City of Refuge is a product of one man’s dream to “feed God’s sheep”. An Argentinean businessman without even a high school degree, who immigrated to Canada, ran three businesses: a bakery, fried chicken, and a cleaning business, until he received the book The Cross and Switchblade. Causing him to feel called to go to New York and see if this idea was actually true. He arrived at Times Square Church and ended up joining their teen program that helped addicts get clean and make a change in their lives.
Through a series of events, he ended up being sent to Colombia in 1993 by Times Square Church to work at a church in Medellin. At the time Medellin was owned by Pablo Escobar and was known for violence because of the drug cartel.
He went to the Lord asking what he needed to do about this, and heard a calling to “Go”.
After walking the streets at night, which wasn’t safe in Medellin, he found a large homeless community congregated in the middle of the city avoiding violence in the side streets.
One night, a homeless man asked Douglas to pray for him to accept Christ into his life; after opening his eyes he found himself surrounded by ten other men. He thought for sure he would be killed, but was greeted with more requests for prayer.
Because of the need he saw he created a homeless shelter housed in a garage, where Douglas also lived. Many men would show up each night for a safe place to stay. He knew they would need to expand and he wanted to branch out in the ministries they offered to the Medellin community.
Douglas was then given a building by a couple returning to Spain, but he knew it would not be large enough to provide the ministry he wanted to give. So he decided to tear it down and create a building to fit the ministry instead of a ministry to fit the building.
As we toured the foundation we learned about the numerous details he thought of during the construction of this building. Such as, having all the residential rooms facing east so the sun could be used for light instead of electricity; having the new residents facing addiction stay on the side of the building that is the quietest so they can have good rest; a bakery and cleaning staff made up of residents who are not paid, but learn a marketable skill for after the rehab program; and creating multiple entries and stairways for men and women so we have our own privacy. These are just a few of the details he took into consideration!
It is amazing to see how self sufficient this foundation is, along with the change they are making in the men and women’s lives who join the year long rehab program.
Another ministry they offer is an education program for children who are struggling in school. Unfortunately in Medellin, if a child falls behind they will not progress to the next grade, possibly leaving them in at certain level for an extended period of time. The program here teaches all grade levels together, but allows them to have more one on one time with the teacher so they can progress at their own pace. They also have the opportunity to learn English and German, which is not offered by other schools here.
Every night the bottom floor, which is used as a garage and for church services, is also used as a homeless shelter. Men line up every night and receive a number to get in. The only rules are they cannot be high, drunk, or have weapons. Once inside they register their name and receive a mat to sleep on, access to showers, and a sack to put their belongings in.
On Wednesday nights the foundation also does Aguapanela, where we go to the homeless community in the city and give them sugar water and bread. There is also opportunity to share God’s message to them, and tell them about the rehab program at the City of Refuge.
Lastly, there are children’s programs on Saturdays. From what I know so far, we take the children food and spend time playing and getting to know them.
Within the next year the foundation is also installing solar panels on the roof for electricity, and building a health clinic, dentist office, mental health clinic, and a halfway house in the building next door.
It is amazing to see what came from one man’s dream to feed God’s sheep. Douglas still works at the foundation along with other missionaries sent through Times Square Church in New York City. Their goal is to continue these ministries and remain self-sufficient so it will always be an option for the Medellin community.
I hope to share more experiences about my time with the residents here. If you would like to follow along in my journey, please click the subscribe button. Or if you want to partner with me and help me reach my fundraising goal, click donate.
Until next time,
Kenna
