At the start of this new year, I started reading from the beginning of the Bible and am continually amazed at the story of God’s plan and the stories that were written down thousands of years ago woven together to form God’s big story and what He has in store for us. So as January is already almost over, my simple encouragement is this from Deut. 31:6, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I had a quick but great time in the States over Christmas! Got to see family and friends, meet my new nephew, visit the Hispanic church I helped to plant (thanks to those who had prayed and given financially, they still meet every other Saturday evening for now), and serve at the prison ministry (TRAILS) where I worked before leaving for missions. God has been so good in it all! ALSO, big praise is that after 3 months of vomiting and intense migraines/headaches, several trips to the emergency room, CAT scans and neurologist appointments, I am finally recovering from the motorcycle accident! I still have small headaches here and there, but I am definitely feeling better!
The new school year has just started down here so it is a time of adjustment. Peter, Marissa, Heidi, and I have started bible studies again and will continue meeting with kids and families. Last Saturday was our first attempt at starting a youth group and kid’s club. There were only a few older youths, but it went well. Praise the Lord that we had 11 younger kids! Pray that it will be a time of encouragement and learning for both groups, and especially pray for some of the kids who are prone to violence because of what they grow up with at home. Peter will be with the youth and Heidi with the kids, and Marissa and I will switch back and forth between the youth and the kids.
In between Christmas and my arrival back in Medellin, I had the opportunity to join ABWE’s Storytellers Abroad on a trip to Peru. Storytellers is a new approach to missions as the idea is to visually communicate amazing stories of how people are being changed by the gospel. You can learn more about this ministry online at abwe.org/storytellers. We had 4 great instructors, and I met some wonderful people along the way. There were 10 of us “students” including my teammate, Marissa. We decided to do a project together and were given the tough task of sharing the story of a 16-year-old girl who had become pregnant. Her mom told her to abort the baby, but her dad said, “You are not God to decide the life of anyone.” She chose to keep the baby, and it was a beautiful blessing as we cried many tears while filming the short piece about God’s restoration in the life of this girl and her family. If you would like to watch the 4-minute video, the link is attached below. Feel free to share the link as well. In light of the recent decision in NY, this story reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” James 1:17.
Video link - Every Good Gift
Above: The Storytellers group in Lima, Peru; the family of our video.
Below: Marissa and I editing in Peru; My nephew, Calvin; Merry Christmas from me & Max!
Thank YOU for your prayers! God bless you all and as always, FOR THE KINGDOM!!! Jamie :)