“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” - Acts 20:35
The school year is different here than it is in the States. The kids go from January to December with about 2.5 months break/vacation spread out through the year. They always have 3 weeks in July, so God laid it on our hearts to try something new. We gave a challenge at kids club for anyone who wanted to work by picking up trash to win a field trip. Field trips are not common here and rarely do kids leave the neighborhood because of lack of resources. There was also another reason which was to teach the kids about service in their own community and service to the Lord. I, Jamie, was surprised the first day word got out (unfortunately after the trash truck had already passed) that the kids had picked up 25 bags worth of stuff! That left a stinky house for 3 days but it brought tears to my eyes that the kids were willing to serve!
This opportunity also gave kids their first lesson in evangelism as many people over the weeks gave us odd stares and asked us what we were doing. Eventually the kids understood and would tell people with excited hearts, “We are serving the Lord, and we want to serve you and our community!” Such a thing had never been done really before in the neighborhood, so we are praying the Lord truly reached the kids and our area. Pictured to the right then was the group who worked and served and then got to go bowling (some had never even heard of bowling)!
Kids Club overall has been a blessing, and we thank God for the consistency of some of the children. Youth group, the many discipleships, College Bible Study, and Women’s group (once a month) all continue as normal throughout the week. Peter has also been able to start a new men’s Bible study Wednesday mornings at the church! Please be in prayer for all of these things, and that we would not rely on our own strength for any of them. It must come
from Him!
Life continues to move fast, but we are truly thankful for your prayers, love and support as we serve God here in Colombia. Please know that we are praying for you as well!
Prayer Requests:
Peter is in Bogota teaching at the seminary for 2 weeks.
Teammate Heidi is on furlough until Aug. 12.
Teammate Marissa’s visa situation is not good; pray for a miracle and that she gets a 30-day extension in order to figure out things or else she will have to leave the country.
Ps. Last time it was mentioned about sending personal checks to
the address in Idaho that was given. Ministry checks still stay the
same to ABWE, but anything as a personal gift goes to Idaho.
Continued pictures of the precious Colombian people!
For the Kingdom,
Jamie, Peter & Max!