If you are reading this, my guess is you will probably never have to sit on the street asking that question …. but it’s the reality of what we’ve seen here since being in Colombia.
I just wanted to update you all on what we’ve been up to so far. It’s been a fruitful time and God has opened up some amazing doors to minister. I don’t think we had any idea of the situation going on in Venezuela right now or that we’d find ourselves hugely ministering to the Venezuelans in Colombia. There has been a big, and I mean BIG, market crash in their country. There are families relocating and coming over the border to Colombia to seek stability. Since they are not citizens they are not able to work legally and so most of them are selling anything they can on the streets to survive (candy, cigarettes, etc…) I have been walking past families who are starving and in need of daily necessities. My team and I have been doing as much as we can to love them and give them what they need.
It’s heartbreaking, eye opening, and we just want to be able to do so much more than what we are able. BUT praise report, a bunch of us came together and via social media made people aware back home of what’s going on and thought it would be an amazing opportunity to invite them in to help and we raised over $2,000 dollars overnight. We were blown away and humbled to be entrusted to steward this money. This is not taken lightly and seeking the Lord as to how to best use this money to make the biggest impact. So far we have been able to feed the families and children, give clothes and diapers and just simply love in the best way we know how. We are hoping to find short or long-term ways to help these refugees.
The past few days we have been doing ATL (ask the lord) ministry as a squad. Waking up each day and being led by the spirit to direct us and see where he wants us to minister. Our teams leave tomorrow for our prospective ministries and our desire is to continue to keep blessing and ministering to the Venezuelans throughout the month in whatever way the Lord sees fit.
I will update you when we get to our ministry. My team is partnering with the organization YWAM (Youth with a mission). But this is what God has been up to as of late. It’s been incredibly fulfilling and amazing to all come together since we’ve been here and see a need and have a small (but HUGE) part in fulfilling that need in whatever way we can. Please pray for the refugees of Venezuela; for the government, for restored hope, provision, for families to be reunited (as some mothers have come with their children and their husband’s are back home), and that they would feel the tangible love and presence of the Lord wrapped around them. Probably so many people pass them on the street daily, but my hope is that they will focus on the one person who stopped to let them know they are seen and loved.
Random side note: Hope everyone had an amazing July 4th. It was the first July 4th holiday where I’ve been out of my home country. It sure was a memorable one and was proud to represent. I’ve never been more aware and grateful as I’ve been traveling to live in the country we do. So many blessings to count!
Much love to you all.
