Blog - Monday, July 18th

Today we started off by visiting a public school in La Pinuela.  The school has approximately 80 elementary aged students.  We were able to spend a few minutes talking to the students.  They were all then gathered for an assembly.  Our youth presented “End of the Beginning,” sang a couple of songs, gave two testimonies and handed out salvation bracelets.  The missionary team presented the gospel.

Upon leaving the school, we went to a local boy’s home run by the Fundacion IMI- Colombia.  The foundation was started about 14 years ago to assist children in the drug ridden town of Cartucho, Colombia.  The homes were later moved out of the cities into the countryside.  Most children staying in these homes have either been abused, have parents in prison or have unsatisfactory homes to live in.

The home we visited is run by Felix and Vicky.  There were 10 boys ranging in age from 5 to about 12. There is an adjoining house for teenagers.  Before meeting the boys, we were taken on a tour of the facility.  The facility is an operating farm – complete with goats, cows, chickens, rabbits and a hothouse garden. All children help on the farm about 1 hour per day.  There is also a workshop for the older boys.  Three afternoons per week different craftsmen come in to teach the boys a trade such as metal or woodworking.

We were treated to a traditional Colombian meal of Ajiaco Soup (corn, 3 types of potatoes, chicken and various spices) served with rice and avocado. We were also given fresh pineapple juice for drink.

After lunch, we spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the boys.  We have so many pictures that we can’t possibly post them all! There were major ticklefests, balloon sword fights, Uno, soccer, etc. The children presented us with a drama very similar to the “Everything” skit our youth did a couple of years ago and sang a couple of songs for us.  The afternoon concluded with the children praying for us and our trip.

There are so many things that I could add to this blog. But, I am encouraging the teens to add to it.  During our devotional time this week, we have been studying the book of 1^st John. I truly believe that the message of love in 1^st John was displayed today by our youth. Many of us left a piece of our hearts at this home. More than one tear was shed on the way back to camp.

Please pray for our ministry at a girl’s orphanage tomorrow.  We have the opportunity to minister to up to 110 girls. Pray for the softening of the hearts of the girls we will meet as they have been hurt by others in the past and do not trust easily.  Pray for the wisdom and strength for our mission team.  The thin air, physical exertion and concentration for translating can be very draining.

Serving Him!

Thoughts from Emily

I just want to start off by thanking God for watching over us this week and providing this opportunity. We have been having a wonderful time working at the camp, visiting local churches and homes, and spending time with the people. Visiting the Tenjo church was a great welcoming to Columbia. The members of the church were so kind to us. We were greeted with smiles and hugs and that made us all feel welcomed.

Today we went to a public school that held about 80 elementary students. We opened by performing a few skits, songs, and testimonies then gave out salvation bracelets. After visiting the school, we went to Felix and Vicky’s home with 12 boys around the age from 5 to 17. Before the boys arrived home from school, we took a tour around their home. When the boys arrived, we made them sword balloons, had a few tickle fights, and played a few activities. The boys performed the “Everything” skit and sang a few songs for us. We all bonded with the boys so well and we did not want to leave.

Please continue to pray for us as we continue our week. We are so blessed to be here in Columbia. Thank you for your all of your prayers and support.