I had a strong feeling that I would fall in love with this country, it’s one of the reasons I applied for this route on The World Race. I worked with many Colombians at an amusement park, Valleyfair, in Minnesota..uhhum…let’s say several years ago. They were hard working, fun, kind and generous. I was thrilled at the opportunity to get to see some of these people again when I learned that our team would be in Bogotá, the nation’s Capitol.
Several people voiced their concerns about our squad traveling to this country. Their feelings are valid. We’ve all heard stories of Guerrilla warfare and drug lords. Gratefulily, fewer of them in more recent history.
Once upon a time, I met a Colombian. I made an ignorant joke about cocaine. He responded gently by saying it was one of their biggest exports along with emeralds and salt. He left me to ask myself where did they export it to? Supply, demand, and almost any movie portraying yuppies in the 80s led me to believe the US was most likely the largest consumer.
Bogota is a city of over 10,000,000 people. One can only imagine the darkness that may lurk there. Just before typing this I read an article of a raid made just this last weekend in the efforts to clean up an area of the city known as ‘Bronx’, named as an ode to the borough in NYC.
Our ministry for the month was atop a mountain that had had a similar past. When I told my friends in Bogotá where I was staying they were skeptial but did say that the area had had many changes in the past 6-7 years. They were still weary of visiting in the evening. Our hosts were very cautious of this, they would not allow us leave the building unaccompanied.
All of this being said, I never felt I was in danger. I felt cared for, loved, respected and treasured. I have no doubt that God placed me (and my team) in the care of this loving family for a reason. I pray that I am able to return soon. I have made dear friends and of course have fallen in love with the children.
Our team worked with Inca Link Colombia. Each day kids would come to a program called Oasis to receive help with homework, a hot meal, and lots of love from the people serving there. It was an honor to be involved with what is happening on that mountain.
Several years ago the pastor at the church we lived in received a word from the Lord to go to the mountain. She and her family have diligently labored to turn the situation on the mountain around. When they started there were gang wars happening, several drug related. They received death threats and vandalism to their buildings. They continued on. They are now a well respected pillar in the community.
I am in awe of their persistence, perseverance, and faith. I would like to introduce you to them. Their kindness, gentleness and love show in everything they do. Please take a minute to check out the work they are doing www.incalink.org look for ways to help them out.
Updates!
Some of the squad mates are looking for the rest of their funds to come in. Please pray over this and consider contributing. The links to do so are as follows:
www.ryanstephens.theworldrace.org
www.estherhouser.theworldrace.org
www.talialinde.theworldrace.org
www.alexkeeley.theworldrace.org
www.seanfalconer.theworldrace.org
www.alexisleon.theworldrace.org
www.pamelachristian.theworldrace.org
www.sallyfallanca.theworldrace.org
www.mikeward.theworldrace.org
www.heatherwhitford.theworldrace.org
www.mikefiene.theworldrace.org
Some of them need a little, some of them need a lot.
You are also welcome to prayerfully consider contributing to my overwhelming expenses back home. You can do so at:
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
