In January 2020, The board of Compass Ministries had a long-desired dream of opening a House for Women Missionary Kids we now call Ruth House. These young adults are American children of missionaries, roughly estimated at 1.2 million, who grew up in foreign countries and will be living in the U.S. independently for the first time. Given the go-ahead, we set out to rent a house and began work. There were two women ready to be the first residents. To the world’s surprise, by March, we were facing the shutdown of our regular lives due to Covid-19, and that meant that, most likely, this dream would lay dormant indefinitely. We had to trust that if it were the Lord’s will and timing, He would make it happen despite everything the world faced. The Lord had a plan, and we were in His timing. By the middle of September that year, we had the house that showed up miraculously. Our exceptional and generous church community came alongside doing a great job, working, furnishing, decorating, and equipping the home entirely in a record amount of time, another miraculous event, attaining our goal of moving in October 1st.
That was the birth of the Ruth House, and this October, we are celebrating our 2nd anniversary. Since its opening, we have received a total of 5 young women who have grown up on different continents and to whom we have provided support in their transition to the United States. At the Ruth House, they receive practical discipleship, mentoring, coaching, and counseling, helping them to work through losses and traumas in their lives and, most of all, develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in their current environment. Our residential program consists of 2 phases of 1 year each. We offer a third year of pastoral counseling, mentoring, and coaching if desired. The objective is to help the MK(s) experience interdependence by learning to become financially independent and acquire needed relational and life skills to thrive in this world. This mission would not exists without the efforts of many who gave their talents, skills, time, finances, prayers, love, and support in so many ways. That is why, on behalf of the MK women at the Ruth House and our excellent staff, I would like to thank you for making these first two years a success. We sincerely appreciate your loyalty and faithfulness.
If you are interested to find out more about The Ruth House and a future Compass house for men, please email me at vivian@compass-ministires.org
How to apply to the Ruth House?
Request your application by filling out a request form at https://www.compass-ministries.net/application
We know that your resources and time are precious. We also understand the deep desire in your heart to make a difference in this world.
We would be grateful if you would consider Compass Ministries as one of your ministry partners. There are so many ways to be part of caring for Missionaries and their children: Donation
a. Mail a check to Compass Ministries 1214 W. Bearss Ave. Tampa, Fl. 33613
In-Kind Contribution: Call (813) 374-3915
a. General households supplies (dish soap, laundry soap, Windex, Clorox wipes,
vinegar, baking soda, pledge, sponges)
b. Paper Products: Paper towels, napkins, toilette paper, plates, cutlery, cups
c. Gift cards: Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon
d. New and gently used items
Volunteering your skills and expertise.