Buenaventura: Pacific Coast
Buenaventura and the pacific coast in general has much need and a deep spiritual hunger. The coast is beautiful, see the pictures, and I would like to return to work there someday.
I have returned to Bogota after a wonderful week in Buenaventura. The teachings and ministry times were the most incredible experience I´ve ever had. Many people came and learned, many were saved and healed during the nightly crusades. Praise the Lord! The weekend of Explosión changed my life. I had the opportunity to translate, pray for the local people, spend time with pastors and Christian brothers and sisters, and help with the children´s event. I didn´t have a specific role, but God used me in several different ways to bless the people. And at the same time, I received a huge blessing.
Thanks for praying and supporting me so I could participate in this event. I definately see myself working in Colombia much more. I am resting and reading this week in Bogota. I will have a birthday party next Tuesday. I just went grocery shopping with Cecy and am going to David´s house to help her cook dinner. This Internet cafe is right around the corner from the house, very safe and convenient. I took the medicines my parents sent me (and received lots of goodies from them!!)--and that helped, but I am still coughing. Please pray for complete healing and restoration during this next week. Thank you so much! Blessings.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Bogota, Colombia
Three days in bus, and they were three long days, weren´t as terrible as I´d thought! Cecy and I arrived fine, and rested all of today. We just went out to walk this evening. Tomorrow we leave for Cali in plane for a week of working with Jaime Useche in Explosion, an evangelistic event. Then we will stay in Bogota for a week (during which I will celebrate my 30th birthday!) before beginning the trip home through Leticia. I am glad I came but am ready to return to Iquitos.
Three days in bus, and they were three long days, weren´t as terrible as I´d thought! Cecy and I arrived fine, and rested all of today. We just went out to walk this evening. Tomorrow we leave for Cali in plane for a week of working with Jaime Useche in Explosion, an evangelistic event. Then we will stay in Bogota for a week (during which I will celebrate my 30th birthday!) before beginning the trip home through Leticia. I am glad I came but am ready to return to Iquitos.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Lima
4 days in Lima, to rest, repack, buy my dress and shoes for Cecy´s wedding, and get a bus ticket to Bogota. Cecy and I leave tomorrow and arrive Sunday afternoon (3 days in bus!). But serving the Lord in Colombia and being in Bogota for my birthday will be good. Please pray for this final week of planning for the evangelistic event, for peace, safety, and wisdom for Cecy and me and everyone involved, and that many will come to know Christ personally. Blessings.
4 days in Lima, to rest, repack, buy my dress and shoes for Cecy´s wedding, and get a bus ticket to Bogota. Cecy and I leave tomorrow and arrive Sunday afternoon (3 days in bus!). But serving the Lord in Colombia and being in Bogota for my birthday will be good. Please pray for this final week of planning for the evangelistic event, for peace, safety, and wisdom for Cecy and me and everyone involved, and that many will come to know Christ personally. Blessings.
Friday, October 06, 2006
SAND DUNES!!!
This is vacation! Warm sun, sand boarding (on my stomach), dune buggying at fast speeds, afternoon sunbathing and swimming, sand, watching an evening "futbol" game with the natives here in C..china, and finishing the day with a barbecue at the hostal. Thanks for your comments.
DUNAS DE ARENA!!!
Este es vacacion! Sol caliente, sand boarding (en el estomago), dune buggying con alta velocidad, bronceandome y nadando, arena, mirando un partido de futbol con los nativos aqui en C...china, y terminando el dia con un BBQ en el hostal. Gracias por sus comentarios.
This is vacation! Warm sun, sand boarding (on my stomach), dune buggying at fast speeds, afternoon sunbathing and swimming, sand, watching an evening "futbol" game with the natives here in C..china, and finishing the day with a barbecue at the hostal. Thanks for your comments.
DUNAS DE ARENA!!!
Este es vacacion! Sol caliente, sand boarding (en el estomago), dune buggying con alta velocidad, bronceandome y nadando, arena, mirando un partido de futbol con los nativos aqui en C...china, y terminando el dia con un BBQ en el hostal. Gracias por sus comentarios.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Lines of Nazca
I´m telling you: I love Perú! Arequipa, Nazca, Ica, Pisco...I am enjoying this country immensely. The vast differences of culture, food, landscape, and weather makes me fall in love with Perú. But above all: I miss my Iquitos and my river and my fish! We have a couple more days to go, but really had a great time in Arequipa and want to go back. Today we flew the lines of Nazca and learned about their history and more about the Incas and pre-Incas (the Nazcas).
Les digo : amo a Perú! Arequipa, Nazca, Ica, Pisco...Disfruto este pais imensamente. Las grandes diferencias de cultura, comida, terreno, clima me hace sentir enamorada con Perú. Sobretodo: extraño a mi Iquitos, rio, y pescado! Tenemos unos dias para terminar el viaje, pero tuvimos un gran tiempo en Arequipa y queremos regresar. Hoy volamos las lineas de Nazca y aprendimos de su historia y mas de los Incas y pre-Inca (los Nazca).
I´m telling you: I love Perú! Arequipa, Nazca, Ica, Pisco...I am enjoying this country immensely. The vast differences of culture, food, landscape, and weather makes me fall in love with Perú. But above all: I miss my Iquitos and my river and my fish! We have a couple more days to go, but really had a great time in Arequipa and want to go back. Today we flew the lines of Nazca and learned about their history and more about the Incas and pre-Incas (the Nazcas).
