Halfway through month 6 in Colombia the Lord called me to Bogotá to serve with and minister to Échale Ganas. Flying into the city was a lovely change and one of the shortest travel days I will probably have until I return to the US (only an hour flight!). Jumping with delight I was able to start my first day off in the city with a beautiful running-tour. Safe to say the altitude change had a huge affect on how far (and fast) I could run, but nonetheless it was rejuvenating!
As I arrived to our ministry site in Santa Cecilia, situated on the top of the mountainside, the night lights of the city and the setting sun presented me with the most precious “bienvenida” I could have imagined. Adjusting to the high altitude and our team’s ministry schedule I was soon introduced to our hosts: Pastor Ricardo and Lucy (yes, “Lucy & Ricardo”) and their daughter Laura. These three along with Mandy, another sister of the church, hold down the fort of the Oasis ministry: an after school program for youth and children in the Santa Cecilia area. They provide meals, sponsored by “padrinos,” open their doors to serve as a before & after school study program, help tutor students and in the summer months hold VBS open to the entire mountainside community.
Spending day after day with Lucy & Ricardo I witnessed the energy, passion and love they have for these children and Santa Cecilia. It was mind blowing. Over many evenings of tea, coffee and sweet bread Pastor and Lucy shared their story with myself and the team.
A little over six years ago the Lord called this couple to establish a church at the top of the mountain. They walked in faith and obedience despite great opposition and danger due to high crime and prevalent gangs. Amidst their walk and persistence to build this church Lucy shared with me her thoughts during that time: “If the Lord is for us, He’ll protect us. If not, then this [ministry] will not succeed.” A year ago the church and Oasis ministry was established and the doors opened to the community.
Over the past six years, it has been evident that the Lord’s hand was behind and in front and all around Ricardo’s and Lucy’s involvement in the community. Gang activity and violence has decreased significantly while the church and Oasis ministry have flourished. Over 40-50 children attend the Oasis program daily.
*Photo taken during game time of our VBS week, “Fiesta de Colores”
A major part of the our team’s ministry this month was to serve alongside Pastor and Lucy with the feeding program, tutoring and VBS. We also had many opportunities to go out into the community and surrounding areas to visit “los jardines” (kindergarten/preschools). With the youngest kids we taught basic English, sang songs, colored and did some fun skits from the Bible.
Traveling from one team to another throughout the month has been delightful. I enjoy being able to see more of my squadmates, encourage and pour into them while also partner with multiple ministries throughout the country. At the same time, one of the “fears” that I’ve developed serving as a Squad Leader is falling into the belief that I would never have enough time in one place to also develop strong relationships with our contacts. This month and within the 14 days I lived in Bogotá the Lord completely crushed that lie.
*My teammate Katrina P (left) with our Colombian sister, Mandy (top)
To my delight he blessed me with a beautiful Colombian family. Pastor Ricardo and Lucy, their daughter Laura, our friend Mandy and little Diana (my Colombian hermanita) have poured more into me than I could have imagined and opened their hearts to allow me to see their passion for this country, city and community. The Lord is doing GREAT things through this body of Christ that I am so privileged to have been a part of and be a witness to their faithfulness.
Dianita y yo
It goes without saying that I have certainly left a part of my heart in Colombia, and more specifically, my beloved Bogotá.
Laura and myself
Fun fact: Thanks to our friend Danny, this month I learned how to properly mop a floor, “It’s kind of like dancing.”
