Buenaventura, Colombia: I have returned!!

Dear Friends,
You have not heard from me for a couple of weeks. The event in Buenaventura was wonderful. I loved the speakers, church participation, children’s ministry, praise and worship. Buenaventura is on the Pacific coast and the environment is much different from that of Perú, in that it is very spiritually needy but at the same time more advanced and moral—like the US, although definitely poorer financially. During Explosión I learned that there is much need in the Pacific coast—in cities, islands, and jungle communities, including street kid work. A pastor here wants to open an orphanage for children who need spiritual healing, as well as to provide education and life skills. I have always been open to the Lord’s leading and never felt called to one place, rather to where God wants me.

After talking to Cecy and her fiancé David, I learned two things: one, David has a few years more of studying in Bogotá, and two, his thoughts of missions is very different than mine—he wants to work to support his family and therefore will be between Bogotá and Leticia, helping Jaime Useche in the river work. Working in Iquitos doesn’t seem to be in his plans. This makes me sad, because Cecy and I had talked of many plans for the property and street kid ministry; I had rented a room and know my way around Iquitos. However with the recent difficulties there, and the fact that Cecy will not be there and does not have plans to be there in the near future (she marries in February), I believe that it is not wise for me to remain.

Therefore, in February, I will be moving my things, and ministry, to Colombia. I am working with Jaime Useche and am in contact with him concerning the development of my ministry. After Cecy’s wedding, I will attend the YWAM school in Bogotá for kids at high risk (March to June 2007) and pray for God’s leading. This is a bittersweet decision, as I had hopes for a ministry in Iquitos but I also believe that God is guiding me, so I have hope for the future and am not afraid. Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Today I hold on to this promise more than ever. More than anything I want to obey and follow His will for my life. And I trust Him who knows my heart better than I myself know it—“for He is greater than my heart and He knows everything” (1 John 3:20)!

Early December, in Bucaramanga, a city north of Bogotá, there is a YWAM missions conference for Colombia, Perú, and Ecuador, that Cecy recommended that I attend. So it makes more sense to stay in Colombia instead of going to Iquitos and two weeks later returning to Colombia. Also I had thought we would be working with the street kid ministry but Cecy decided she needs to work to earn money for the wedding. Because of the warm welcome I received in Buenaventura and the short amount of time I was able to stay (Cecy wanted to return to Bogotá to spend time with David and didn’t want to travel alone), I decided to return to see what plans God possibly had for me here. It is a similar set up to the Amazon River, with rivers and communities and street kids. I am excited to see that as one door is closing another seems to be opening. God is a good and loving Father!

I am staying in the home of the pastor and her family (she speaks English and is the one who talked to me about the orphanage) and I am working with an elementary school she started, in inner healing and teaching English. Monday I went to a baptism, 8 people were baptized. Tuesday evening was a mid-week service and the praise and worship, message, and ministry were incredible. Thursday night I went to the church’s cell group and the pastor shared a deep and moving message from the Word of God. Saturday morning I joined the church´s fast and prayer group and in the afternoon, I taught the youth group, from the passage in 1 John about showing not just talking love. Sunday I enjoyed the church service and fellowship, going out with some of the youth that evening. I feel fed spiritually yet hungry for more. God has been speaking to me daily as I have been reading Scripture (presently 1 John), listening to preachings from my home church Nueva Vida, reading an autobiography of a Colombian who met Christ in prison and a book by Louis Palau (both in Spanish!), and studying The Search for Significance.

I am in touch with my pastors from Nueva Vida, Southeast Christian: Daniel Ramirez and Chris Bushnell, Pastor Jaime Useche, YWAM Leticia, and my parents and close friends. We are praying together for this new step for “Travelin’ Shoes.” Please pray with me as seek God´s will for the future and as I return to Iquitos to pack up and say goodbye.

I will keep you updated. Much love!

Hello
By Rachel C. Deal
January 5, 2003

When I say "hello"
It means I've said "goodbye"
Starting an adventure
Means I've left one behind

A beginning I embrace
Signifies an end
Meeting a new person
Means missing an old friend

After I have left
I know I will arrive
Much is unfamiliar
Yet God always provides

For every goodbye
My heart feels the pain
But I know that very soon
I'll say hello again

I do not hold too tightly
The comforts from my past
I only hold on tightly
To the treasures that will last

Loving much and hurting
I thank God for both
A goodbye is always followed by
A heart-warming hello

I'm excited to be facing
Unknown territory
Because I know that this is
Where God wants me to be