Les digo : amo a Perú! Arequipa, Nazca, Ica, Pisco...Disfruto este pais imensamente. Las grandes diferencias de cultura, comida, terreno, clima me hace sentir enamorada con Perú. Sobretodo: extraño a mi Iquitos, rio, y pescado! Tenemos unos dias para terminar el viaje, pero tuvimos un gran tiempo en Arequipa y queremos regresar. Hoy volamos las lineas de Nazca y aprendimos de su historia y mas de los Incas y pre-Inca (los Nazca).
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Hola de Arequipa, Peru
I am in the southwest part of Peru, a beautiful city, with a low altitude and sun! Cecy and I arrived last night and are going on a tour right now. We will spend time in the city and leave tomorrow night heading towards Lima. 10 hours north is Nazca, which has Inca lines only seen from a plane--a half hour trip. Then we head to Ica and Pisco (the Paracas Reservation on the Pacific Ocean). We will spend a few days enjoying dunes, sand surfing, an island of animals, etc. and afterward head to Lima Oct. 10. Yesterday was a difficult day--12 hours in a bus from La Paz and I didn´t sleep well the night before, but Cecy and I are feeling much better and warmer! Love to all!
I am in the southwest part of Peru, a beautiful city, with a low altitude and sun! Cecy and I arrived last night and are going on a tour right now. We will spend time in the city and leave tomorrow night heading towards Lima. 10 hours north is Nazca, which has Inca lines only seen from a plane--a half hour trip. Then we head to Ica and Pisco (the Paracas Reservation on the Pacific Ocean). We will spend a few days enjoying dunes, sand surfing, an island of animals, etc. and afterward head to Lima Oct. 10. Yesterday was a difficult day--12 hours in a bus from La Paz and I didn´t sleep well the night before, but Cecy and I are feeling much better and warmer! Love to all!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Flexibility
Cecy and I have just returned from a "sand safari." Have you ever seen a desert of salt thousands of miles wide and dozens of feet deep? Go to southern Bolivia, where you will find a town made of salt. Salt is processed and exported around the world. Have you ever seen flocks of flamingos migrating? What about herds of llamas and alpacas, a wild fox? A bubbling volcano with geyers shooting vapor into the morning sky? A night sky with millions of stars (that all have names!)? Have you ever been so cold that water froze, you had no heat, so to sleep you crawled into a single bed with a friend (that would be Cecy!)? Have you ever traveled with a tour group that never shut up for 3 days straight, in a four-wheeler that bumped over rocky roads for hours upon end so that you didn`t know which hurt more, your ears or your butt?--try to doze! Have you ever longed for warmth and a firm bed so much that you could hardly enjoy the view? As you can see, our trip south was with mixed emotions. the beauty of God´s creation, along with the harsh physical conditions.
Overall it was worth it, but at the end, I realized it was time to head home. Time, money, and energy was running out. We needed to rest, after pushing hard for 2 weeks. I searched different options and every door was closed except to La Paz. So today we returned in train and bus (10 hours) to the same hotel, and slept the afternoon. Tomorrow we are going to shop and visit a museum about Che Guevara and Bolivia and get a pedicure/ manicure--it´s so cheap here. Then Saturday we will leave for a 3 day, 2 night "vacation" in the southern Bolivan jungle, with waterfalls, and hikes and beautiful views, a pool, massage therapist, etc. The whole trip might cost $40! Then we return to La Paz to leave the following day for Peru. We will spend about 9 days traveling through southern Peru, staying in interesting spots along the way until Lima, where we will stay a couple days until leaving for Colombia. Our goal is to be in Buenaventura for Jaime Useche´s Explosion around the 16 (the event is Oct 19-21).
I feel good about the decision and hope to have a future opportunity to travel to the south of South America--little by little (besides as an American I need a visa in advance for Paraguay, and to enter Brasil costs $100 for a 5-year visa--all in God´s timing). Better fewer passport stamps but more thorough, enjoyed, and restful time. Thanks for praying! God is guiding. He is the warmth--of my soul--that I can always depend on!
Cecy and I have just returned from a "sand safari." Have you ever seen a desert of salt thousands of miles wide and dozens of feet deep? Go to southern Bolivia, where you will find a town made of salt. Salt is processed and exported around the world. Have you ever seen flocks of flamingos migrating? What about herds of llamas and alpacas, a wild fox? A bubbling volcano with geyers shooting vapor into the morning sky? A night sky with millions of stars (that all have names!)? Have you ever been so cold that water froze, you had no heat, so to sleep you crawled into a single bed with a friend (that would be Cecy!)? Have you ever traveled with a tour group that never shut up for 3 days straight, in a four-wheeler that bumped over rocky roads for hours upon end so that you didn`t know which hurt more, your ears or your butt?--try to doze! Have you ever longed for warmth and a firm bed so much that you could hardly enjoy the view? As you can see, our trip south was with mixed emotions. the beauty of God´s creation, along with the harsh physical conditions.
