After our first 2 days in the 1st village Villa Carmen, we spent the next 2 days in a different village called El Bosque (The Forest). We were sad to say goodbye to the Pastor and the church members, and some of the families that we witnessed to, but were excited for a new start in a new place. We didn't really know what to expect with our 2nd village. We met the pastor and some of the church members who were incredibly hospitable and welcoming towards us. They were just so happy we were there to partner with them. I remember what it was like living overseas and feeling like you're one of just a few Christians in the area and I'm sure that is how they felt. I remember how joyous it was to have visitors and other believers come to work with us even if it was only a few days. They were just so happy we were there and it was a blessing being with them for 2 days. When we got there we immediately noticed that it was very different than the first neighborhood we were at. This neighborhood was a little more dangerous that the first one. We had to be more careful overall with our personal belongings. Of course the people there were still incredibly friendly as kids played outside together and they allowed us into their homes to share the Gospel with them.
My favorite story of the week was during our first day there Justin and Pastor Felipe were talking about if they should go witness to these group of guys that were always hanging out at the very top of the hill overlooking the barrio. Justin sensed that the Pastor was very hesitant about sharing with them. He came to find out that these guys were actually drug dealers and that the Pastor had tried to witness to them at a previous time. When the Pastor tried talking to them, the guys showed him their gun, just giving him the message to stay away. So of course the Pastor was a little more hesitant go talk to them again, though he really wanted to. After they were debating if they should take the risk to go talk to them, the Pastor said "these guys need Jesus too, and it would be wrong for us not to share." Justin was ready and said "alright, lets go talk to them". They took a big group over there to be safe, and Justin started talking to them. He spent a long time with these guys sharing his testimony and then sharing the Gospel with them. I walked up about halfway and had no idea what was going on since there was such a huge group with them. I could just sense the Holy Spirit speaking through Justin and moving in these guys hearts. They seemed like such tough guys before but when I looked at them then, their hearts just seemed to be softened. They were so respectful and attentive and they seemed to be hanging on every one of Justin's words. It was amazing. The Lord was working in their hearts and the Pastor prayed with them. Only the Lord knows their hearts but how amazing that He used a random American like Justin to share with them, when they refused to listen to it before. I am thankful for my godly husband who feared the Lord more than man.
There were stories after stories of all the people the Lord led us to talk to and how the Lord was moving in their hearts. Our love definitely grew for missions, for Colombia, for the poor, and for the Gospel. Our love also grew for each other. We loved going on a mission trip together and think every married couple should go. It brings you to another place in your relationship. Our time together on this trip was sweet and I am truly thankful for how the Lord grew us closer together.
On our last night in Colombia we held a Victory celebration service at a Baptist church located centrally in the city. The people we witnessed to in the neighborhoods were picked up by buses and brought to the church that night. It was beautiful to see 16 churches represented from various denominations come together that night as one Body to worship through testimony, preaching and song. The room was packed full of people! We were so encouraged by all the people that came to the service who we had the opportunity to share the Gospel with earlier that week. We were also so thankful for how well the Pastors were doing with the follow up process. We worshiped in Spanish and some in English. I just love worshipping in another language, it is always so beautiful to me. The service was encouraging and just a great time to celebrate all that the Lord did that entire week.
So now we are back into the real world and it hasn't been easy. We were slammed hard immediately with sickness and trials once we got back which has kept us from even processing our trip. But the Lord is good and has reminded us of His faithfulness towards us on this trip and all that He did in and through us. I believe He even used that trip to prepare us for the trial that would come our way once we got home. Lord willing, this will be the first of many mission trips for us in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment