Rob's Ramblings

I remember as a little boy, I was convinced that I would be a missionary. I'm not really sure how the idea popped into my head, but the thought was there. I guess I should realize that God put that idea into my head. My mom tells me that I would stand in the backyard and preach to the dogs, and whatever or whoever else happened to be passing by. I remember sharing this missionary dream with my pastor, and lovingly nicknamed me "Preacher Boy." He would call me that every time he would see me.   I felt that one day, I would go to Africa to be a missionary. Surprisingly, when I shared this vision with the youth leaders and other youth, my dream was met with mocking and teasing. I recall the youth group making a joke of my desire to be a missionary. Some of the kids would tell me they felt ill, and asked if they could touch me to receive healing. Eventually, the feeling passed, as did the youth group leaders and students over the passage of time. However, a number of years later, in my adult years, God reminded me of the dream I had as a child. I acknowledged this to God, but did little to pursue this. I remember being drawn to South America, but other than that, I allowed the drawing to remain dormant. Fast-forward to 2014, when I had the opportunity to travel to Tijuana, Mexico for a mission trip. "Should be fun," I thought. The experience brought me more than I had bargained for. I remember leaving the orphanage in tears, moved. The missionary feeling had been re-ignited, stronger than ever before. Immediately upon our return to Hutchinson, we knew that we would return to Tijuana the next Summer. Fund-raising began immediately, and I was able to secure the cash for the 2015 trip. Before we left on our second trip, people joked that I would not be coming back, and that I would be staying at the orphanage. I was, at the time teetering on the edge of a commitment, and I joked that one more trip might "push me over the edge." Well, God pushed! When I look into what God might do with me in the future, I can't help but remember that missionary's heart that I had as a child, and know now what God was preparing me to do. I feel very strongly that God will call me to San Diego in order to be closer to Tijuana, and be available for all the mission trips the church takes down there. 

What's the plan, Rob? 
There are a lot of things to think about before making this drastic move. I might add that I am at peace, should God call me to San Diego. I would sorely miss Hutchinson. I have a great family, church, friends, great job, awesome co-workers, and great kids that I get to see every day. However, there are some things that draw me to the San Diego area........
 

I have fallen in love with these children of Tijuana. Very few nights have passed when I have not dreamed of being at Colina de Luz. I grow more at peace with being in San Diego each and every day.  However, there's more to the story than just loading up a U-Haul and hauling my stuff to San Diego.  First, I need to get my financial picture in order. I have a lot of debt that I need to eliminate. My plan is to play the lottery and hope to win big... Just kidding! I am sticking to a budget, cutting expenses, and paying down as much as I can. Dave Ramsey would be proud! If I can get my cooking business off the ground (see previous posts), that will be a valuable tool in ridding myself of debt. Unless I receive a major windfall, this will take quite some time. During this time, I will also begin parting with needless items in storage and at home. So, if I announce a big garage sale, or you see items hit the Buy, Sell, Trade websites, that's what's going on.

I will also continue to take mission trips to Tijuana as often as God provides the resources for me to go. One trip in the Summer, and a trip in December if there is a need.

 Other issues will include getting my car to San Diego, finding a job there, and finding a place to live.

To put it simply, God has a timeline, and He will put me where He wants me WHEN He wants me. If He wants me there sooner than later, He will provide the resources I need to get there. So this is where it stands. I am ready, but I am waiting for Him to give me the go-ahead. I know many of you had asked for a plan of action, and I had not been able to give one. Now, I have a bit of a clearer picture of where I feel God might take me.

How can I help, Rob?
First, pray. Pray for safety, and for the hearts of the people that I will one day be ministering to. 
Second, please think about contributing to my Mexico fund. There is a fund set up at my church: Westside Baptist Church
               400  West 12th
               Hutchinson, KS 67501
               Designate the donation to Rob Rue's Mexico trip.
               ***Note: There is still a $250 challenge grant on the table.****

Another way you can donate is by checking my past few posts and ordering some goodies made to order. Reasonable prices, really yummy goodies!

I hope this answers some of your questions. I know that I am grateful to have more info from God as to what direction I may go. I want to thank you for reading, and I apologize if my fund-raising efforts are wearing thin on you. It's just that I have a tremendous burden to get back to Tijuana. Thanks for understanding. I'll try to tone it down a bit. God bless and have a great week!