Overall it was worth it, but at the end, I realized it was time to head home. Time, money, and energy was running out. We needed to rest, after pushing hard for 2 weeks. I searched different options and every door was closed except to La Paz. So today we returned in train and bus (10 hours) to the same hotel, and slept the afternoon. Tomorrow we are going to shop and visit a museum about Che Guevara and Bolivia and get a pedicure/ manicure--it´s so cheap here. Then Saturday we will leave for a 3 day, 2 night "vacation" in the southern Bolivan jungle, with waterfalls, and hikes and beautiful views, a pool, massage therapist, etc. The whole trip might cost $40! Then we return to La Paz to leave the following day for Peru. We will spend about 9 days traveling through southern Peru, staying in interesting spots along the way until Lima, where we will stay a couple days until leaving for Colombia. Our goal is to be in Buenaventura for Jaime Useche´s Explosion around the 16 (the event is Oct 19-21).
I feel good about the decision and hope to have a future opportunity to travel to the south of South America--little by little (besides as an American I need a visa in advance for Paraguay, and to enter Brasil costs $100 for a 5-year visa--all in God´s timing). Better fewer passport stamps but more thorough, enjoyed, and restful time. Thanks for praying! God is guiding. He is the warmth--of my soul--that I can always depend on!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Greetings from La Paz, Boliva!
Cecy and I arrived from Peru without problemas. We thought about staying one more night in an island, but decided in Cusco we´d seen enough ruins and museums. So we went directly to La Paz, only stopping for lunch in Copacabana. Today we climbed the mountain Chaclacayo, which is 5,500 meters (maybe 13,000 odd feet--I don´t really know). We took it slowly and made it--I´ll download pictures soon. Afterward we went to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)--which looks like the moon's surface--an incredible day. We are worn out! Tomorrow we head for Uyuni, a salt desert. We will be there 3 days and then go to Chile, where I will again have access to Internet. We are eating well--chicken, bread, eggs, fruit, and veggies--all local. The boliviano is 8 per dollar, so it is very cheap. I bought 2 cotton sweaters for $3.50--very exciting as I didn´t bring enough clothes. Oh, people think Cecy and I are sisters--Cecy always rolls her eyes and says, I´m going to buy green contacts so I really look gringa! But really I want to look Latina--so I need to buy brown contacts. We are thinking about dressing up as each other for Halloween, as I think it is celebrated in Colombia, which is where I will be for my 30th birthday! Much love. Please keep praying for us. We have met wonderful people and are feeling better, havingg finally aclimated to the high altitude.
Cecy and I arrived from Peru without problemas. We thought about staying one more night in an island, but decided in Cusco we´d seen enough ruins and museums. So we went directly to La Paz, only stopping for lunch in Copacabana. Today we climbed the mountain Chaclacayo, which is 5,500 meters (maybe 13,000 odd feet--I don´t really know). We took it slowly and made it--I´ll download pictures soon. Afterward we went to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna)--which looks like the moon's surface--an incredible day. We are worn out! Tomorrow we head for Uyuni, a salt desert. We will be there 3 days and then go to Chile, where I will again have access to Internet. We are eating well--chicken, bread, eggs, fruit, and veggies--all local. The boliviano is 8 per dollar, so it is very cheap. I bought 2 cotton sweaters for $3.50--very exciting as I didn´t bring enough clothes. Oh, people think Cecy and I are sisters--Cecy always rolls her eyes and says, I´m going to buy green contacts so I really look gringa! But really I want to look Latina--so I need to buy brown contacts. We are thinking about dressing up as each other for Halloween, as I think it is celebrated in Colombia, which is where I will be for my 30th birthday! Much love. Please keep praying for us. We have met wonderful people and are feeling better, havingg finally aclimated to the high altitude.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Machu Picchu--now I have the correct spelling and pronunciation. A picture book of one of the wonders of the American world doesn´t do justice to the beauty of such historical monuments. To imagine the intellegence and creativity of the Inca people is astonishing. What have we built in the last century that will last many centuries more, with little decay? The snow-capped mountains, sun peaking through a cloudy sky, and the valley with slats made for specific growths of vegetation. Machu Picchu is about 4 hours from Cusco, so it was a long day. But interesting. There is a rock full of energy; though not permitted to touch, one can feel the energy coursing through one´s body. The architecture, rock walls with mortar and clay, and customs practiced made Cecy and me feel that we had entered another world. She said, Although I´m Peruvian, I feel like a foreigner. One interesting point: the people were relatively short, not the giants we imagine. They used intellegence, rope, and animals to pull the rocks up to the 2,800 meters above sea level.
Thank the Lord, we are feeling better. We´ve adjusted to the climate, so we were able to do a little climbing today without problem. We keep trying new foods--the trout is one specialty here, as is alpaca (similar but smaller than the llama). We will visit some art museums tomorrow and then leave for the south of Peru, Puno, to the famous Lago Titicaca, which is even higher and colder. But I bought an alpaca scarf and hat today so it should keep me warm.
Thank the Lord, we are feeling better. We´ve adjusted to the climate, so we were able to do a little climbing today without problem. We keep trying new foods--the trout is one specialty here, as is alpaca (similar but smaller than the llama). We will visit some art museums tomorrow and then leave for the south of Peru, Puno, to the famous Lago Titicaca, which is even higher and colder. But I bought an alpaca scarf and hat today so it should keep me warm.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Cuzco
After a 20 hour trip, Cecy and I arrived in Cuzco, at 3500 meters above sea level. The trip, altitude and freezing climate has made us a little sick with a cold. I ma in jeans, socks, jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves! It's like a late October Kentucky day. Still we arrived safe and sound, have a nice little hostel room, with everything nearby. We will pass the next few days site seeing Machu Pichu and Cuzco. I am happy to be here. Thanks for continued prayers for our safety and health.
