Most of you reading this know that a turning point of my life came when I was in a spell of deep depression and doubt, and while spending time with Jonathan MacIntosh, a pastor from Memphis, the Lord gave me hope through these words spoken by the midtown pastor, “I don’t know the answers to all your questions, but I do know that I’ve MET JESUS. And He’s beautiful.” I still remember the words hitting me and sending an electric spark of joy coursing through my very core, and I just knew that everything was going to be ok.
I had a similar experience last week while sitting outside a panaderia in Medellin, Colombia; a panaderia ran by recovering addicts, dope boys, and hit men. I was sitting with a now good friend of mine, Jaime, who was telling me his own story of redemption and all the things that he did and went through before entering the rehab program at Ciudad Refugio, the ministry/church that houses “the program”, a homeless ministry, and transition businesses to help their graduates get back on their feet and into society. While listening to Jaime’s story and interacting with the guys in and around the program, I was struck by the beauty of redemption over and over again, and the Father’s relentless pursuit of hearts, and tender love that welcomes prodigal sons home. I think I’ve always known this about God, that He forgives sins and welcomes sinners, but I don’t know if I’ve ever fully experienced what the LIFE that He gives in EXCHANGE for our darkness looks like up close and personal. Lujan, who spent time in prison in Medellin before coming to the rehab program, is one of the most kind hearted, joy filled, gracious men I’ve ever met, and he’s now out of the program and helping to mentor and love the guys still in it. Miguel, who made a living hustling all over Colombia, would always greet me with a warm hug and a smile and genuine laughter that filled the room, not to mention waking up at 3 in the morning to make sure that I got to a taxi safely.
And then there’s Jaime. Jaime met Jesus at Ciudad Refugio and then went back to drugs and the streets 3 times before his heart was conquered and he knew that he was home. Back to robbing people. Back to sleeping on the streets. Back to dope. And then God mercifully said, “enough”, and brought his son home, to a life of love, joy, acceptance, and peace. Now, he has a wife that he loves very much and daily gives himself for, and ask anyone around who is the kindest, most servant-hearted, and you’ll probably hear the name “Jaime”. It was such a privilege getting to know this man. And as we are sitting in the panaderia that he now has charge of, eating breakfast and reflecting on all that God has done for us, his closing words, “Dios es Hermoso” land home and communicate to my heart the beauty of God and the abundance of His Grace. Indeed, Dios Es Hermoso.
PS, the rest of Colombia (Bogota, Cartagena, and San Andres) were amazing as well. Shout out to Allie, Lucy, Laura, Alex, Arnold, Nehemiah and Rebekah for your graciousness and hospitality during my stay. And M-squad for letting me hangout with you for the month! And for all the people that support Adventures month after month, we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!
