Ministry in Medellin, Colombia is something that is very busy and something that looks different day to do day because of all the programs happening here at Ciudad Refugio (City of Refuge). According to their website (ciudadrefugio.org), “Colombia has the largest population in the world of internally displaced persons. The country’s 50+ year civil war and ongoing clashes between military, leftist guerrilla groups, and right-wing paramilitary groups leave hundreds of thousands annually fleeing their homes and migrating to urban centers in search of shelter and economic opportunity. Few find work, those with the courage to register themselves receive government support, and others fall victim to gang and drug activity on the city streets. Medellin is a place of broken homes, addiction, violence, hunger, and limited access to education”. The foundation where I have been blessed to be able to serve, however, is a refuge for those in need. “Through the provision of emergency aid, shelter, and holistic programming, [their] diverse programs reflect the belief that “home” is more than a shelter. Through feeding, housing, restoration, education, and microenterprise initiatives, Ciudad Refugio helps provide short and long term assistance for those interested in restoring their lives and creating lasting change for their futures”.
Here is an average day of mine in Medellin. The first Saturday we were here, I woke up in the small room I share with five of my teammates, listening to the loud sounds of traffic right outside the open window and the homeless men shuffling out of the downstairs shelter that they slept in the night before. I went downstairs for breakfast in the bakery where men in the recovery program work; this business contributes to the foundation’s capacity to be about 80% self-sustaining, which is incredible! The bakery is a place I have come to love. I have spent sweet mornings with Jesus at a counter overlooking a windowsill filled with flowers and small yellow taxis endlessly driving by, and I have eaten delicious croissants and churro donuts for the cheapest prices! After breakfast, our squad (a group of 27) met to plan for the coming services of the day. Then, Shelby and I helped to teach an English class hosted here in the foundation. Next was lunch, which is served by the sweet, sweet women in the recovery program and almost always consists of potatoes, rice, and carrots in some form. After lunch, we piled into a van and headed to a nearby community for children’s ministry. We split up into groups to walk around the neighborhood with its houses piled high in narrow streets, and it was heartening to see the volunteers who serve here at the foundation knock on doors looking for specific children because this is a consistent ministry that takes place every single week. We played games with the children, taught about a Bible story, did a craft, and had more activities, followed by a snack.
Afterwards, we hastily ate dinner (the same as lunch) and then ran downstairs for worship at the church service for homeless men. As soon as that ended, we ran back upstairs to run a youth service for about 50 kids. We made wave nametags, talked about Jesus walking on the water, created origami boats, and did a “walking on water” relay race. It was extremely necessary for us to have activity after activity prepared because the children have high energy and little discipline. This was even more evident after the service was over when we hung out with them and I watched my teammates get dragged around on the floor. Finally, I spent time with my team playing games before “lights out” at 9:00 so that the men in the homeless shelter are able to sleep.
Although every week is consistent, each day involves a varying schedule, meaning I have had the opportunity to be involved in so many different ministries. Aside from what we did on this particular Saturday, we have had Bible studies and exercise classes with the women in the recovery program, worked in many kitchens, served bread and warm drinks to the homeless, worked in a structured program for kids not able to attend school, shared testimonies and led worship in many services, did outreach in a local park, assisted with a children’s Bible school and feeding program, and worked with food donations, sifting through rotten produce as well as washing, peeling, and cutting.
As you can see, I have been very busy, but with this busyness comes such a fullness in my heart. I have loved the excitement that our schedule has brought, but it has also been so nice to have consistency week by week so that I have been able to form deep relationships. Overall, Colombia is steadily making a profound impact on me.
