationalministries.org/missionaries/79  or by mailing a check to International Ministries, Missionary Support, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851, writing “for Ruth Mooney’s support” on the memo line. You can pledge a monthly, quarterly, or yearly gift of any amount.  For more information, contact Jan Smith at ruthmooneympn@gmail.com.