On the World Race,we have different colloquial phrases that define our community. One of those phrases that is frequent in my thoughts and actions this month is, “Carry a ‘yes’ in your spirit.” It is the idea of continuing to say ‘yes’ and buy into what you are asked to do- even when it is hard.
I am in month 7 of my World Race in Colombia. My group has moved to the last of the three continents we travel to on our journey. It didn’t take long for South America to capture my attention- the breathtaking mountains, colorful architecture, hospitable people, delicious food, and movements of the Gospel are captivating.
South America is a welcomed breath of fresh air after my most challenging month thus far in Cambodia. See my previous blogs for more details, but it was a dark and broken country where the fight was real. Also, my team battled considerable sickness. – myself finishing strong with a parasite and bacterial infection.
After Cambodia, I needed something that was going to re-energize my soul. The Lord knew that South America was coming at the perfect time on my journey to do that exact thing.
My team found ourselves living in the beautiful city of Medellin, Colombia, nestled in the mountains. Medellin is nicknamed ‘the city of eternal springs’ and it has proven to be refreshing in many ways. It made ‘carrying a ‘yes’ in our spirit’ pretty easy… (pictured below).
Our ministry in Medellin is working at YWAM Mercy House- a home for boys and girls at risk in the community. The ministry does incredible work: caring for these boys and girls and giving them opportunities they would not experience without this home.
Within the first few days of getting settled into Medellin and working at Mercy House, the directors told our team they wanted us to go help a new YWAM ministry in Montelibano- a city eight hours away. None of us were super excited about the idea. We used a lot of excuses, like ‘we only have three weeks here, why take us away?’.
If we are being honest, Medellin is such a fun city and our set-up is pretty great, which weighed heavy in the lack of enthusiasm.
Realizing the nature of my response, I reminded myself, ‘to carry a ‘yes’ in your spirit’.
The Lord wanted us to go this new ministry. So, He re-aligned my heart to say ‘yes’ to our trip to Montelibano. I wanted to say ‘yes’ to what He had for my team and me- even if it meant being on a bus for eight hours, being really hot and sweaty, and having long days of work.
I think it was my ‘yes’ that made the next week the highlight of my time in Colombia. The YWAM Base in Montelibano is only three weeks old, so my team was helping to pioneer the work they will be doing in the future. How awesome is that?!
We spent every day working with different Compassion Centers that have before/after school programs for at risk children. In the evening we went to different church community to preach and share testimonies.
(Below are some pictures I took in Montelibano- in the community and in ministry).
My team likes to joke that we are a touring band, ‘Rooted On Tour’. Although we joke, we run a stellar program for kids: silly songs, games, activities, teaching, crafts, and sharing the love of Christ. I am in my element running these programs because it is like working at camp again.
The feeling of being ‘On Tour’ is heightened by the fact that Montelibano is an area foreigners never visit, so we are stared at, invited to random birthday parties, given abundant meals, and regularly crowded around by 20+ children. I both feel famous and like an animal at the zoo.
(Our band’s album cover, below).
This is more a funny caveat to my life on the Race, but honestly the week was incredible. I clearly saw the Lord walk before my team in the work He had for us to do. Some examples…
When we arrived they didn’t have a translator for us. Our host found this wonderful young women named, Camila, who is a Christian, to translate all our ministry. Camila and her whole family became friends with our team. These are friendships I will continue long after leaving Colombia. The Lord provided.
One morning I was asked to lead a Bible Study with a group of women who work at the Compassion Center. What I shared ended up speaking deeply into what they were walking in and struggling with in their faith. The Lord provided.
Every program I lead the Moose Song. Let me tell you, by the last day I wish I could kill that stupid Moose. The last program we ran I have never seen such joy and laughter and celebration from kids because of this silly ‘repeat after me’ song. The Lord provided.
My week in Montelibano caused me to fall head over heals for this country. It is crazy that initially I didn’t even want to go to this place! I am so glad I choose to say ‘yes’ because I saw the Spirit move in amazing ways. Kids and communities heard the truth of the Gospel through the way my team served.
I have four months left of this Race. It is easy to see it as a small amount of time because I have walked so far already. I have seen so much and grown immensely. But, I don’t want to begin to miss things because the finish line approaches. Also, in exhaustion and weariness of living out of a backpack, only having five shirts, being really hot, and missing home, it becomes harder and harder to say ‘yes’.
I have learned this month that I NEVER want to stop carrying a ‘yes’ in my spirit. I NEVER want to not pursue the goodness of what the Lord has for me and His People.
So I will keep saying ‘yes’ every day here in South America, and especially when I get home to the U.S. at the end of November.
Say ‘yes’ to the hard things, because it is in those uncomfortable places I see His Spirit move in such a dazzling and breathtaking way you can’t help but be in awe of the God who calls us His Sons and Daughters and want to follow fearlessly.
Keep saying ‘YES!’.
