So Colombia…
We have been in Bogota for two weeks now. It has been a challenging and stretching month. We are at a church on the side of the mountain overlooking Bogota and the view is outstanding. The problem is that we barely get to see it. We went to a school this week and would come right back. On our day off we went to a field on our hillside and played games with the youth. I would have liked some time to get away from everyone. However we cannot. We have to be with a local at all times and in a group.
We are the first world race team in Colombia and they want to be extra cautious. I just want to see this amazing city, because I will probably never get a chance to come back here again.
So, what has the Lord been doing with a bunch of Americans stuck on a hillside in Colombia with cabin fever? He has been moving not just in the chrch, but in my life as well. There have been many activities that I would normally shy away from. From working with kids to skits to just sitting still and listening to God.
The first week we put on a VBS for the local kids. We played games, learned bible verses, sang and danced. I am not a fan of kids. The younger the harder it is. The kids run around and don’t listen. It truly felt like herding cats. I wanted to get out of there, but God wanted to stretch me. Some of the kids were great. One girl, Laura, was so sweet. She was also super smart. We had to memorize a scripture (Luke 3:11). She had it memorized after three times reading it to herself. She went on stage and said the verse. All this from a little 4-5 year old girl. SHe was the highlight of the week.
This week we went to a school every morning. We did worship, skits, and prayed for the students. The week started with us doing the younger kids and we ended up with the Seniors on the last day. I do not like speaking in front of people or performing on stage. I had to do both this week. We did the Lifehouse: Everything Skit. If you havent seen it check it out online sometime. Very impactful. I had to play God. It was super nerve wracking, but I eventually looked forward to performing the skit.
Later I had to give a short message and pray for the students. The message just explained one of our skits and how sometimes we get stuck in sin and even drag others into sin.We cannot escape the sin on our own, but with Jesus we can free ourselves from sin and the suffering that comes with it. I prayed for the students and then we would enter a time where they can come forward and ask for prayer. One young man was exceptionally hurt and angry. His name was Gustavo.
His father had beeen murderd when he was five and had to move to get away from the people who did so. He wanted to know what God could do for him? How can God fix what was done. I was very hurt for his situation and struggled through an explanation. I know that man sins and most of the time their sins affect others. Whether thst is severe or slight. However, with Jesus Christ you can begin the process of healing your own heart and forgiving those who hurt you. Part of overcoming anger is forgiving those who hurt you. I am not sure whether it made a difference, but I prayed for healing in his life and his family. I know with the help of GOD, Gustavo and his family can experence peace, healing, and forgivness.
God has awakened a desire to pray for others and their circumstances. He has brought cases into my life to help me improve in this area. I pray that he increases my receptivness to him and in the ability to speak boldly what others need to hear.
Even though I would like to get out more, God has been working in my life to improve my time with him and how I minister to others. Every month gets better and better. Each month looks completely different, but have their own distinct merits.
Just before posting this, my computer screen stopped working. I have to now figure out how to buy a new computer and get a new computer to me by the end of the month in LA. If anyone would like to help with the cost, please email me at [email protected] . I would really appreciate the help.
My fundraising is at $14,350. Still just under $2,000 to go. If you would like to help me get fully funded, click SUPPORT ME AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE. Thank you to all my supporters. I love and appreciate each of you.