After a 20 hour trip, Cecy and I arrived in Cuzco, at 3500 meters above sea level. The trip, altitude and freezing climate has made us a little sick with a cold. I ma in jeans, socks, jacket, scarf, hat, and gloves! It's like a late October Kentucky day. Still we arrived safe and sound, have a nice little hostel room, with everything nearby. We will pass the next few days site seeing Machu Pichu and Cuzco. I am happy to be here. Thanks for continued prayers for our safety and health.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
“God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. Otherwise how will we find our way?” Psalm 19:11
From Lima to Cuzco!
I'd forgotten how much I love Latin America. The Spanish church just isn´t the same, although it was great to worship in Spanish and make new friends. The ice water to bathe, the roosters, the language, the grocery store and market and streets, the environment, time with Cecy, the food--fried bananas, rice with milk, fresh fruit--nothing compares. God is with me! I am in the right place and am happy here. Everything in me tells me so and already I am here-"home" is where my treasure is, where my heart is. After one day in Lima, Cecy and I are off to Cuzco and Machu Pichu, where I will write again to keep you updated on the journey of my Travelin' Shoes.
From Lima to Cuzco!
I'd forgotten how much I love Latin America. The Spanish church just isn´t the same, although it was great to worship in Spanish and make new friends. The ice water to bathe, the roosters, the language, the grocery store and market and streets, the environment, time with Cecy, the food--fried bananas, rice with milk, fresh fruit--nothing compares. God is with me! I am in the right place and am happy here. Everything in me tells me so and already I am here-"home" is where my treasure is, where my heart is. After one day in Lima, Cecy and I are off to Cuzco and Machu Pichu, where I will write again to keep you updated on the journey of my Travelin' Shoes.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
FREEDOM
Note: I'm thankful to be part of a country that 230 years ago fought for my freedom and continue to fight to keep me, and many others, free, not just here but around the world. Like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other presidents who saw the bigger picture--a futuristic picture--and fought for freedom, I want to take up arms against the enemy, fighting with prayer and truth. My desire is that people have not only physical but spiritual freedom.
You're so busy squabling for scraps from the king's table that you've missed your God-given right to something better: There's a difference between us: You think the people of this country exist to provide you with possession. I think your possession exists to provide those people with freedom. And I go to make sure that they have it.--William Wallce in Braveheart
Note: I'm thankful to be part of a country that 230 years ago fought for my freedom and continue to fight to keep me, and many others, free, not just here but around the world. Like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and other presidents who saw the bigger picture--a futuristic picture--and fought for freedom, I want to take up arms against the enemy, fighting with prayer and truth. My desire is that people have not only physical but spiritual freedom.
FLY AWAY: SEPTEMBER 2006 NEWSLETTER
It’s time again to “fly away” to my glory-land. And I’m finally ready. It has been a very challenging three months, but the Lord has opened my eyes and nudged me toward my long-time dream of serving Him full-time with children. Cecy Wong, one of my best friends, shares that dream. We are intent on raising support for the construction and upkeep of two children’s homes in Iquitos and Leticia (with dorms, dining hall, school, and chapel) and transforming the overlooked street and village children into a healthy, educated, and Christian generation. God has not forgotten these jewels and He has enabled us to see them, creatively help them, and get trained to work with them. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and prayer during this journey. Hang on tightly as you venture with me on an exhilarating adventure!
TENTATIVE ITENERARY 2006-2007
☺September 11: Lima, Perú
☺Sept-Oct: travel with Cecy thru South America
☺October 14-27: Buenaventura, Colombia: help Jaime Useche with evangelistic crusade
☺November-January: Iquitos: build fence around our property, street kid ministry, ESL
☺February 17: Leticia, Colombia: Cecy’s wedding to David (from Bogotá)
☺March 2-May 21: Bogotá, Colombia: Children at Risk YWAM school
☺June 20: home
PRAISES
☺2nd Lasik surgery corrected my eye vision (did I mention the operation was a gift?!)
☺3 months at home seeking God helped to correct my spiritual vision and give me a clear direction toward the fulfillment of His purpose in me, His workmanship (poem)—the Faces of Christ retreat greatly aided this healing
☺Spent a lot of time with close friends: Gallery Hop and hangin’ out with Natasha; Kentucky Kingdom with my nephew; “Little Women,” Brown County, and trip to see my grandma with my mom; baseball game, hiking, and parties with my dad; “My Fair Lady” with step-mom and sisters; swimming, cooking, zoo, and New York with Ahlers; Huber’s farm to pick fruit which I used to bake; horse show and swim party with Walker; Messianic church with Christie; dinner with supporters/friends
☺Natasha and Jessica had healthy baby boys
☺Received covering from my home church, Nueva Vida/ Southeast Christian (as well as a $1000 donation) and pastor Daniel Ramirez; and Jaime Useche, director of YWAM Leticia
☺Fund-raiser: saw many people, raised $1500
☺Taught 2 Spanish VBS—kids accepted Christ
☺Translated at health clinic weekly
☺Was inspired by many missionary biographies
☺Spoke at churches and SS classes
☺Good chats on the phone with Cecy
☺Have everything on my shopping list (for now!)
