What defines a family? Does the term only refer to a collection of people that are united by their similar genes? Is it possible to apply this term to ten people you've known for only four months?
Participant Blogs
Global Challenge Missions Blog Archive: These are real blogs, from real people, bringing real change...
"You opened up my ribs and played your melody, when my brokenness was all I saw in front of me..." So, I broke my arm. In Colombia. Playing soccer. Can someone say Waka Waka? Since that first night in casualties I've been comforted by God's promise that it is part of His plan, that He wants to use my casualty for a greater Kingdom reality. Having never broken any bone in my body despite some perilous adventures and other silly games on roofs, you have to be convinced of God's hand when this happens on my journey of...
I am currently sitting in Colombia writing this update surrounded by sounds of a river and jungle. We are at a mission base of New Tribe Missions which is on a Finca (farm) on the outskirts of a town called Fusagasuga. What was once a place that was robbed of its life because of guerilla warfare is now a place that is filled with students and families that have all dedicated their lives to the furthering of God's Kingdom in unreached tribes in Colombia.
Taking a peek back on the journey, I realize how you really only see the bigger picture of God's master plan, once you turn around and look at the memory. It feels like it had been a year since we left Fusagasuga, but that's probably just because we have been in 5 different countries in the last 4 weeks, with a program jam-packed with ministry and spiritual growth. Having our first little period of rest while waiting on the Lord, I have been trembling the white beaches of the Barbadian bliss, looking back on the journey, recapping and rewinding. In...
"You've changed." One sentence that people either yearn to hear, or dread to accept. As people our tendency is, it seems, to fear change. One will always claim to be 'embracing' change but the reality is actually that their inner being is still trying to defend and hold on to whatever it is has that has supposedly 'changed'. I mean we're perfect right? Why would we need or want to change? Most believers will tell you how God changed their heart. Myself included. I'm talking about a complete transformation, a revolution of the highest caliber. Pride shattering, character building, grace...
God is so real. He is so present. He goes before me in every situation. He holds my heart in the palm of His mighty hand. What else can I do but worship the King of kings? ÂÂ Through Colombia, Peru and Chile I just realized again how much God loves me and how much He longs to be with me. I missed home more than ever in Colombia and Peru but after lots of prayer, God changed my heart. And I know now that God has something amazing instore for me in this last few days! ÂÂ I really...
And so it begins. One overcast morning in Fusagasuga, Colombia, four team members received their first challenge papers as the Green Team. After tearful goodbyes to the residents of the New Tribes base, we donned our heavy backpacks and started the long walk to the "mercado", or the market.
Our bodies have been described as temples of the Holy Spirit and as clay in the hands of the Potter. It is an awe-inspiring, intricate tool for the Kingdom, made according to a blueprint designed by an Almighty God.
Leadership gets defined when you are thrown into the back of an airplane wondering if all the team members are on board. Or when, a supposedly agreed upon, 5 minute per person shower, turns into a self proclaimed 10 minute spa treatment with 6 other people waiting for their turn with a "what are you going to do about this" expressions on their faces. Or even that moment when someone tries to convince the guys that lentils have the same amount of protein as a steak. And all this before breakfast. Our team is neatly divided into 5 smaller teams....
Our journey took an unexpected turn due to the civil unrest in Venezuela and we were detoured to Santa Marta. The team has had a great time just pouring out what we have received, serving with La Esparanza chuch and South American Missions. And what an interesting time we've had! The South-Americans have quite an outward focused culture. Since that first week in Sao Paulo I've been amazed by the sense of community facilitated by living on your front porch and in the streets. As a result, outside-church seem to be the order of the day. We've had church...
