Author Archives: Christina

About Christina

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Blessings to all that are viewing this. My name is Christina Cruz-Mendez. I am a Senior Pastor at Mission United International Church in Yonkers, NY working along side my husband Juan A. Mendez Jr. Senior Pastor, currently residing in Canton, Georgia. We have been together for 29 years with 2 children that God has blessed us with. Makes us the family of four - "JusChrist4". I have been a Christian and active in ministry for about 22 years now. Through all the rocky and smooth roads in life I am eternally grateful that God has brought me this far in life to share with the world what He is doing in me, through me and for me.
September 23, 2019

FOUR YEARS LATER

By Christina

It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s how you carry it.

Everyone has a different story in four years. So I am going to celebrate mine joyfully.

In four years I have gotten older, sharper and stronger.

In four years I lost great people and gained great ones.

In four years I have been in the best days of my life, family and ministry.

In four years I am just D I F F E R E N T.

In these past four years I learned to carry the loads of life in a different way.

Through prayer.

Through study.

Through timely fasting.

Not many but when I did them they were lengthy, sacrificial and worthwhile.

I can experience victory after victory through enjoying the God in me. Enjoying how to be still and quieter with Him.

Learning how to pick my battles.

I celebrate my own milestone because when people think I may be unqualified to be a wife, to be a mother, to be a pastor, to be writer, to be a professional or to do whatever —God has made me QUALIFIED!

I am qualified, selected and chosen to continue celebrating four years of the launch of juschrist4.com with over 400 blog posts and 2 published books! I am so grateful. All these things have been made possible for me.

I am more than able because it is not just the four years that taught me something of significance but the whole 44 that got me to this point of GRACE, LOVE, FREEDOM and virtue. I am not just a conqueror but I am more than a conqueror—He sees me as a champion.

Every step of the way, He reminds me…. Christina YOU CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH ME. All things. You are getting stronger, wiser, sharper, and becoming more of a visionary then ever before.

I dare to be different. It costs me much, but I can safely share this with you readers….The loads of life didn’t BREAK ME, they BUILT me.

They will build you too!

Keep going! Never give up!

Celebrate your milestones and victories too.

It is only going to get better.

Seasons of difficultly only prepare you for the greatest seasons of breakthrough.

Scripture Reference

“I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty. You’ve so graciously provided for my essential needs during this season of difficulty.” Philippians‬ ‭4:12-14‬ ‭TPT‬‬

1 Comment | posted in Celebration, Inspiration, Loved Letters

September 17, 2019

Kingdom Generals 2019

By Christina

God did the miraculous at Kingdom Generals 2019.

I have been so busy, so tired and yes, so weary that I haven’t had much time for anything. Especially the things I love.

Reading 📖

Writing ✍🏽

Prayer 🙏🏽

Fellowship 👭👭

Just so many things. I am tired!

And I need these things in my life for survival.

I got to KG and these peeps really put it in… Pastor Jose, Cassy, Lady, Matt, Dave, Ike, Janet, Jillian, Nia, John…. and at night after a powerful first service we got to our pampered log cabin room. They went above and beyond as usual.

One thing I can say was special is that they got me a little tree pandora charm to add to my bracelet. That was sweetness. I love trees… obviously because they are so representative of how our connection is with God.

Encounter worship was just lovely and precious! I can be there all day… listening, hearing, and just in posture ready to sing my heart out to the King.

The speakers are all dynamic. The pastors, family and friends simply grateful. But God God God.. did you ever just sweep in a place and stamp a seal of manifested presence.

I wanted to cry all day. But I got up because I heard the prayers … over my family. God was moving in such a tangible way. Prayer warriors and intercessors were pressing in like crazy.

I spoke with God… “You know me and in everything I do I know You are there.” My heart prays too. Even when it goes through the big ups and downs… The many roller coaster transitions, I am praying in a different way. You spoke back and it was profound. I will meditate on Your truth day and night.

The impossible made possible is just knowing that no matter what moment or obstacle, You are there. I am grateful for who You are, what You did and what You continue to do that moves mountains.

“This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.”

Psalms 139:6-11 TPT

2 Comments   |  tags: , | posted in Inspiration, Loved Letters, Prayer, Relationships, Rest

September 9, 2019

Coming Soon

By Christina

It is 9-9-19 and I am very excited for our upcoming event this year at KG 19 which will be held at Streamside Camp & Conference Center. We are just a few days away.

I am excited to announce a new line of items that are exclusive.  The purpose of these items are to promote inspiration from Christian writing –sharing and believing in hidden talents coming to LIFE!

My heart bursts its banks,
    spilling beauty and goodness.
I pour it out in a poem to the king,
    shaping the river into words…
Psalm 45:1 MSG

I believe so many others just touch the heart of God by using their unique gifts that will also touch the heart of the world.  So I am excited to share with you some great new items such as inspirational journals, pens, pillows and other comfortable items that will set the atmosphere for you!

I love decorating your surroundings, but most importantly having the things around you to help you get started.  To have custom journals is something that I personally love as a writer.  Hopefully you will too!

Join me this weekend at the vendor table all day Saturday as I will continue to share great news, inspiration, encouragement and love!  I will have more copies of my book Rise Above Adversity and hope that you can get your hands on this just for your library! Its a tool! It is a surrendered and transparent story to lift others up! We rise!

See you this weekend at this huge event –where the impossible becomes POSSIBLE!

With Love,

Christina ❤

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August 1, 2019

AUGUST

By Christina

This is good! Dictionary dot com reads as:

au·gust

/ôˈɡəst/

adjective: august

respected and impressive. Distinguished, eminent, venerable, hallowed, prestigious, renowned, celebrated, honored, acclaimed, esteemed, exalted, highly regarded, well thought of, highly regarded, well thought of, of distinction, of repute; great, important, of high standing, lofty, high ranking, noble, regal, royal, aristocratic;

imposing, impressive, awe-inspiring, magnificent, majestic, imperial, stately, lordly, kingly, grand, dignified, solemn, proud. “she was in august company”

All sounds good. A prayer. August will be greater. Rising higher, achieving more, raising the standard and setting the bar! That’s what August is and shall be!

“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.“
Genesis 12:2

Powerful!

And a confession indeed of greatness to come. I have sown much… work, effort, time, love, giving, sharing, helping, encouraging, training, moving and so much more! It is to say that no matter how I feel, I sow and give these things.

When it hurts, I sow.

When it’s not my time, I sow.

When I am frustrated, I sow.

When I am extremely tired, I sow.

No matter the season, I sow.

And I know I am going to reap when it’s my time… August will arrive for me. Great significance, value, contribution, effectiveness, support and appreciation! I will sit back and just say SELAH! It is August time!

It will arrive for you too. Just keep pressing, praying and persevering!

“I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.“
Genesis 12:2

 

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