“…don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.” –Isaiah 43:1
I am Luisa K. Torres, an eighteen-year-old teenage girl; I was born on a frontier considered as the most dangerous and violent in the world, Juarez City. I had to live a childhood where I could not play outside in the park with other children, because of the insecurity and gunshots that were present everywhere in the city– No zone was safe anymore, and during the attacks there was always a collateral victim. A devastated monotony emerged in my life. From home to school, and from school to home. The games and adventures of a child were interrupted by the public vulnerability of my country.
The fear that had been cultivated in my mind gave me the idea to study outside my country, in the neighbor city of El Paso, Texas. I wanted a better education and the liberty that every teenager wants without having the idea that something dreadful could occur. My high school days at Lydia Patterson and crossing the border every day taught me that I have liberty, to follow God’s will no matter the circumstances. It also taught me that knowledge has no limit, especially if you want it as bad as I did. My favorite Bible scripture is John 13:14 “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” It is my inspiration. Even if we do not have much to give we can always give our time. This small scripture gave me an immense life lesson, to always be willing to help, even when times are rough.
However, waking up at 4:30 in the morning to be at the bridge at six, and work at the school for my scholarship was not easy. God always has enlightened my path, I am more faithful than ever in my life. Now I have the great opportunity to be at St. Luke’s UMC as an intern for this summer, meeting amazing people at church with different backgrounds and strong testimonies. Reading the Bible has opened my perspective, I would not be here if this scripture was not shown to me; Isaiah 43:1 “Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.”
Every single person from St. Luke’s has lead me to increase in faith each day. Even though I am away from home, where everything is different even the language, I still feel so close to God. My gratitude towards God and the St. Luke’s Family of faith cannot be measured. They have helped me, loved me and supported me and now they will forever be a part of my story.
Luisa K. Torres, Ministry Intern
