WOW! That is all I can say about Colombia. This week we are staying at a hostel, which has access to wifi. 🙂 We are here for a week before we bus to Ecuador.
My feelings are of mixed emotions as I prepare to leave this country. Excited to see whats next, yet sad to say goodbye to a group of kids who moved my heart.
This month was hard for many reasons. We are in a small space with 7 of us total. Unable to leave the compound unless we have our ministry host with us. The area is not safe enough for us to walk around without someone from the neighborhood.
Going into kids ministry, I had no idea what to expect. There are not any small children in my family. Truth be told, I was unsure how to interact with children. At this time I had to depend on Jesus. All I did was as God moved me in. He showed me how to love these children, who are attention starved, unclean, and at times aggressive.
Any fear God removed, as I read through first John. John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear, because fear involved torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” – I know I am not perfect. God has to make me so. The fact I am fearful at times of the unknown, clearly shows God has to work in me still. John 4:21: “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” – These children are my brothers. God has sent me here to love on them.
I know as we depart, an impact for the kingdom with the children has been made. There was one kid who was very aggressive, at times selfish, yet loving at the same time. Knowing how cute he is, he would use it to get attention. We loved on him the whole month in Jesus name. Before we left we spent on last night on the courts we frequented to play sports with the kids. He smiled at us, showed no aggression, yet best of all shared some snacks he had. God used us to change a piece of his heart. Our affection and love has had a Kingdom impact. My prayer is that kids of these slums become men of God. Covered in our prayers. Even as I write this, it brings me to tears knowing God is in control, yet my heart is change. I love them. Miss them. Will always be praying for them.
