Our first evangelism team this year had a unique opportunity to share Jesus in La Aurora. Many years ago, this area was described as the most dangerous district or community in Medellín, plagued by a history of violence at the hands of guerrillas, paramilitary groups, drug cartels and local gangs.
Now, in a post violence era, the city has invested in a metro cable public transportation system as well as a series of six covered escalators rising 400 meters up a very steep residential neighborhood, assisting people all around the city and surrounding areas by decreasing travel time by hours. The government has also invested in housing for thousands of displaced people now living in Medellin, as the violence has moved into the rural areas forcing people to flee to the city for safety. Pictured above are 860 apartments.
It's in this government housing that we partnered with Isaiah and his wife, Yomira (pictured below). Yomira has a children's program each Saturday that provides a hot meal while teaching them about Jesus. As a couple, they have had a desire to disciple adults and begin small house churches within these buildings. In 2 days, many doors and hearts were opened to us as we shared Jesus with over 200 people.
With each door, you nervously knock and pray because you never know what is going to be behind the door. This time, a young fellow who had obviously been sleeping, wrapped himself in a towel to answer the door. My cultural filters went up and I (Cindy) thought we should just let the guy go back to bed. But, he wanted to hear what I was going to share and ask us to wait a minute. Thinking he was going to get himself dressed, we waited. However, when he returned, he was still in the towel. He invited us in and picked up his pants off the couch for us to sit down. Again, I was willing to wait for him to put them on, but he obviously didn't feel that was necessary as he threw them on the kitchen table and pulled up a seat. At this point, I could have "thrown in the towel", but he was so eager to listen. As I shared, I could see how God was touching his heart. This was a great reminder that we only come to the door with Christ and not culture. We are simply called to testify about what God has done and leave the results to HIM.
Isaiah and Yomira have a huge task ahead of them to follow up with the 189 decisions of faith. However, they have already started by hosting the first group of 10 people in their home earlier this week.
Please pray that those attending will become key leaders and start small group in their homes. Please pray that God will build up a church there, so that discipleship can continue.
Our Translating Team
MFM Evangelism teams have been serving in Colombia since 2012 sending 115 missionaries on 18 teams with close to 5,000 decisions of faith for Jesus. However, that would not have been possible without this group of servants.
The above photo is a few of our translators that have a vital role as a conduit to share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. They are joyful volunteer servants and we praise God for each one of them.
Men For Missions Canada has partnered with us to provide a small investment each month into the lives of our translators. During these "English Fiestas" we hope to encourage them as we share a meal together and enhance their English skills through conversation, devotions and games as well as build our relationships with one another.
Please remember to pray for them as you pray for each MFM team that comes to serve.
This picture is our normal view from our balcony which brings truth to the city's motto, Medellin: the city of eternal Spring. However, the past month and a half, our view has been like this:
The city declared a red alert less than two weeks ago after a combination of smog produced by the city's transit, drought and sand blowing in over the Atlantic from the Sahara desert. All of this combined, has spurred contamination levels to exceed the legal pollution cap of 300%.
Please pray for more rain!
1. Heaven gained one of our mighty prayer warriors. We rejoice that she is with Jesus, but mourn with those that love her so much.
2. Pray as we prepare for our next team arriving in three weeks - on April 23.
3. Pray for our health during this dangerous time of smog and pollution.
4. Remember our families back home. They sacrifice more than you may realize.
5. Pray for us and the decisions we need to make about future housing needs, summer travel, and many ministry opportunities. We need wisdom.
6. Please pray for Colombia, as we have seen an increase with some political instability within the last few days.
UPCOMING MFM 2016 Teams to Colombia
Apr. 23-30 Evangelism Jul. 9-16 Evangelism Aug. 19-28 Medical (Dynamic Women) Aug. 12-20 Work/Evangelism Sept. 17-24 Evangelism Oct. 8-15 Evangelism Nov. 9-20 Work/Evangelism
Just like our translators on the field, each one of you is vital to our ministries. We could not be here without your support! THANK YOU!
Please pray for the new Igleico president and staff as they transition into life and ministries in Medellín.
Our USA ph.# in Colombia: 217-784-2092
Permanent Mailing Address 823 E. LeFevre Ave. Gibson City, IL 60936
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