This past month, my team and I were in Medellin, Columbia. I can honestly say that Columbia was my favorite month on the Race, so far. Everything about the month was amazing!
Every morning, I would spend my quiet time with the Lord drinking Columbian coffee and looking at the mountains that surrounded Medellin. Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday I played my cajon (box drum) for worship. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I played soccer with the men in the restoration program. To top it all off, I went paragliding over the city of Medellin.
Most importantly, I developed some incredible relationships with the thirteen men in the restoration program. I will never forget these relationships and their names.
It was the end of our stay. This meant that once again we had to say goodbye to the people we had formed relationships with this month. On the World Race, you constantly create strong bonds with people and at the end of the month you leave them. After eight months, it can get pretty hard.
When saying my goodbyes, I had incredible peace. I had to ask myself, “Why?” I was so happy and thankful for such an incredible month. I gave God all the glory for the relationships, the laughs, the adventures, the conversations, everything! Instead of being sad, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness! All I wanted to do was praise and thank the Lord for being on the Race and having such an unbelievable month!
When I fixed my eyes on the Lord, he turned my sadness into praises.
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:23 (ESV) This month, all of D squad is living in Quito, Ecuador. My team is partnered with La Luz Carapungo Church. We are helping Pastor Efren and his family to teach English amongst the local community. We are living at 9,350 feet elevation. It is just a little bit chilly this high up in the mountains! I love the people of Ecuador and our ministry this month. The Lord has shown me how much I love relational ministry and connecting with people on a deeper level. The Lord is continuing to teach me to depend on Him and seek greater intimacy. I ask the Lord everyday to stretch, grow, and transform me into the Man of God He created me to be.
In just a couple of days (August 19th) I get to see my parents after 8 long months! They will be here from August 19th – August 24th. To say I am excited is a major understatement! I cannot wait to serve alongside my parents for 5 days in Quito! Please keep my parents and all of the other parents in your prayers. Watch out Quito Ecuador! There are two more Belkots coming your way!
With much love,
Spencer James Belkot
