It’s been exactly one week since arriving in Medellin, Colombia! To be honest this week has felt a lot longer than a week, but the excitement of my new surroundings, ministry, and navigating through this huge city is keeping these tired eyes from passing out. 🙂
This month, all of A Squad gets to be together in one of the most incredible ministries that is known as, Ciudad de Refugio. To say that this ministry does ALL the things to reach the people of Medellin, is an actual understatement. Pastor Douglas Calvano, burdened by the city’s homelessness, drug addiction rates, displaced families, troubled youth, and hungry children, started this well-rounded ministry in the 90’s. The ministry started out as a residential recovery program for homeless men; but now has the same residential recovery program for women, a shelter for displaced families, a feeding program as well as a general program for children who live in at-risk communities, and a church to serve it’s local church members. This ministry is doing SO much, and I definitely encourage you to look up their website to see how else they’re bringing Kingdom down because I’m almost positive that I’m missing some other program they offer for the people of Medellin! I can’t help but think of all the treasures in heaven God has prepared for Pastor Douglas, and I am honored to be able to work in his foundation for the rest of this month.
A lot of good has already happened this week, but I’ll let you all in on some of my favorite things that God has so wonderfully let me be apart of. From the very beginning He arranged for me and a fellow believer to sit next to each other on the plane heading to Colombia! Unfortunately, she was making her way into Medellin to receive a biopsy on her recent cancer diagnosis. However, she blew me away with her undisturbed peace about parting this earth if it was a part of the Father’s plan, and we got to share our faith in Him together. She was spunky and sweet and gave me Grandma Maria Bautista vibes. My whole squad prayed over her to heal her body before parting ways at customs and I was left with a ready heart to serve Colombia.
Wednesday, started with half of my squad helping Iglesia Ciudad de Refugio prepare and host their VBS! I was able to walk through the neighborhood with two of my teammates and Margaret, one of the leaders here in Ciudad de Refugio, to pass out fliers for the event! It was a little intimidating to be honest, but it quickly became easier for me when I saw how open and curious parents were about sending their kids. God, again, let me come across a man sitting outside his door, and I got to share Jesus with him. I’m not quite sure how much he grasped, but I hope to have helped the Holy Spirit do a work in him. Thursday morning was the first of three days their VBS was held for and each day averaged about 20-25 kids! We were blessed to have a group of YWAM people teaching and leading most of the program so my team was there to help them and minister to the kids with songs, games, crafts, cuddles, and love.
I’m still having a hard time believing I’m here and that I get to do this for a year! I’m so excited to see how the Holy Spirit is going to work the rest of the time I’m here in Colombia. Thank you all for being so patient on the updates. My goal is to blog twice a month and maybe more if I feel the Holy Spirit wants me to share something. For now, I’m doing well, I’m happy, I’m tired, and I’m excited. Please continue to pray for me!!! Also, don’t forget you can still donate through Venmo, Cashapp, or through my World Race profile link. 🙂 Love you all!
