About Us
Discover who we are, learn about our vision and mission,
and meet the team behind Ruta 6:7 Tweens.
Our story began with a simple but urgent question: Why are so many young people leaving the church? As a lifelong teacher, Dr. Michelle Ramsundar listened to parents who came to the United States seeking a brighter, faith-filled future for their children, yet watched those same children disconnect from church. It became clear, this is a Critical Time for the church.
Through her doctoral research, Dr. Ramsundar discovered that second-generation Latino youth are a Critical Group. A generation uniquely positioned between cultures and in need of intentional spiritual support. She also identified the Critical Age of 9 to 13 year olds as a formative window when faith, values, and identity take root.
This sparked a vision, a program that walks alongside parents and tweens in strengthening their faith and Christian values and equips these families to practice their faith.
When the Lilly Endowment, Inc.’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative opened for funding, Dr. Ramsundar joined with Pastors Jose Luis and Karina Larco, Charlotte Cabello, and Pastors Pablo Cordero and Dalimar Velez to bring this vision to life. Today, with the help of the grant, and as part of the North Central Hispanic Region of the Church of God, we continue this journey with one purpose: healthy families committed to discipleship from generation to generation.
Many Latinos feel a sense of loss for their country of origin and culture. While the new country may offer advantages over their homeland, it often feels foreign, with unfamiliar customs and new language. This can weigh and add to the numerous stresses faced by minorities in this country.
The age 9 to 13 years is a pivotal period in human development. It is marked by significant cognitive, emotional, physical, and spiritual milestones. This stage is particularly crucial for the formation of morality and spirituality, as tweens´ growing ability to think abstractly allows them to explore matters of good, evil, faith, and love.
Today, more than ever in history, young people are leaving the church and their parents´ faith. With the development of technology and the political climate of the times, youth are feeling confused and excluded. Therefore, there is a need for a space where tweens feel connected, accepted, loved and reaffirmed in their faith.
Vision:
Healthy families committed to discipleship
from generation to generation.
Mission:
To walk alongside parents and tweens in strengthening their faith and Christian values, providing biblical, social and spiritual tools and support to practice their faith during the crucial tween years.
