Medellin…..How do I even sum up everything I have experienced to this day. There really are no words to describe everything God has done and even how he has been using my team for his glory. We arrived to our host home Pastor William and Cristina with their four sons. What a wonderful family. They have spoiled us to the MAX. Soon after arriving to their home they made us feel so welcome and part of their family. Not only them but everyone we have encountered in the town of Pajarito and San Pedro and everywhere we go. Just in a short amount of time we all have bonded very well. Everyone in Colombia have been so nice. Nobody judges us for who we are but are receptive of what we have to say. There is NO TRANSLATION needed for LOVE. Back home it is so hard for someone to say a simple good morning, hello, goodbye, good afternoon, good evening. While here in Colombia their simple hi means very much. They like to hug here a lot so that even makes you feel very welcome and loved.
Before coming to Medellin, Colombia I had some expectations of what I would be doing. According to our information that is. It stated we would be doing Prison Ministry, Church foundation, working with children, VBS, or just to serve where needed. Came to find out that is what Pastor William had in mind. We are the church’s first Missionary group so he had so many plans. I also thought I was coming to this mission trip to spread God’s love and spread the hope he had given me. Do not get me wrong, we have done that but so much more.
Let me tell you that GOD’s plans are not our own. I thought back home, God has a sense of humor, but came to really believe it here in Medelllin and San Pedro. Not only does he have a sense of humor but when you ask to grow in him, he will give you that plus more. I remember one year ago, I had told God to use me where he needed me. I asked him to grow me and told him I wanted to serve and be obedient to whatever he wanted. Now I am sitting here in Medellin, Colombia enjoying the beautiful weather and view because yes, it is wonderful. There is so much beauty here which cannot be justified in a photo. Every day I am reminded of how good God is and how big and awesome he is. All his creation leaves me speechless. This is just the beginning because we have more to see.
I never expected to arrive this first month and experience such wonders. I am a little behind on my blogging, but I was just having such a hard time putting everything I have experienced in words. Forgive me if this is too much, but wait a bit because there is so many more GREAT things to be told. I really appreciate you reading so far. I did tell everyone it would be a little while before you heard from me. THANK YOU if you are still reading. From day one here, my team and I have seen all the open doors and have seen God move in many ways. I may just have to say he has been showing off. We were told we would be doing a theatrical performance. We were like “OK”. If that was what the Lord wanted, then we would do. Even without experience. Who knew I would ever perform. We met Mateo (19) and Yessica (21).Those two are the best.
Day 2 of ministry: 1. Practiced our theatrical performance. 2. Went and were in a live and actual radio show (WOW!!!) 3. Ministered in a bus and gave our testimonies-it was GREAT! 4. Went on a prayer walk through a community- also gave our testimonies, talked and prayed with the children there. 5. Saw miracles (just a casual day). The team stopped and prayed for a lady named Luz Amparo who was blind in one eye. It even was very red. When we were done praying her eye was less red. (To follow up on her story, a few days later she was able to see out of that eye and her eye was no longer red). 6. Went to the park to visit some people who society has labeled them as “Outcasts”-ministered and prayed for them as well. These girls and guys were so receptive and full of questions. One guy named Kevin even accepted Jesus into his heart. Very heart breaking seeing and hearing about their lives, but I know God touched their heart and will work in them. I have to say the day was a bit exhausting but successful. We thought we did a lot but were not even prepared for what God had planned for us. Ok so I cannot write everything so I will just share a bit.
What was ahead of us, I believe none of the team expected. I believe God gave us a little break and nothing too exciting before putting us to work at our one hundred percent. I so wish I could just tell you of every detail or just carry a video camera every second. I have been in awe of what God has done and how I have grown in him just in three weeks. Now would you like to hear what else God has done?
A R E Y O U READY FOR THIS………………………………………..MAYBE? HERE IT GOES……….
It had only been day three and we had already seen miracles. The team went to Patricia’s house. She is daughter of a lady from church. Well Patricia had not walked for sixteen years. If she tried she would be in pain or she had to hold on to something. That day part of the team had gone in her house and prayed for her. So many things happened in there. Not sure what all went down, but all I know is that God performed a miracle in front of our eyes. Patricia walked. Stood up with no problem nor pain and I believe she was dancing. She came outside where the rest of team could see her and she was walking down the ramp without holding on to anything and she was dancing some more. It was only by the grace of God that she could do it. Later in the week she went up in front of the church dancing and giving her testimony as to how she could now walk and she knew God was calling her for more. So not only did we see this wonderful miracle but then God changed it up on us. We began casting out demons in Jesus name. YES!!!! we were all surprised as well, but that was what the Lord wanted us to do. Went into an apartment where demons manifested themselves in that place. When we got there the team gathered around. Not only did we cast out demons from a person but from a DOG as well. YEAH, sounds crazy but so true. It was a little scary at first and had no idea what to expect. It was still such an amazing experience.
After that day, the team thought that was all the fun and excitement we were getting. NOT AT ALL. Pastor William took the team to another town named San Pedro. Boy was I not expecting what went down. I kept thinking it was a little old casual visit to church on Sunday night. Oh, how was I wrong. The Holy Spirit definitely moves there. At the end of the service it went down. Round two of casting out demons. This one was a tougher one. Soon after the lady who was possessed and casting the demon out, I realized this was just the beginning. This was soon going to be our norm.. The thought of it just seemed a bit scary and unreal at first. But as the days went by and we were casting demons more days than none, (sounds weird) it just started becoming easier and I started having the feeling of wanting more. WELL, not exactly easy but by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit being with us just seemed that this could be processed better. What we originally came for was not God’s plan, but I have accepted that God wants me to be where I am at. He has called me to be his vessel and a messenger just like the team name “Los Mensajeros”. He has not placed the team together by accident and it is not a coincidence that he has put us in Colombia for the first country. I thank God for Pastor William and his knowledge. I feel with all we have learned and experienced, this casting DEMONS out will just be like nothing in the future. I pray I always follow Christ, which I would not want to leave because now knowing this which God has allowed me to live, I have to say satan is a bit angry and will try to come back at us at his fullest. Each day that passes and we do what God wants me to do I feel confident and full of authority. God has replaced fear with peace. Casting out demons has turned in to just a casual day.
Every experience here has been planted in my heart. From ministering out in the streets, bus, schools, church, homes and so much more. I would never finish typing if I would tell you everything in one sitting. Mateo and Yessica what can I say, they are another brother and sister and now part of our team. We became so attached very quickly. They experienced some of these wonderful things with us as well. I know God has a Great plan for them and he allowed them to see these things to prep them as they will serve in Germany as missionaries in 2018.
God does not make mistakes. He brought us to Medellin because there are so many people lost and need from him. He brought me here to confirm many things and to show me that I am worthy of him. He can use me more than I ever expected. I never thought I would experience him to a higher and supernatural level this soon. I accept what he has chosen for me and will continue trusting in him. I receive the authority and power given to me. God is good.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
God has placed this verse in my heart since day one and it is very important in my life. The work is not done and just beginning. I have so many things I would love to share especially how hard it is to be leaving our adopted Pa Pastor William and Ma Cristina and all who have made us feel so loved here. I have to say, we have been pretty blessed. Hunger was never an issue. Cold was never a problem. We had a mattress. God has definitely shown us the good times. Maybe one day I will be able to share all God has done and will do. Thank you again for reading to the end if you did. May God Bless you and my advice to you is to follow God. He will give you what your heart desires if it is his will and will give you the and answer you need. He just wants you to seek him and have that relationship with him. When we follow him sincerely and get out of our comfort zone, God will always have your back. He never gives you anything you cannot handle.
