Meet Malena
It is a privilege for me to have a space in this newsletter to be able to share with each of you a little about my life and my ministry here at “Refugio”. My name is Magdalena Guillen Bujano, but all my friends just call me Malena. I had the tremendous blessing of being born into a Christian home, my parents both teach at a Bible institute and pastor a local church in the city of Mante. My brother too, is a pastor and now serves as a house parent here in Reynosa. In 1999, I surrendered my life to full time service of our God. After completing three years of Biblical Studies, I graduated as a missionary in 2001. From there I went to the State of Michoacan where I served the Lord for two years.
Ever since I was very young, I can remember my mother teaching us the importance of looking out for the needy and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. I distinctly remember the time a young boy, who was very poor, passed by our home on an extremely wet & cold day. My mother called him inside, gave him warm clothes and shoes that belonged to my brother and then asked if I would give him some of my toys since it was almost Christmas. As I ran to my room, I remember hoping that one day, when I grew up, I would have lots of money to help the street children- to buy them clothes, food and of course, lots of toys! As I got older, sometimes other pursuits became priority, but that desire, of helping needy children, always remained in my heart.
So five years ago, when God granted me the opportunity to minister here at Refugio Internacional de Ninos, I jumped at the chance. My first job was overseeing the Children on the “Tios” day off. Next, I served as Luluís administrative assistant for the next four years. Then, just five months ago, humbled and surprised, I was offered the position of Interim Director of the Home. It is a difficult job, tiring at times, but in my heart there is great joy and peace. I had dreamed of having lots of money to help the needy children, though that is not the case, Iíve found I do have something very valuable to give them; my time, my love and above all the knowledge of God.
Since I’m only 28 yrs. old, many people – even my closest friends at times, ask why I’m here, “wasting my life, wasting my youth”?
What they donít realize is that my life, my youth, my happiness is Refugio Internacional de Ninos.
Thank you for allowing me, and each one of our staff, to fulfill our callings and make a difference in the lives of these children.
