Young Christian
comes full circle
By Edward Terry, The Layman, October 19, 2009
AURORA, Ill. – One moment Rigo Ortiz is chasing a laughing 8-year-old with a kickball. The next he’s asking his playmates to reflect on Psalm 32 before everyone bows their head for prayer.
The joy in the children’s faces almost match his.
Rigo Ortiz leads a group of youth in Aurora, Ill., in prayer during the summer day camp at First Presbyterian of Aurora.
“I love showing them the love of Christ,” Ortiz said. “I love showing them that being a follower of Christ isn’t all about going to church. Christians are the same as everyone else. They can play kickball and do fun things.”
Active in youth ministries at his church, Ortiz served as one of several leaders at the Neighborhood Kids Club Summer Day Camp at First Presbyterian of Aurora, Ill. The ministry reaches out to the surrounding neighborhood in a way that Ortiz knows will one day make a difference.
Starting a strong foundation
Even though he focuses on making it fun for the participants, deep down inside he knows that the Scripture, prayers and Bible stories he teaches them is the start of a strong foundation. He knows because it wasn’t that long ago that Ortiz was himself playing games and enjoying the same summer day camp.
Despite growing up Catholic, he participated in activities at the church as a youth. But it wasn’t until later that he would come full circle.
It was the summer of 2005 when he dedicated his life to Christ. Now at age 21, he’s hoping to make another big commitment.
Ortiz had it all planned out. After unsuccessfully applying at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, he attended Joliet Community College and earned a degree in electrical engineering. While preparing to enter the workforce, Ortiz continued being active in ministry by helping with the youth at First Presbyterian Church and being active in the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship at Aurora University. Little did he know, God was preparing him for something else.
He was finally accepted at Moody and his journey toward serving God as a career officially began. Now in his second year as a youth ministry major, Ortiz is eager to apply his new knowledge. But he’s also still learning as well.
“It’s like Christ said, to have the heart of a child,” Ortiz said, adding that he’s learned to have more trust of others by watching the trusting nature of children – “the way the kids are so loving and encouraging.”
Comforting faith
That trust has served Ortiz well as he’s encountered many personal hardships – from a car accident that killed several members of his extended family to his brother battling cancer for several years. The same way that Christ filled his heart in 2005, his faith has comforted him in times of trial, Ortiz said.
His faith has also encouraged him to work toward becoming a youth pastor in his hometown. But as before, he understands that God may have something different in mind.
“My heart is here (in Aurora),” he said, adding that his first choice would be youth pastor at First Presbyterian. “God’s plans for my future – He can take me anywhere. I’m going where the Lord leads me.”
For now Ortiz will continue enjoying his studies at Moody Bible Institute and time spent with youth at his church, which is going quite well, according to the Rev. Steve Rhodes at First Presbyterian.
The fact that Ortiz was once where many of these children are now creates a bond that can’t be taught in seminary.
“It helps me knowing that these kids might not come to Christ right away, but don’t underestimate the power of God,” he said. “These kids are going to be coming to Christ, whether it’s this summer or five years from now.”
Trust this follower of Jesus – he speaks from personal experience.