There is a first time for everything. During our stay here in Santa Marta, I experienced several firsts:
• First time swimming in the Caribbean
• First birthday away from home
• First Word of Knowledge I've ever received
• First prophetic dream received
• First experience with a false prophet
My team gave me the best birthday imaginable, which made it easier to be so far away from home. The day was filled with mini-challenges provided by my team mates, leaving me with several hilarious stories and countless priceless memories. Thank you Lord Jesus for blessing me with this team... God also answered the heartfelt prayers of a young South African girl in Colombia, giving me rain on the morning of my birthday. No earthly present could ever match up to a change in the weather pattern. God, I am overwhelmed by how great Your love is for me!
We also performed several dramas in public parks, drawing the crowds with invitations to "come and watch a bunch of crazy South Africans present a drama". It was amazing to watch realization dawn on faces in the crowd as they identified with the people in the drama. Father, open their eyes that they may see... We then invited them to come speak to us if they had any questions or wanted to tell us anything.
One particular afternoon, Arthur and I were speaking to a man through a translator. He looked gruff, scowling at us with hooded eyes. To be honest, I was unsure - God, how are we going to speak to this man? With a friendly smile and a warm greeting, we started one of the most significant conversations in my life.
At first, the man was standoffish and unresponsive, giving short answers to the questions Arthur asked. Lord, please give us the right words to say!
And suddenly, amidst the multitude of conversations, I heard a voice say: Ask him about his father.
I willingly obeyed, watching his facial features rearrange as he tried to figure out how to reply. His reply opened the door for me to share about my own life and the journey I've been on concerning the Father Heart. It was amazing to see how a God-given word can pierce even the hardest of hearts. We prayed for him and the tumultuous relationship he has with his father. The man walked away smiling, like the sun coming out after the rain.
The team is going through a time of change, seeking God's will for our next step. Doors that once seemed firmly shut are opening again, with the possibility of traveling to Venezuela dawning on us a second time. I received a dream one night that spoke about us going to Venezuela - little did I know that the leaders in our team have received similar word! We will be leaving Santa Marta today, and while I write this, I have no idea how we are getting to Venezuela. I will make a way, simply put your faith in Me.
We also recently had an encounter with a false prophet. The Spirit of Discernment that God has placed inside us picked up that something wasn't right as she prophesied over certain team members. It was a growing experience for us all and we learnt the importance of tuning in to the voice of the Spirit. The Spirit I gave you is not a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. God really protected the team during this event and strengthened us with His Word. God is good!
As our time here in Santa Marta draws to a close, so our time in Colombia comes to an end. After spending 45 days in this beautiful country, I have really grown to love the people, their food and their language. The people we've met in this colourful, open-hearted country have a special place in my heart.
Distant Worlds is placing their faith in the Author of Time and relying on Him for our passage to Guyana. Our next flight is on 22 May, and God can do so many things in the next eleven days. Until then...
2 Corinthians 5:6-7
"So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight."
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