Creaciones de Fe/Creations of Faith
About Creaciones de Fe | Contact | Stories | (This page is new and very much under construction - expect changes as the year unfolds
About Creaciones de Fe
Just as all of creation has many faces, so does ministry. Big elaborate programs have their place, yet sometimes there is the need for the intimacy that a small group brings. Creaciones de Fe (Creations of Faith) is one of these ministries. Photo: At Creaciones.
Creacione
s
de Fe began as a dream in the heart of several people actively involved in
the Agape Clinic. How can we help women see and believe that they are beautiful
creations of God - valuable, and made for a purpose and hope? As this question
murmured in the hearts and minds of Charles, Leslie, Maria Guadalupe "Lupe",
and Alison, God was working in the heart of a local pastor who was soon led
to approach us with a beautiful offer: Through the generosity of this pastor
and his ministry, money was given to start a ministry to women through Lupe
and Alison. Through the generosity of Grace United Methodist Church a place
for the ministry was given - as was administrative support.
Identifying and inviting
a few women with whom these two women have developed relationships, the ministry
began. Using their gifts, Lupe and Alison are creating a way to help women
use their hearts, hands, and minds in a way that prayerfully better equips
them for life in a world that seems so demanding and cold. The hope is that
through fellowship, the development of a skill, and networking with other
ministries in Dallas the women of Creaciones de Fe will be inspired,
motivated, and propelled to live more vibrant lives, contributing to the fabric
of the society in which they live. And through these women, Lupe and Alison
also grow.
Any Tuesday or Wednesday, if you walk in the Creaciones de Fe room on the third floor of Grace United Methodist Church, amid the snip of the scissors and snap of the photo album rings, you might hear the sweet sound of Hispanic women giggling or even roaring with laughter as the others tell the funny stories that make up everyday life. And, if you stay longer, you might hear other stories.
These are the sobering stories of their lives, stories that involve critically ill parents living Mexico, desperate for good medical care, but unable to receive it for money is short, or even nonexistent. Tears flood the women's eyes as they describe their fears of losing their mother or father. If you are still enough you might even hear the crack of their heart break as they, with whimpering voice, tell of their nephews and nieces who have no school to go to because it closed down, it is too crowded to admit any more children, or because there are not enough teachers to teach them. The women bear feelings of guilt and shame at the thought, knowing that their children have good schools to attend here in the states. And yet, they struggle to provide even for them here, with the need for uniforms, school supplies, and the ongoing requests for field-trip money. But they feel they cannot complain in light of where they have come from, in light of where their familia lives and lacks much.
Flowing through time of
storytelling is the sweet fragrance of prayer lifted up to God. Prayers for
mercy, love, and help for one another and for loved ones back in Mexico, far
away, yet near and dear to their heart. Prayer and tears heal as do the working
hands, for the act of creating has its balm too. 
Photo: Rosa at Creaciones.
This is the heart of Creaciones de Fe: Women of the world converging into one space, bringing our life stories, designing, shaping, cutting, gluing, and sharing with family, friends, neighbors, and new lives what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Contact
Please join us if you will; Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am-3pm on the 3rd floor of Grace United Methodist Church at 4105 Junius at Haskell in the heart of Old East Dallas. For more information contact Maria Guadalupe Springer (214) 748-1243 or Alison White (214) 497-7978.
Stories
Extraordinary in the Ordinary (Alison)
One day I was at home talking on the telephone with one of the patient/clients of the clinic. I was beginning to regret the decision I made to give out my phone number to this client (Mrs. B). She was calling me about three or more times a week mostly interrupting my much deserved peace and quiet at home after a long hard day of giving of myself to everyone who came across my path (sarcasm here).
On this particular day, for some reason I realized that I wasn't really listening to Mrs. B. The thought came to my mind that it was ok because at least, I was on the phone with her, how much did she want from me? The brief feeling of satisfaction was sufficient for me to continue listening to her numbly, disengaging myself, attending to dinner for the three little ones who surely were more deserving of my immediate attention since they were right here in front of me whining to be fed. Certainly attending to them was of utmost importance. "What a wonderful woman of God I am, taking in these three children through the foster care system", I glibly thought to myself. "Yes, it is ok that I don't listen to Mrs. B." At the end of that thought there came a soft whisper, which I sensed was the compassionate and truthful voice of God. "Either listen to Mrs. B or get off the phone. Your so-called act of service doesn't benefit anyone. Stop playing games." This may not sound like a voice of compassion, but wait to hear the rest of the story.
I did stop and when I did, I literally dropped the phone from my ear and fell to the floor. Bringing the phone back up to my ear, I began to hear and listen to Mrs. B. What was she saying? As I continued to listen, tears welled up in my eyes. This blind, arthritic, elderly woman was giving me ideas on how to inexpensively and creatively clothe, feed, and entertain the three children in my care. She rambled off sales from Kroger and places to get good school uniforms for less. Mrs B was telling me about a local church that was sponsoring a Fun Day where the kids could go play games and win prizes. I stood still and in shock, there in my kitchen. "What, she isn't asking for help, but is offering it to me! I wonder how long she has been doing this; calling me to help? How many times has she given to me and I have replied with, "ok, uh huh, I see, well I will be sure to pray," crouching to jump on the right moment so that I could get off the phone. This thought stopped my heart. "Woman of God...what are you doing? Either be real or forget it."
At that point in my life,
I began to realize how little I really loved and how much I longed to learn.
And here on the phone God was giving me the opportunity, once more, to do
so. That day, was a big one for me. Since then, God has helped me to be still
and listen. The kids are with their mother now, and still Mrs. B calls. She
calls to tell me she loves me and wants to know how I am doing. This is what
being a chaplain is all about. The healing
occurs on every side. There is always extraordinary in the ordinary. Blessed
are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God! Photo: Child at Creaciones.