Joel Ruiz

I joined a cohort on church planting. It was a group of 7 of us with 6 of the guys involved in action sports. I, a Filipino church planter in the Philippines, with zero knowledge of action sports was motivated by them to consider starting a skateboard ministry.

Later, I felt the connection and saw God's calling. I accept the challenge to start and quickly began learning how to reach skateboarders, with the help of my co-learner in the cohort, Dale.

Yes, here I am now, doing skate ministry in the Philippines and I love it.

I collaborate with the nearest skate park, which happens to be a huge facility, being much nicer then most skate parks in the Philippines. I believe God is allowing me to have this advantage. I started by befriending the local skaters. I asked them how can I be of help and minister? Upon searching and praying, we came up plan to start a skate ministry.

I got an old skateboard as a start just to let them know that I’m interested in skateboarding too. It so happens that I like to do physical activities. I was an ice skater during my prime years. I can manage to transform this skill to skateboarding. I also encourage my family (my wife and daughter) to join me in learning how to skateboard.

I now have a regular meet up with them. Scheduled every Friday, Saturday and Sunday 3pm onward to entertain a bunch of their needs: spiritually, physically and emotionally. There is so much to do here. I need prayer and support.

Praying that the Lord may sustain this kind of ministry. Openly you can see the spiritual need and the urgent concern.

Through the connection with SkateMin Asia, the field of evangelism and discipleship has broadened. The youth keep on coming. They are part of my mission. I open myself to a better way to effectively do church planting. Really, God is at work. The Gospel is too powerful to sustain this way, it has a reason to accomplish things for the kingdom's sake.

The skaters now know they have a bigger and better purpose. Such a wonderful scenario that the gospel has its way. Really, God is sovereign. He is the one who makes things happen. I pray and let the wisdom flow for the continuity of the skate ministry. Introducing the gospel along with providing for their needs, along with the answer for their emptiness.