So what’s the deal with Cartagena, Colombia? Well, it is dangerous here. We live in the slums outside the city walls where gang violence is prevalent. A few days after we arrived we witnesses the signing of a peace treaty between some of the local gangs who were accustom to shoot outs in the street. We were also here for the death of the most recent victim. A week before we arrived a 14-year-old boy who was in the house across the street from us had been raped and badly beaten due to gang violence. He died a few days after we arrived.
I do not write this to scare anyone, but to share a reality. That being said, my team and I do not live in fear here. When it rains we go to the streets and play soccer with the ‘neighbors’. We take turns blaring our music into the streets. Sometimes it’s their hard-core rap; sometimes it’s our Christian rap. We greet each other in the streets with smiles and I know God is fighting for them here.
It’s not all violence here, though, there is a major underground art movement happening here. These people are so creative their talent is astounding. We have had the privilege of befriending a group of very talented ‘B Boys’ – break-dancers. They rap, they dance, they beat box, they perform in the streets and compete and they are very good at what they do. This is a lifestyle for these young people, most of who are in their early 20’s. Our Host, Alex, is mentoring this group. He helps them set up shows, teaches them about the Gospel, and gives them free English lessons. We are partnering with him in this endeavor this month. In the mornings we teach the break-dancers English, in the afternoons we teach the teens in the neighborhood English and in the evenings we operate as ‘groupies’ for the break dance troupe more or less. The other day we followed them around the city for nine hours to attend their shows, be a support, and, well, we tried to pick up a few moves ourselves. That last part didn’t go very far.
Our ministry: teach English and support and encourage the community through the art of dance and rap.
Where I struggle to do a headstand (did my first one in a Cambodian yoga class), these young men are spinning multiple times on their heads and coming out of it with grace and skill. After their shows (designed to unity the community) they all get together for soda and talk with Alex about the importance of having a humble heart. I think, often, the most unexpected ministries (and people) and the most powerful ones. A Godly art movement defiantly has transformative power.
My simple take away so far: Overcome hate with the power to create.
Our God is a creator and we all have a bit of that in us. If we use our energy to be creative and share our passions we will collectively overcome hatred and violence. If your exhausted from dancing all day you don’t have the energy to go pick a fit with your neighbor, right?
