It’s day 3 here on the island of San Andrés, Colombia, and it feels as though we have been here for at least a week. After flying from Central America to South America, we arrived in Medellín, Colombia, and were met with a warm welcome from Harry and Ciudad Refugio. We immediately went to their morning church service that was held in their building. As we had been up since 4am, I (along with the rest of my squad) was struggling to stay awake, and I was delighted to hear the sounds of lively songs and a rowdy group of worshippers. It was a beautiful time.
After we were fed delicious sandwiches, fruit cups, and fresh juice, Harry explained to us the vision behind the mission. Ciudad Refugio has a passionate church because this house is a house of passionate people. This place is a safe haven for the homeless–most of which are alcoholics, drug users, and many have gang history. This ministry provides a recovery program, job-skill training, community living, and teaching about Jesus. This church is full of people who have been saved from their former lives, transformed, and have a passion for serving others. You can read more about them at www.cuidadrefugio.org
M Squad has one team staying there for the month. This is not that team. Las Libertadoras were sent over to San Andrés (a small island in the caribbean) for a pioneering trip. We are the first World Race team to serve here, as well as the first Ciudad Refugio (CR) team to serve here. The goal is to find the specific needs here on the island, and see how CR can expand and implement their ministry here.
This place is GORGEOUS. The island of the 7 colors of the sea. The water is clear and cool, and full of colorful fish (we found Dori and her friends!). Although tourists come through, we are not living in a tourist area. But, we are still excited to go exploring on our off-days! From the moment we arrived, we were met with an entourage from two of the churches here. We have been so well taken care of, and are thoroughly enjoying our time working with these two churches. So far, ministry has included sharing the Word in church services, playing games on the beach at night with the youth group, planning lessons for the schools, and also planning for upcoming outreach events.
.jpg&maxwidth=640)
I have already begun to form relationships with the people here, and I know we are just beginning! I am learning so much about their culture, their way of life (which is so different than that of the mainland), and thinking of new ways to pour into this community. The pastors here are wanting us to train their youth, and their children’s ministry leaders so that they may continue on this work after we leave.
This month is pushing me into more confidence in the Lord as I go into bringing sermons, teaching, and translating. I am not sure what all this month will hold for us, but I know it will be big, good, and new.
*I am so grateful to be here doing what I love! Everyday I am thankful for each one of you, who has made this mission possible for me. I pray that God blesses you and your family, as you are blessing me, my team, and those we come in contact with around Latin America.
My last deadline in coming up! In order for me to stay for the entire 11 months, I need to be fully-funded by July 1st! I am 92% funded and only need $1,200 more.
** Please find a blog post of mine that has touched you in some way. It can be this one, one from last month, or even from month 1, no matter 🙂 Share it with your friends/family on Facebook, Instagram, email, etc., and encourage them to pray about giving on my behalf. Please keep me in your prayers as I continue on in this mission, trusting that the Lord will provide my every need! **
Online gifts are now free of any fees, and are still tax-deductible! Checks can be mailed to:
Melissa J Barnett Jan2015 Rt. 1
Adventures in Missions
P.O. Box 742570
Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
All donations must be made 4-6 days prior to the deadline, and all checks must be mailed in no later than 8 days prior.
