Affectionately known as the “Thursday group”, ten racers from our squad were assigned to work with a ministry within the city of Medellin every Thursday. [For the privacy and safety of the students who attend, I cannot reveal identifying details.] The ministry is a private school program for children who live in a high-risk neighborhood known for drugs and violence. Many of the students who attend here are sponsored by people all over the world. Because we were in Colombia for one month, there were only four days we worked with this ministry.
The first week was spent getting to know the program director and activities leader. We also learned about the different facets of the program. Children who attend are taught English, science, computer skills, music, art in addition to respect, good manners and biblical principles. This supplements their public-school programs.
The second week we spent our time there cleaning the school buildings in preparation for the return of students after their Christmas break. Before the cleaning began, we had devotions and time praying with the staff & volunteers over the building and students. I mentioned before this area is known for drugs and violence which also includes vandalism and spiritual warfare. The first thing that was said to us as we arrived at the school was “don’t step in the blood.” Finding blood splattered on the front door and steps is a common occurrence. After prayer and a short devotional from one of the program workers, we began cleaning. We cleaned and cleaned and cleaned some more. Think spring cleaning on steroids. Every pot, pan, dish, table, chair, toy and book was washed or wiped down. Even the floors and walls got scrubbed inside and outside of the building. That place was spotless. Over lunch, we heard testimonies from some of the workers. One woman even shared how she quit her job to work for the school program because she saw the magnificent influence it was having on her own children and wanted to be a part of helping others in her community.
The third week was all about getting to know some of the children. It was their registration day. Some of us helped prepare lunch in the kitchen while others decorated the lunchroom then helped with serving food and cleaning up. The kids spent their lunchtime learning our names and a little bit about us. After the meal, we spent the afternoon with a second group of kids getting to know them and playing games.
For the final week we prepared a variety of activities to fill the day including games, a skit, songs along with a memory verse, bible lessons, and crafts.
Working with this ministry was a journey going from learning about the ministry, to cleaning the building, then meeting the kids, and then spending the day sharing our own program with them. We left with full hearts and hands on our final day. The kids made us bracelets, drew pictures, wrote thank-you notes, and gave abundant hugs. The barriers of language, time, and location were overcome by love.
-A little girl praying before her lunch at the school program-
-The Bible verse we taught on our final day at the school-
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14
