Johanna Mendez

I am Johanna Mendez, missionary to Northern Ireland and I am 23 years old.

I grew up knowing about Christ, but I personally didn’t know Him. At the age of 15, I was heartbroken by a relationship; I felt betrayed, not wanted, and not loved. I looked for others' validation for my life, and I was prideful. BUT later on that year the Lord made me realize how He was always right there. His constant love is what made me surrender my life to Him.

Since knowing Jesus, He has transformed me. He has freed me from insecurity, guilt, and shame. I now have joy, peace, and the Lord’s love in my life. And I get to know Him!

I go because I want others to get to know God like I have. I believe God has prepared me to go to Ireland and to build relationships with people and share His gift of relationship with us.

Ireland can be considered an unexpected mission field. Twenty-five years ago, Northern Ireland experienced a prolonged period of conflict where religious affiliation and cultural identity were deeply linked to the violence. The region faced significant divisions over governance, identity, and religion, which continue to shape culture today. NI remains a divided country, with Protestant and Catholic communities largely segregated. This religious separation has negatively affected how people view God’s love and the relationship we can have with Him as our Father. To this day less than 2% in Ireland are evangelical Christians. 

The Lord has given me the opportunity to partner with missionaries in Northern Ireland and national churches to breathe life into this country not by religion but REAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH JESUS. 

I will be a part of a BAM (Business as Missions) called Party Create, teaching art to children in person and on YouTube. This effort helps us reach out and connect with the community. Party Create is also opening doors in communities for us to plant a life-giving church. https://www.youtube.com/@PartyCreate

I will be supporting Party Create and the church plant by using my media skills and any other form the Lord leads me to serve! 

I know the Lord is already moving in Ireland, I can’t wait to be a part of it!