"Thank you...for loving these little ones"

Jeanene and Richard with the littlest ones in CVII

 We were sitting in the van outside of the CVII “Beginning of Wisdom” school, waiting for the Principle to join the social worker, Jeanene, Pam and myself (Donna) so we could begin our intense day of case studies. The Genesis preschooler children were standing behind the entrance gate perfectly quiet and calm around their teacher...until they noticed her. There sitting in the front passenger seat of the van was their mama, Mama Jeanene. Within seconds it was chaos, the teacher glanced up and suddenly her class had gone from a calm cluster to excited yelling children lining along the gate, waving their arms and yelling her name over and over “Mama, Mama Jeanene”. It took Jeneane barely a second of smiling "Hello" through the van window to her precious children when it was obvious this would not suffice as a proper greeting. Regardless of us being hours behind schedule and the principle finally hopping into the van, these were her children, and she was beyond joyful to see all of them. Jeanene passed the gate into the school entrance way and the teacher instantly gave up trying to calm them as they all went running to her. The ones that were closest, quickest or smallest got in first for the hug and embrace, others grabbed at her sides, some even her legs. Whatever they got it was good enough to them, but hardly enough for their Mama. She took the next 10 minutes to make sure each one was greeted by name, kissed, hugged and fully embraced. Each and every one of those little children knew they were loved, and knew they were safe. Sitting in the van and witnessing this unfold, I could barely understand what it was I was seeing. It wasn’t sweet like a poem or corny like a song. It was alive and overflowing, it was living scripture. I have never witness scripture so loud before.

 "Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

 As Jeanene hopped back into the van and glanced towards us, she vocalized her infectious giggle and said kindly “See, that's why it takes forever for us to get anywhere around here!”. That would have to be the worlds biggest understatement.


Out of this journey that we all began just 3 months ago, with our 2 weeks in the upper slums of Bogota, we have experienced but a mere glimpse of the profound work Children's Vision has accomplished these past 18 years in Colombia and around the world. All of this began because of a challenge placed on Jeanene's heart and her disgust of the constant answer of "it just is" to questions like why these invisible children on the streets couldn't have a safe home. The answer wasn't enough for her, and hasn't slowed her down since. Hearing stories of her being held at gun point, the many attempts made at shutting the organization down, God has continually prevailed and amplified His love and light through Children's Vision into this broken nation. Through their warehouse of donations in Wisconsin they have done outreach to disaster relief efforts around the world. Part of the CVII mission statement is: "if there is a need, we will try to help". Even within their own neighbourhood in Bogota, they have transformed a community that although is still seen as unsafe, it is the safest its been in almost 20 years. Children's Vision is continually taking on medical mission projects (2 going on this year), new external students to their school (12 started during our visit), planning for additional houses to rescue more kids, and supporting additional projects around the world.

Children's Vision International has been one of the most purposeful, God-centered, hard working agencies I have ever had the pleasure of volunteering with. From the structure of their buildings, the high ranking education program, the case study evaluation system, or the spiritual discipline for staff/volunteers, CVII is truly set apart. What is usually unheard of is in this broken and violent nation of Colombia, there is an agreement of support from the Government, Police force, Military and citizens for this independent christian agency of CVII - PRAISE GOD! The Government assists in the receiving of supplies, the Police force escort mission teams into fragile communities, the military offer their own planes to take medical mission teams into isolated environments, while the surrounding citizens embrace and help CVII however they can. God is good!

This journey is far from over, for there is so much more we can do to help. 
Click HERE to find out about:

• Sponsorship for a Children's Vision International Child
• Donation of funds towards projects like the new Leviticus building
• Donation of currently needed items and how to send them 

Thank you for being apart of this journey with us. Pray for the team as we transition back into our Canadian lives and that God will use what we have learned to spread His love and light within our own communities. Like Jeanene, let us rise up to the challenge God places on our hearts, and never accept "it just is" but only accept what is His!


God Bless,
Donna Halsey (on behalf of Team Canada 2012)

Dear Jesus:

Tell me, where are you?
In this town called Bogota
it is hard to notice you
so many faces that just need food
people living in huts, that just wont do
but then hundreds of bags of food
come to a village that noone knew, except you
and just for a day, these huts are filled
with the spirit sent by your Son
and with that, glory to the risen King has begun
so thank you Children's Vision
for loving these little ones
by showing Jesus in a place there was none.

- Joshua Walden

One the families we helped on the Mountain Mission

Day 10 - 12

Thaily, Amy, Donna, Angela, and Lee at the Mountain Mission

Monday morning a meeting took place to evaluate the results of the Mountain Mission. One representative from each group on the mountain mission would attend and discuss which top 3 of their 10 homes assigned to their group were the most “in need” and why. When we began our mountain outreach Saturday morning, each group had a teenage student from CVII to assist in translating, a colombian volunteer (from the school, CVII housing staff) who would document the census (asking questions about: running water, electricity, food, jobs, levels of education, ect.) and 2 non-colombian volunteers.

