ABOUT US

Melanie Ortiz 

D.O.B- 3/19/1991

Occupation- Certified Nursing Assistant

College-Community College of Philadelphia

Major- Ultra Sound Technician

 God, Who was HE? I never really knew Him and He meant nothing to me whatsoever. I attended a catholic church because I felt like I had to or it seemed like the right thing to do at that particular time in my life. I never really knew why I went or who I was seeking, but as I grew older and attended middle school I came across a principal who loved God very much. So, I started attending church and I really wanted to build a sincere relationship with God for the first time in my life. I was saved at the age of fourteen and I went to church all the time. I loved God.I felt his presence and I followed him faithfully.I'm 20 years old now and two years ago I started to allow sin to take over in my life. I started to hang out with the wrong people. I lost the meaning of what God really meant to me and my life. I started to do things that I always said i wouldn't do such as  disrespecting my parents, go to clubs, drink, and i  just enjoyed living a sinful life. During this time I lived my life in denial. I traded in the truth for a lie because the lie was more pleasing to my flesh. I convinced myself into believing i was doing the right things in life and i wanted to believe that God was Okay with it. But he wasn't okay with the ways I acted during that time because the bible clearly states the wages of sin is death. 

One day as I sat in church I felt God pulling and tugging at my heart. He started to remind me who he was and what I was called to do. I broke down crying. I cried out to my Father, because he never abandoned me nor forsaken me. He held me even when I let him go. He hugged me when I was alone. He loved me when I didn't feel loved. He showed me what it meant to give him my all. I'm not anywhere near perfect, but I have my faults. But I never stopped seeking God even through my struggles, I have never forgotten that he sent his only son to die on the cross for me. When I stopped allowing God guide my life it was a mess; I was always sad and always faced problems that I could not handle. Being a christian isn't easy. I realized it was a little but easier when I actually followed God's will and when I took time to read his word and pray each day, God is going to show you new things if you trust and believe in him. We all have our own trails and tribulations,  but no matter what God would never leave you. While you're out there sinning, He's standing with his arms wide open waiting for you to come home. Listen! The time is now!! Don't wait for tomorrow because tomorrow isn't promised. Let go, and let God take control...he will never let you down.

 

Ruby Ortiz

D.O.B- 11/21/1990

Occupation- Stay at home mom

College- N/A

Major- N/A

Growing up, I always heard the name God. Who was He? No idea. But I knew He loved me and and died for me. I knew I was supposed to love Him deeply and sincerely. I just wasn't sure  who HE was exactly. As the years went by, I grew more and more in my knowledge of Him. I heard stories of miracles He had done and how He had risen after three days. Friends and family told me i had to follow Him with my whole heart and had to live a holy life. I was 14 at the  time. I thought to myself, I have never seen this God everyone talks about and have never even heard Him speak to me. Why am I going to GIVE HIM MY ALL and FOLLOW HIM?! I was going to church at the time. I was attending the church at which my school principal at the time was also the youth leader in. I had so many friends at the time and always felt I had to do things just to fit in or really be loved. I had an emptiness that I wasn't sure how to fill. I remember after weeks and weeks of questioning, I had found what I was looking for. He moved in me. The whole time I was searching for a special place to fit in I was running around blind. I had a place, I just wasn't aware of where it was. At a youth rally one night when I was 14 years old, I found it! I was saved. I remember having a feeling of peace and understanding. I knew that He was calling my name the whole time I just didn't know how to answer.  I gave my life to God. I'm 20 years-old now, married to a wonderful man with a beautiful daughter. It is definitely hard to stay on track and follow Christ our Lord 100%. But everyday I wake up determined to  try and live for Him. It's a challenge and I haven't perfected it. I just know I have to  continue to give God my all and follow His word. To trust in Him completely and never doubt His will. I learned to give it ALL to God no matter what it may be!