☺Eagerness to go!
PRAYER REQUESTS
☺Safe traveling with Cecy this next year
☺Meeting the right people on our month’s adventure
☺Cecy’s US visa would come through
☺Our dreams would mesh as we seek God’s will
☺Monthly funds would come in, faithfulness of supporters
☺YWAM Bogotá school: cost for me and Cecy covered (www.colombiastreetkids.org)
☺Cecy and David’s wedding, marriage, and ministry
☺Strength and wisdom as we work in Iquitos this fall
☺Building up a ministry team
☺Planning of building projects and mission trips
☺Many will see Christ’s love in us and BELIEVE!
It’s time again to “fly away” to my glory-land. And I’m finally ready. It has been a very challenging three months, but the Lord has opened my eyes and nudged me toward my long-time dream of serving Him full-time with children. Cecy Wong, one of my best friends, shares that dream. We are intent on raising support for the construction and upkeep of two children’s homes in Iquitos and Leticia (with dorms, dining hall, school, and chapel) and transforming the overlooked street and village children into a healthy, educated, and Christian generation. God has not forgotten these jewels and He has enabled us to see them, creatively help them, and get trained to work with them. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and prayer during this journey. Hang on tightly as you venture with me on an exhilarating adventure!
TENTATIVE ITENERARY 2006-2007
☺September 11: Lima, Perú
☺Sept-Oct: travel with Cecy thru South America
☺October 14-27: Buenaventura, Colombia: help Jaime Useche with evangelistic crusade
☺November-January: Iquitos: build fence around our property, street kid ministry, ESL
☺February 17: Leticia, Colombia: Cecy’s wedding to David (from Bogotá)
☺March 2-May 21: Bogotá, Colombia: Children at Risk YWAM school
☺June 20: home
PRAISES
☺2nd Lasik surgery corrected my eye vision (did I mention the operation was a gift?!)
☺3 months at home seeking God helped to correct my spiritual vision and give me a clear direction toward the fulfillment of His purpose in me, His workmanship (poem)—the Faces of Christ retreat greatly aided this healing
☺Spent a lot of time with close friends: Gallery Hop and hangin’ out with Natasha; Kentucky Kingdom with my nephew; “Little Women,” Brown County, and trip to see my grandma with my mom; baseball game, hiking, and parties with my dad; “My Fair Lady” with step-mom and sisters; swimming, cooking, zoo, and New York with Ahlers; Huber’s farm to pick fruit which I used to bake; horse show and swim party with Walker; Messianic church with Christie; dinner with supporters/friends
☺Natasha and Jessica had healthy baby boys
☺Received covering from my home church, Nueva Vida/ Southeast Christian (as well as a $1000 donation) and pastor Daniel Ramirez; and Jaime Useche, director of YWAM Leticia
☺Fund-raiser: saw many people, raised $1500
☺Taught 2 Spanish VBS—kids accepted Christ
☺Translated at health clinic weekly
☺Was inspired by many missionary biographies
☺Spoke at churches and SS classes
☺Good chats on the phone with Cecy
☺Have everything on my shopping list (for now!)
☺Eagerness to go!
PRAYER REQUESTS
☺Safe traveling with Cecy this next year
☺Meeting the right people on our month’s adventure
☺Cecy’s US visa would come through
☺Our dreams would mesh as we seek God’s will
☺Monthly funds would come in, faithfulness of supporters
☺YWAM Bogotá school: cost for me and Cecy covered (www.colombiastreetkids.org)
☺Cecy and David’s wedding, marriage, and ministry
☺Strength and wisdom as we work in Iquitos this fall
☺Building up a ministry team
☺Planning of building projects and mission trips
☺Many will see Christ’s love in us and BELIEVE!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
FREEDOM'S FLIGHT
By Rachel C. Deal
September 6, 2006
In agonizing pain, William Wallace cries out
“FREEDOM!!!!”—Arousing the crowd
And so Scotland unites—so noble and proud
They draw their swords in an emotional flood
Facing the enemy and paying with blood
Straggling home, covered in mud
Yet what happens after freedom is bought?
What is the purpose of those lessons taught?
What gives value to the battles fought?
The Scots forget and are captured once more
And from their way of life, cruelly torn
Making them wish they’d never been born
Let us remember, so we don’t fight in vain
Freedom is two-fold: First fought to be gained
And then ever after, it must be maintained
Note:
I recently forced myself to watch Braveheart, and while Wallace indeed had a brave heart, his people did not maintain the freedom that he died for, and so years after the initial independence (Battle of Bannockburn, 1314, under Robert Bruce’s command), Scotland was recaptured by the Brits.
Lesson learned: What is the worth of fighting, sacrificing, and dying if only to forget to maintain the freedom gained?
Thanks to Glenn Ahlers for putting this idea in my head
By Rachel C. Deal
September 6, 2006
In agonizing pain, William Wallace cries out
“FREEDOM!!!!”—Arousing the crowd
And so Scotland unites—so noble and proud
They draw their swords in an emotional flood
Facing the enemy and paying with blood
Straggling home, covered in mud
Yet what happens after freedom is bought?
