Back to Bogota

The event Saturday morning at the Colombianita, a two-block shack town of 250 children plus the adults, was a success! (see photo)They are recyclers, going through trash to find cans, bottles, and plastics that can be recyled, so it is very dirty and ugly. But the children are beautiful. I was a clown and helped to draw a crowd, participated in the children's songs, one of the choreographies, and acted like a child during the Gospel presentation, asking questions and praying the salvation prayer with the children (and some adults)! The presence of God was present, especially during the prayer and I feel that God is there and has not forgotten "these untouchables."

Prayer Requests:
That the Lord will show us as a team how to deal with specific situation;
That I will be respectful, loving, and patient with my team;
That I will be given an outreach location for the month of June where I can observe Christian and family principles--working within the community and teaching and have a kind family with whom to stay;
and that I will rest better at night so as to not be tired during the day to learn everything I can in this last month of classes.

The Untouchable
By Rachel C. Deal

I came to Him, an untouchable
A lover of the world and its sin
I was dirty, ragged, snot-nosed
And still He let me in

Into His arms wide open I came
Broken and full of shame
But He never once turned down His nose
He didn’t shoo me away

The pain of my past had closed my heart
Yet I begged with open hands
I couldn’t look Him in the eyes
Who was this gentle man?

“Give! Give!” was all I knew to say
Take was all I did
But when I saw my ugliness
I ran from Him and hid

He searched for me and cleaned me up
With love unconditional
He showed me myself in the mirror of grace
His beauty is what I saw

He has made me a woman of value
A pearl of great price
And now He’s calling me to be
His arms open wide


La Intocable
Vine a El, una intocable
Amante del mundo y su pecado
Estaba sucia, mocosa, y con ropa rota
Y aun me dejo entrar

Adentro de sus brazos abiertos llegué
Quebrantada y llena de vergüenza
Pero ni una vez El agachó la mirada
Nunca me despreció

El dolor del pasado había cerrado mi corazón
Pero mendigué con manos abiertas
No pude mirarlo en sus ojos
¿Quién era este hombre?

“Dame! Dame!” fue todo lo que sabia decir
Tomar fue todo lo que hice
Pero yo cuando vi mi fealdad
Huí de El y me escondí

El me buscaba y me lavó
Con amor incondicional
Me mostró a mi misma en el espejo de la gracia
Su belleza fue lo que vi

El me hizo una mujer de valor
Una perla preciosa
Y ahora me está llamando a ser
Sus brazos abiertos

Bogota, Colombia

Lord, I have believed so many lies for so long. Today I declare the truth, your truth about me, a different story, where I am not afraid, where my life is for Your glory. I hear your voice calling to me and I will choose today to believe the truth, what you are singing over me, your love and goodness. I walk on water, on faith, fighting giants, knowing that You are with me, winning battles, doing well. I am surprised that you have brought me here and I am thankful for Your compassion and gentle, tender care over me. You are a good shepherd and I love You and trust You and give my life to You, whatever the cost, whatever the sacrifice, I will follow you, O Voice of Truth. Amen.

Bogota, Colombia
Week 7

Half way through the school. This week was the toughest as last weekend, I went to a ministry to help with drug addict or rebellious boys from ages 10-15. Then I returned to the base running, and we have not had a break--classes on fatherlessness and family violence, lots of homework, thinking, crying, a prophet who shared a word from God to us--just a heavy week.

Yesterday, I went to DAS to renew my visa (another worry although I felt in my heart that God would give me the days I needed to finish the school, which ends June 29). I was given until July 10, so that's a blessing!

Another blessing has been the folks who have been at my side though a process of healing, which is always hard but results in a more Christ-like character.

A recent word that God gave me is that He accepts me just as I am. And that I can rest in His acceptance even in the midst of busyness, chaos, and difficulties.

Today I cleaned house, helped with lunch (for 30 people), and am now going to read and rest and draw and write--things I like and need to do, and haven't had time for all week.

Thanks for prayers for strength, peace, patience, and love for others and myself. Thanks for your fiancial support and letters of encouragement, as well. I really appreciate hearing from you! May the God of peace dwell richly in your hearts!

NIKO Survival Camp
Bucaramanga, Colombia

George Matheson, the well-known blind preacher of Scotland, who has gone to be with the Lord, said: "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but not once for my thorn. I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross; but I have never thought of my cross as itself a present glory.”

Every week I must write a summary for the school of what I learned along with roses (pleasures) and thorns (challenges). I learn from both, but the thorns definitely prove and form my character.

Notes for Mercy School, April 1-5:

Roses:
I SURVIVED!!
Finding myself in better health than I had expected
Enjoying nature and singing praises as I hiked
When it was really hot, I prayed and it rained lightly
Working well with my team
Making friends with one of my Latina teammates
Learning that I need to respond better under stress or conflicts, taking special care when I’m tired or sick
Having my team support me when I was in pain
Being able to do more than I had thought

Thorns:
Getting really annoyed with some poor choices of other team members that affected me
Getting hurt
Knowing that my attitude at one time of frustration affected my team
Not being sufficiently prepared for NIKO

Personal Application:
Every decision made brings consequences—good decisions bring good consequences always, and bad decisions bring bad consequences always. In God’s world, I can’t make a bad decision and expect a good consequence. With God’s help, I will make good decisions that bless others, please God, and bring good consequences.
I want to improve in my responses in the midst of conflicts—when someone interrupts or questions me, I want to learn to explain calmly and listen, not get defensive, angry, or sullen (withdraw).
I want to continue to work out (stretch and walk) so that I can get into good shape.
I can go further than I think, so with God’s help and strength, I will stretch my limits.

Ministerial Application:
Team work is vital. I cannot survive real life with its stresses, pleasures, sadnesses, and needs independently. I must trust in God, leaders, and others to help me. I must ask when I need help to lighten my load, before it’s an emergency. I want to be aware of others’ needs and willing to help lighten their loads.
Helping others who need help, hard work, sacrifice is rewarding—I might not even receive thanks, but the satisfaction and joy that I feel is reward enough. I want to always be focused on loving and serving others.