webmaster posted on July 08, 2010 14:12
God finds a way to help and serve us through others when we need Him most. American Baptist missionaries in different countries across the globe work in varying capacities such as healthcare, development, church planting, humanitarian aid.
Ray and Adalia Schellinger have served as missionaries with International Ministries in Tijuana, Mexico, for 8 years, running a ministry called Deborah’s House. Deborah’s House supports victims of domestic violence in Tijuana, aiding and housing women and families until a time when they can live by themselves and start over with renewed hope and faith.
In Tijuana, more than two million people, or three quarters of the population of women, are victims of domestic violence. “Women are terrorized in their homes, imprisoned, beaten and afraid every day of their lives. Their husbands or boyfriends control their universe and threaten their lives if they try to leave. 2/3 of people live in poverty here, and sometimes death seems like the only way out to these women,” explains Ray Schellinger.
Deborah’s House is a growing ministry that relies on volunteers to aid in its work. It is able to run on merely $30,000 per year, which supports those who live there and also pays the salaries of employees. In the past, both long term and short term volunteer workers have helped to keep the ministry running.
Most of the work that has been completed on the building has been largely done by visiting volunteer groups. Because of these volunteers, a second floor has been added and will allow for more housing for women and families in need. In the past, Deborah’s House has housed 6-8 small families of mothers and children, but with the completion of the second story, the Schellingers hope to house up to twenty families at any given time.
Deborah’s House is always welcoming of both long and short term volunteers. Without these volunteers, it would not have been able to run and thrive through the past 8 years.
Your support of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) through giving to the United Mission offering allows for funding to reach many different programs within ABCUSA, allowing you to be a part of many areas of ministry.
Missions is one piece to the puzzle, and funding allows for stronger mission and denominational work in the United States and in other countries across the globe.