What is the purpose of those lessons taught?
What gives value to the battles fought?
The Scots forget and are captured once more
And from their way of life, cruelly torn
Making them wish they’d never been born
Let us remember, so we don’t fight in vain
Freedom is two-fold: First fought to be gained
And then ever after, it must be maintained
Note:
I recently forced myself to watch Braveheart, and while Wallace indeed had a brave heart, his people did not maintain the freedom that he died for, and so years after the initial independence (Battle of Bannockburn, 1314, under Robert Bruce’s command), Scotland was recaptured by the Brits.
Lesson learned: What is the worth of fighting, sacrificing, and dying if only to forget to maintain the freedom gained?
Thanks to Glenn Ahlers for putting this idea in my head
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Seeing the Light
I came home from these past 6 months in Peru sick and confused. My sight was clouded by fear. In the past few weeks of seeking God, He has given me new vision—physically and spiritually. By asking me to describe the desire of my heart, He enabled me to see the light! My life work, my calling, the way I want to give God glory is by ministering to street/ troubled children. I believe meeting my dear friend Cecy Wong and living in the Amazon has brought me to a place of transforming my dreams into reality.
Changes
As I continue to seek direction, I ask that you pray and be patient with me. I will not be returning to work with YWAM Iquitos, the overall reasons being that my vision—working with troubled children—is different than theirs. This I knew but felt led by God to stay on. My health problems hastened the imminent decision. So what happens next? The Lord is opening doors that will give me experience toward the goal, which is to work with Cecy and David’s legal organization Children for Christ, which will be under the umbrella of YWAM Leticia, directed by Jaime Useche. Lord-willing, in a few years, we will, with a team, begin to build up two children’s homes, in Leticia, Colombia and Iquitos, Peru. In the meantime, the three of us will be studying and working with street children in Bogotá, Colombia. We are seeking the Lord’s will about these life decisions.
Tentative Plan
September: Lima, Peru
Travel through South America with Cecy
October: 2 weeks in Cali, Colombia
YWAM Leticia’s Explosión, a powerful street crusade (I will be serving in many ways and may translate, teach, and help with the kids’ crusade.)
Late October-early January: Iquitos, Peru
Teach the Bible, feed and clothe, and provide activities and Christmas to the street kids, Teach ESL
Mid-January-February 18: Leticia, Colombia:
February 17: Cecy’s wedding to David from Bogotá (they will be living in Bogotá for a few years, while David finishes a second degree—in psychology)
March 2-May 21: Bogotá, Colombia:
YWAM Bogotá Children At Risk 4-month training school http://www.colombiastreetkids.org, Street kid ministry with Cecy and David
June-?: USA
?-? (a few years?): Bogotá, Colombia: Street ministry/ special needs’ school (with YWAM Bogotá?—$250/month), Take Spanish classes, Teach ESL
Donations
For October 2006-May 2007, I have budgeted $5000: $400 for the transportation for the crusade “Explosión” in Cali (Oct), $1000 for the street kids work in Iquitos (Oct-Jan), $2500 for the YWAM Bogotá CAR school (Mar-May 2007), and $1100 for traveling, insurance, communications, food, and all other expenses for the 8 months. (The September traveling will come from my personal account.)
I appreciate those who have been faithful to give regularly or occasionally, and apologize for any confusion. All money recently sent to Upper Amazon has been transferred to my new account with the same accountant that I have had for the last two years, Al Reisch. He has a non-profit organization to support missionaries—one way is through doing their accounting. Donations remain tax-deductible.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW SENDING ADDRESS: (Write my name on a Post-It note and put it with the check. Thanks.)
Missionary Manna Incorporated
c/o Al Reisch
1632 Hastings Avenue
Newport, MN 55055
I came home from these past 6 months in Peru sick and confused. My sight was clouded by fear. In the past few weeks of seeking God, He has given me new vision—physically and spiritually. By asking me to describe the desire of my heart, He enabled me to see the light! My life work, my calling, the way I want to give God glory is by ministering to street/ troubled children. I believe meeting my dear friend Cecy Wong and living in the Amazon has brought me to a place of transforming my dreams into reality.
Changes
As I continue to seek direction, I ask that you pray and be patient with me. I will not be returning to work with YWAM Iquitos, the overall reasons being that my vision—working with troubled children—is different than theirs. This I knew but felt led by God to stay on. My health problems hastened the imminent decision. So what happens next? The Lord is opening doors that will give me experience toward the goal, which is to work with Cecy and David’s legal organization Children for Christ, which will be under the umbrella of YWAM Leticia, directed by Jaime Useche. Lord-willing, in a few years, we will, with a team, begin to build up two children’s homes, in Leticia, Colombia and Iquitos, Peru. In the meantime, the three of us will be studying and working with street children in Bogotá, Colombia. We are seeking the Lord’s will about these life decisions.
Tentative Plan
September: Lima, Peru
Travel through South America with Cecy
October: 2 weeks in Cali, Colombia
YWAM Leticia’s Explosión, a powerful street crusade (I will be serving in many ways and may translate, teach, and help with the kids’ crusade.)
