GRACETalk | JULY 2012 3

I’ve never been one to enjoy surprises, except where God is concerned. He is in the business of bringing about the unexpected. Over the

years I’ve found that His thoughts and His ways are different from—and far superior to—my own. His most recent directing of my journey to the Latino ministry is no less surprising that any of the others I have experienced.

Students Are StrugglingThe latest available statistics show the Latino dropout rate among schoolchildren in Minnesota is the highest of any ethnic group at 19.5 percent. By comparison, that’s more than five times the dropout rate of white Caucasians. Even today, high school graduation rates among Latinos remain at only 41.3 percent. Latino students lack both the motivation and support necessary to succeed. They struggle spiritually as they lack many of the opportunities of other students. But, God has placed an “across-the-street” opportunity right in our hands.

With a list of 35 students from our own Latino ministry, and the potential to help many more struggling Latino students who the local school system is eager to refer, the Missions Department at Grace Church is actively recruiting people to become tutors. Together, we are preparing to offer a new ministry called ARRIBA (“rise up” in Spanish) every Thursday evening beginning in September.

A SolutionHere’s Life Inner City ministry of Campus Crusade provides excellent training and support for those who want to help. Training begins with a threefold foundation: educational, homework help and tutoring; spiritual, Scripture focused activities; and social, beginning the evening with dinner and ending with recreation and family time.

It is clear that God will be in charge of this work, since tutors are not required to speak Spanish or have teaching experience. The only requirements are: knowing you have been called to this ministry by God, willingness to be trained, and a weekly commitment to tutor so volunteers can develop relationships with the children they tutor.

The only requirements are: knowing you have been called

to this ministry by God, willingness to be trained, and

a weekly commitment to tutor…

We’ve heard stories of lives changed through other tutoring ministries, and eagerly await all the surprises He has for us at Grace. My own story attests to the way God uses people for His good purposes in the most unexpected ways.

My JourneyAfter graduating from college and embarking on my career, the “providential” meeting in Houston Texas of my future husband Sam Raia caused a change in my plans. At the time, I sadly doubted if I’d ever live in Minnesota again, but after a few more moves and the birth of our first child, Sam was willing to “compromise” and accept a position that brought our young family back to Minnesota.

Fast forwarding to the summer of 2005, I accepted the position of Associate in Women’s Ministries at Grace Church. Nine months later, I assumed the role of Director, which I held for the next 5 1/2 years. It seemed as if each day God astounded me with the work He was doing and the way He guided the ministry. I loved those surprises! Since my retirement in December 2011, life has been as busy as ever, only more focused.

God amazed me yet again by redirecting what we anticipated to be a tutoring ministry for Somali children to one that focuses on the needs of our own Latino community. ARRIBA was birthed in spring 2012 with the help of a wonderful leadership team, and I am confident this is the direction God is leading.

Rise Up! – Take the First StepThe Latino Ministry at Grace Church needs tutors. Each tutor will be placed with one or two students to help with homework and to provide discipleship. Tutoring and mentoring begins in

September; training for tutors begins this summer. God may be calling you to make a difference in a young person’s life.

More info: contact me at sueraia@comcast.net. Volunteer applications are available at: www.atgrace.com/missions.

ARRIBA! Transforming the Lives of Latino Students at Grace By Sue Raia