Day 7-9

Scott:

Scott with a family during the mountain mission

I just want to say how blessed we are that God used us for part of his story. I was encouraged by meeting so many people both in the mountain mission and within the CVII community who are so content with what little they have. This challenged me to examine my own contentment within my own life.

Reuben:

Jesus, Darwin, Reuben, Juandavid at dinner at Exodus

Richard and Jeneane have shown me what faith in God truly can do.  

Denae:

Denae and Andrea during devotions with the little ones

From the tops of the mountain to the seismic foundation pits we've been digging, the last 8 days have enriched my soul. My dear little amigas and amigos have brought me joy and a deep love for Colombia.

Jerid:

Jerid and Estevan hanging out on the CVII bus together

I feel what God is teaching me is that great things happen in time. God is a very patient God so there is no reason why we (I) should always be rushing for results and answers. I came to this mission expecting a huge instant transformation. You could put it as a “new me.” But it wasn't happening, well i never felt like anything was happening so I started getting frustrated. Days went on and I felt God working on me a bit but nothing massive that i was expecting. So I just let it go and asked God to take control and what ever reason I'm here for so be it. Then it happened. I had a friend come up to me and tell me: it is a pleasure to witness you growing in your faith with God. That hit me so hard and so good. Praise God I say. It makes me know that God is working on you when you least expect and being patient is always key. God never told you you were going to have a easy life but promises he will always be there for you.

Sharlene:

Sharlene making a cake for one of the CVII children's birthdays

Philippians 4:11-13

"...For I learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have pleanty. I learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Mark:

Mark playing soccer with boys from the mountain village

Poverty or not, a genuine hug and a smile break down any barrier in a child's life.

Carolyn:

Carolyn and Eileen sewing fabrics for an upcoming wedding for a CVII graduate

I definitely will leave part of my heart in this place – beautiful people, wonderous landscape!

Eileen:

Miguel, Yunior, Eileen, Luise, and Arnold at dinner with the boys at Exodus

The children are amazingly friendly and loving.

Donna:

Donna digging one of the 6 holes for the foundation at the Leviticus project

This experience has been beyond anything I could have expected. Taking part in casestudies and seeing children in the worse situations imaginable, assisting in outreach in a mountain community where so many have turned their back for even the basic needs, and witnessing the power and beauty God has shown me in the beautiful Colombian people and this team each and every day. Praise God! His love knows no bounds.

Bruce:

Bruce working hard despite rain or shine

1 Corinthians 1:28

"God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and use them to bring to nothing what the world considers important." We went on a mountain mission to give out food, and to pray for people. There we met a man who knows what true wealth is when he recited scripture for us and prayed for us. He doesn't depend on earthly wealth, but spiritual wealth of a life filled with Christ.

Darwin:

Darwin (Papa D) taking a quick break at the Leviticus job site

I was deeply touched at the mountain mission by how welcoming and greatful these people are, a simple bag of groceries brought such joy. Having nothing, they were rich in grace and love for family; a lesson we could all learn.

Lara:

Lara and Marlon at the church service the first Sunday

I've been extremely blessed in so many different ways by everyone on this team. I've been encouraged and challenged and found new friendships where I would never had expected them.

 

 Amanada:

Amanda, Sharlene, Jeneane, Lara, Denae, and Kathy after sorting out our mountain mission bins

God has reminded me of the simple joy of reading my favourite passage of scripture. I was blessed with the opportunity to read Psalm 23 to two of the young boys of the mountain village.

Richard:

Richard and one of the Genesis girls on our outting our second Sunday

God has really been showing me how much he protects us in 4 or 5 clear instances. In Colombia we are the minority in very strange surroundings and for this reason these instances stick out. We can take for granted God's protection when we are at home in familiar surroundings.

Kathy:

Kathy enjoying a quiet moment with one of the Genesis babies, Jeneane

The mountain mission was a great experience. You could feel the presence of God there. The trust God has given the people to let us in to their village let alone their homes. This is a trust from God. I could feel His presence with us when we would hand over a Bible to a home.

Kevin:

Kevin and Angie at the devotions with the little munchkins at Genesis

God never ceases to amaze me. He takes me and he places me in situations where I'm not comfortable, safe, or happy. He stretches me beyond what I can do. He does this so that I will rely on Him, so that I will trust Him. These are the times when I am my best, when the world opens up and I can do anything because of Christ who strengthens me to do it (Philippians 4:13).“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11: 9-10. God is faithful to His word.