Late October-early January: Iquitos, Peru
Teach the Bible, feed and clothe, and provide activities and Christmas to the street kids, Teach ESL
Mid-January-February 18: Leticia, Colombia:
February 17: Cecy’s wedding to David from Bogotá (they will be living in Bogotá for a few years, while David finishes a second degree—in psychology)
March 2-May 21: Bogotá, Colombia:
YWAM Bogotá Children At Risk 4-month training school http://www.colombiastreetkids.org, Street kid ministry with Cecy and David
June-?: USA
?-? (a few years?): Bogotá, Colombia: Street ministry/ special needs’ school (with YWAM Bogotá?—$250/month), Take Spanish classes, Teach ESL
Donations
For October 2006-May 2007, I have budgeted $5000: $400 for the transportation for the crusade “Explosión” in Cali (Oct), $1000 for the street kids work in Iquitos (Oct-Jan), $2500 for the YWAM Bogotá CAR school (Mar-May 2007), and $1100 for traveling, insurance, communications, food, and all other expenses for the 8 months. (The September traveling will come from my personal account.)
I appreciate those who have been faithful to give regularly or occasionally, and apologize for any confusion. All money recently sent to Upper Amazon has been transferred to my new account with the same accountant that I have had for the last two years, Al Reisch. He has a non-profit organization to support missionaries—one way is through doing their accounting. Donations remain tax-deductible.
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW SENDING ADDRESS: (Write my name on a Post-It note and put it with the check. Thanks.)
Missionary Manna Incorporated
c/o Al Reisch
1632 Hastings Avenue
Newport, MN 55055
Ver La Luz
Llegue a casa desde seis meses en Perú enferma y confundida. Mi visión era oscura por temor. En las últimas semanas de buscar de Dios, me ha dado una nueva visión-físicamente y espiritualmente. En pedirme describir el deseo de mi corazón, ¡me ayudo a ver la luz! El trabajo de mi vida, mi llamado, la manera en que quiero darle a Dios gloria es por ministrar a los niños de la calle o en peligros. Creo que conocer a mi amiga querida Cecy Wong y vivir en el Amazonas me ha traído al lugar de transformar mis sueños en realidad.
Cambios
Mientras sigo buscando a Dios, pido que ores y seas paciente conmigo. No regresare a trabajar con JuCUM Iquitos, la mayor razón es que mi visión—trabajar con niños con problemas—es diferente que la suya. Lo sabía siempre pero sentí que Dios quería que me quedara con ellos. Los problemas de salud aceleraron esta decisión inminente. ¿Que pasa ahora? El Señor está abriendo puertas que me darán la experiencia hacia la meta, la cual es trabajar con la organización legal, Niños para Cristo, de Cecy y David, debajo de JuCUM Leticia, dirigido por Jaime Useche. Dios mediante, en algunos años con un equipo, empezamos a construir dos casas para niños—en Leticia e Iquitos. Mientras estaremos estudiando y trabajando con niños de la calle en Bogotá, Colombia. Entiende que estamos buscando la voluntad de Dios en cuanto a estas decisiones de vida.
Plan Tentativo
Septiembre: Lima, Perú—viajar por Suramérica con Cecy
Octubre: 2 semanas en Cali, Colombia—JuCUM Leticia Explosión, una cruzada poderosa en las calles (serviré como pueda: traducir, enseñar, ayudar con la cruzada para niños)
Octubre-14 de enero: Iquitos, Perú: Enseñar la Biblia, alimentar y vestir, y proveer actividades y la Navidad a los niños de la calle y Enseñar ESL
15 de enero-18 de febrero: Leticia, Colombia: 17 de febrero: la boda de Cecy con David de Bogotá (van a vivir en Bogotá por algunos años ministras David termina su secundo titulo en psicología)
2 de marzo-21 de mayo: Bogotá, Colombia: JuCUM Bogotá Niños en Peligro (CAR) escuela (4 meses de entrenamiento) http://www.colombiastreetkids.org, Ministerio con niños de la calle con Cecy y David
Junio-?: EEUU
?-?: Bogotá, Colombia: Ministrar con niños de la calle/ con problemas especiales (con JuCUM Bogotá?—$250/mes), Tomar clases de español, Enseñar ESL
Apoyo Financiar
Para octubre 2006 - mayo 2007, mi presupuesto es $5000: $400 para la transportación para la cruzada “Explosión” en Cali (oct), $1000 para el trabajo de niños de la calle en Iquitos (oct-enero), $2500 para JuCUM Bogotá escuela “CAR” (marzo-mayo 2007), y $1100 para viajar, seguros, comunicación, comida, y todo el resto de los gastos para los 8 meses. (Pago por el viaje en septiembre con dinero personal.)
Aprecio mucho todos que han sido tan fieles para dar regularmente o ocasionalmente, y pedio disculpas por cualquiera confusión. Todo el dinero recientemente enviado a “Upper Amazon” ha sido transferido a mi cuenta nueva con el mismo contador, Al Reisch. Tiene una organización “not-for-profit” (sin ganancia) para apoyar a los misioneros, y una manera es hacer su contabilidad. Donaciones siguen impuesto-deducible.
NOTA POR FAVOR LA NUEVA DIRECCION DE MANDAR APOYO: (Escribe mi nombre en un papelito y incluirlo con el cheque. Gracias.)