Mark and his team heading to their first home

It proved to be a mixture of experiences. Some groups did not have a translator, therefore a few of our volunteers couldn’t communicate or understand what each family was sharing to the Colombian volunteer. Lara and Scott unfortunately had this limitation, but Lara was able to share some light and love by asking to hold and adore a number of their babies and bless them with enthusiasm when handing out care packages and a few spanish/english bibles. A few groups found homes that were very comfortable and owned “nice things” (ie. TV with cable, washer, fridge) and many homes were found to be a form of four pieces of metal as walls and a dirt floor with a tarp ceiling.  Most members of the community only have access to water 2hrs once a week, with no donation resources offered due to being “unaccessible” on the mountain. Groups that were able to translate gave a chance for a few of our volunteers to pray over each family and even share a bit of their personal testimony. Mark had said that his Colombian volunteer spoke openly about the love of Christ, and in doing so Mark was also able to share how Jesus has changed his life. At the end of it, each family gratefully received the food/hygiene packs, a prayer over them and their home and a few children were able to start school as external students at CVII the following Monday.

This mans home had 4 metal walls, tarp as a roof, no water or electricity and broken glass surrounding it. He quickly became a top priority for help from one group

It is incredible to think this process all began with a Case study for a boy and his little brother who wrote to Jeneane 13 times asking if they’d let them be students at the school, and at the end of it Jeneane said “CVII was able to adopt an entire community”. 

Jennifer, Camilla and a few girls from Numbers performing 

Monday evening we had the incredible privilege of having the children put on a talent show, as the American team were leaving the following morning. Songs from each age group, poems, jokes, and a very spiritually engaging drama from a group of CVII kids which had been taught to them only a few weeks previous from a visiting drama team. As an additional treat, Sharlene, Lara, Amanda and Bruce performed a worship song and for the big finale Donna and Scott performed a song from High School Musical. On the second day of our visit, it became apparent that both the kids and a few of the volunteers know most of the HSM songs which resulted in a number of impromptu singing with the kids and staff. It ended up being a hilarious and well received last minute addition to the talent show.

Bruce, Kevin, and Ruben working at Leviticus

Tuesday and Wednesday work days were much the same with progress slowing moving forward with the Leviticus site project. More shoveling, more moving buckets of dirt, more shoveling. God truly finds ways of humbling us through hard labour! But our team worked “hole” heartedly, showing up and doing whatever tasks (small or big or smaller) needed to get completed before our departure. Jeneane kept the remainder of the team busy with various projects of organization that were long overdue: supply rooms, donations, uniforms, and assisting in activities that took place with the CVII students. Tuesday was picture day for the whole school, and unlike what we can reflect on from our school picture day experiences, it wasn’t as simple as sitting on the stool and having a man guide you how to tilt your head and smile. In this case at CVII, many of the children only felt comfortable going through such formalities for a photo and smiling if “Mama Jeneane” was standing behind the camera, because that is who has earned such an offering from them and not this random stranger.

Our soccer tournament in the park with the CVII kids

Wednesday evening we were able to have our final outing the some of the older boys/girls and have a soccer tournament in a near by park. After everybody won we had supper with the boys at Exodus and spent time joking around, sharing stories, mocking each others accents and use of language, and reminisce on the past 2 weeks.

Monserrate, Bogota - The church on the mountain

Thursday was an exciting day with much completed. We were able to have one of our few moments of tourism and visit Monserrate, the church on the mountain where we were able to revel in the beauty of the Jungle to one side and the vast expanse of the city on the other while standing on the door step to an ancient church of Colombia. A few of our team members remained back at the work site. Mark and Bruce assisted in completing a few loose ends at the Leviticus site (both had gone to Monserrate last year), and our other team leader Richard remained back to assist Richard and Jeneane with something very exciting on behalf of the team. Kevin would like to share:

A huge thank you from Richard and Jeanene for all of the work the team members have done.  At the end of the trip, the team was able to purchase 3/4 of the iron needed to build the new four-storey Leviticus building (which will be built once enough money has come in).  We worked on the foundation of this building and bringing it toward Seismic Resistance Standards.  Richard and Jeanene were so ecstatic about this purchase!  Tehy said they were not sure what God's timing was for building the new Leviticus structure, but now that prayer is answered as we were able to purchase a huge amount of iron.  The Leadership Team including Mark, Richard B., Sharlene, and Kevin would like to say that all the credit and glory belongs to God for all that was accomplished on this trip.

Our team (minus Richard, Bruce and Mark) at Monsserate, Bogota

Scott with a little friend from Genesis

Bruce and a munchkin from Genesis

It seemed apparent within the Team that the greatest reward throughout this entire trip was the relationships between the volunteers and the children of CVII. Short term missions can be easily taken as selfish and are for our own development while trying to help where there is a need. During these two weeks no one anticipated the abundant opportunities God graced us with to make connections and develop relationships with the staff and children at CVII and to teach so much to eachother. The women volunteers were able to lead devotions with the older girls and teach them how God values them and that they are priceless and we were able to hear how they view and value themselves. The men volunteers in our team were able to lead devotions another night with the younger boys and discussed how to respect and love each other and to treat women wisely and set an example. Other days we were able to go jogging in the morning with a few of the kids, play soccer, share meals, go for walks, take them to church and worship together, and just sit and be in conversation and share silly moments together.  The love and fire of God within the children and staff at CVII is a contagious one. We continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as we transition back into our SK lives, knowing a God greater then geographical barriers will continue to keep us connected in his spirit. We pray that God will take what he has taught us through his Colombian people into our own communities.

safely returned home to Saskatoon

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

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.