In & Out

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 4:2

Yes! We went to Colombia! Xau had met Pastor Gloria (red) in Guatemala when he was there in November for the To the Great Commission conference.  She so enjoyed his teaching that she contacted him early this year asking if he would be able to come and minister at her home church in Bogotá (The Word Says).

Sure!, he responded. But we weren’t sure how serious the invitation was. Instead of taking one of the kids, I asked to go along this time - and the pastoral staff warmly included me.

And now here we were scurrying to set up plans for the kids while gone.
The kids were so brave. 

Xau's parents persevered in caring for them all weekend.
We were so blessed.
The people were so receptive.
It was truly a gift from God.

We imparted a seminar called Passing the Torch to the Next Generation, which focuses on empowering children and youth workers with vision, Biblical bases, and strategies to keep expanding the Kingdom - by especially reaching young ones.

We got to see Tía Elena (left) who has been the Hearts in Action Colombia leader for many years. 

A group from several churches serves in a rough area called Santa Fe which the government has labeled a "tolerance zone" (basically a concentrated red-light and drug hub). We went to visit the outreach center Saturday evening, and Xau was itching to go into some of the housing (had to ask permission of the building administrator first), give out bread and pop, and pray over families. It was probably our favorite hour of the whole trip.

Click here to view one of the Sunday services on YouTube

And yes! The house was full to overflowing the first week of the month. Over 25 EQT (initials for: Students That Transform - a mission-focused "scout" type training) students and leaders came to stay with us for the week while they carried out their Spring break mission week in the city. 

They went to an abortion clinic, shared story-telling strategies at churches, and spoke intentionally with people they encountered on their tourist outings each day.

Plus, on Saturday they divided into five groups and visited all Twist Kid’s clubs around the city! Though a bit chaotic, it was a blast getting to know them and see them in action. (Liam loved getting to play basketball with the teen guys.)

Other news from the month:

While we were away, Crece church (pronounced Kreh-say) volunteers stepped up to coordinate the Kids’ Day outreach. Praise God about 70 kids came out 

Dear friends and neighbors, Pastors Yonathan and Litza shared at Sunday service:

Amazingly, before our trip, Rocío, from Crece, went to Colombia this month, too! She was in a different city called Bucaramanga. Every Monday she shares on an online Christian radio called Busco en Ti (I search in You), so, as they were holding a conference in Colombia, they invited her!  The radio published a book around the topic of identity in Christ, which includes a segment she wrote. 🙌

Here she is testifying back at Crece about her time in Colombia

It's been such a whirlwind, I almost forgot we taught a Saturday training for childrens' workers at a church here in the city. And they kindly invited Xau to also speak at their Sunday services.  

While the student group was here, we did try to have something special for the kids to do each day as little day outings for their Spring break. Here's Kai loving it. 

Thank you so much for being a part of this work. It's an honor and privilege to serve the King. 

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