Growing up in poverty, I faced many hardships and obstacles. I had lived without running water, without electricity, and suffered from hunger. Poverty brings heartaches, more than I can list.  My mother walked in and out of agencies with her children in tow. When we were turned away empty-handed, going home was scary - not knowing if there would be food for dinner, or if we would have to wait to eat lunch at school the next day. I learned to be thankful for every meal and every drop of water when we had it. I was thankful for any assistance we were given. The day would come when I would thank God for those hearts that cared, and did what they could within the means of their agencies. As a young adult, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and gave Him all the credit for the help we received.

Later, while married and raising children, God brought a life changing opportunity. San Antonio Housing Authority had received a grant to take Girl Scout programs into twelve of the poorest housing developments throughout the city and I was recruited to be a part of the initiative.

I saw that poverty still existed and it was worse than what I had survived. When I was a little girl, neighbors would help one another, but now they left each other to fend for themselves. People were hurting and God was beginning to knock on my heart and call me into a ministry to serve the poorest of the poor. I was frustrated and helpless as I met people who needed clothes, household goods, and more. Parents didn’t have time to think about Girl Scouting or programs, they were desperate and in survival mode.

In the late ‘90’s, I met with a pastor who was serving three of the poorest housing developments with neighborhood bible studies and food. I asked him what he needed most, his answer provoked me into action, and the mission began. Beginning with a small volunteer staff, the organization was birthed and God began to give me His plan to set up Our Father’s Kingdom Services. Since then, we have collected and redistributed over 300,000 lbs. of clothes, food, hygiene products, and more throughout the city of San Antonio.  

Our foundation has been Galatians 5:14,

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

With the Love of God,
Elisa Medina-Riebeling