Missionary Manna Incorporated
c/o Al Reisch
1632 Hastings Avenue
Newport, MN 55055
Llegue a casa desde seis meses en Perú enferma y confundida. Mi visión era oscura por temor. En las últimas semanas de buscar de Dios, me ha dado una nueva visión-físicamente y espiritualmente. En pedirme describir el deseo de mi corazón, ¡me ayudo a ver la luz! El trabajo de mi vida, mi llamado, la manera en que quiero darle a Dios gloria es por ministrar a los niños de la calle o en peligros. Creo que conocer a mi amiga querida Cecy Wong y vivir en el Amazonas me ha traído al lugar de transformar mis sueños en realidad.
Cambios
Mientras sigo buscando a Dios, pido que ores y seas paciente conmigo. No regresare a trabajar con JuCUM Iquitos, la mayor razón es que mi visión—trabajar con niños con problemas—es diferente que la suya. Lo sabía siempre pero sentí que Dios quería que me quedara con ellos. Los problemas de salud aceleraron esta decisión inminente. ¿Que pasa ahora? El Señor está abriendo puertas que me darán la experiencia hacia la meta, la cual es trabajar con la organización legal, Niños para Cristo, de Cecy y David, debajo de JuCUM Leticia, dirigido por Jaime Useche. Dios mediante, en algunos años con un equipo, empezamos a construir dos casas para niños—en Leticia e Iquitos. Mientras estaremos estudiando y trabajando con niños de la calle en Bogotá, Colombia. Entiende que estamos buscando la voluntad de Dios en cuanto a estas decisiones de vida.
Plan Tentativo
Septiembre: Lima, Perú—viajar por Suramérica con Cecy
Octubre: 2 semanas en Cali, Colombia—JuCUM Leticia Explosión, una cruzada poderosa en las calles (serviré como pueda: traducir, enseñar, ayudar con la cruzada para niños)
Octubre-14 de enero: Iquitos, Perú: Enseñar la Biblia, alimentar y vestir, y proveer actividades y la Navidad a los niños de la calle y Enseñar ESL
15 de enero-18 de febrero: Leticia, Colombia: 17 de febrero: la boda de Cecy con David de Bogotá (van a vivir en Bogotá por algunos años ministras David termina su secundo titulo en psicología)
2 de marzo-21 de mayo: Bogotá, Colombia: JuCUM Bogotá Niños en Peligro (CAR) escuela (4 meses de entrenamiento) http://www.colombiastreetkids.org, Ministerio con niños de la calle con Cecy y David
Junio-?: EEUU
?-?: Bogotá, Colombia: Ministrar con niños de la calle/ con problemas especiales (con JuCUM Bogotá?—$250/mes), Tomar clases de español, Enseñar ESL
Apoyo Financiar
Para octubre 2006 - mayo 2007, mi presupuesto es $5000: $400 para la transportación para la cruzada “Explosión” en Cali (oct), $1000 para el trabajo de niños de la calle en Iquitos (oct-enero), $2500 para JuCUM Bogotá escuela “CAR” (marzo-mayo 2007), y $1100 para viajar, seguros, comunicación, comida, y todo el resto de los gastos para los 8 meses. (Pago por el viaje en septiembre con dinero personal.)
Aprecio mucho todos que han sido tan fieles para dar regularmente o ocasionalmente, y pedio disculpas por cualquiera confusión. Todo el dinero recientemente enviado a “Upper Amazon” ha sido transferido a mi cuenta nueva con el mismo contador, Al Reisch. Tiene una organización “not-for-profit” (sin ganancia) para apoyar a los misioneros, y una manera es hacer su contabilidad. Donaciones siguen impuesto-deducible.
NOTA POR FAVOR LA NUEVA DIRECCION DE MANDAR APOYO: (Escribe mi nombre en un papelito y incluirlo con el cheque. Gracias.)
Missionary Manna Incorporated
c/o Al Reisch
1632 Hastings Avenue
Newport, MN 55055
Children At Risk
‘I asked over his grave dug in the side of the mountain, “Isn’t there some way that Colombia, instead of killing her children, can make them worthy of living?” (Gonzalo Arango, A Lament for Disquiet)
To help allow street children become ‘worthy of living’ is the focus of all of us working with children at risk.
We need to understand what a huge problem we face, especially in Latin America. It is difficult to picture the number of children living in the world’s streets, many unattached to any family at all. The standard reference figure quoted for street children around the world today is a staggering 100 million (UN). In Colombia there are 17 million children under 18 years of age, 42% of the population. 38.9% living below the poverty line, and about half in absolute poverty. More and more of these are finding their way to the streets. Approx. 7,859,673 boys and girls are said to be abused. It is calculated that of these 850,000 are severally abused the majority between 5 and 14 years old.
12 children die daily: 5 are murdered, 3 in traffic accidents, 1 commits suicide, and 3 in other types of accidents. 1 child is kidnapped every 2 days. Approx. 18% minors have killed at least once, 60% have seen someone killed, 78% have seen bodies mutilated, 25% have seen someone been kidnapped, 13% have been kidnapped, 18% have seen someone tortured, 40% have fired a gun at someone at least once, 28% have been injured. 70 to 80% of the sexual abuse toward children ages 5-15 is committed by persons known and trusted by the victim. Because of physical or sexual abuse or neglect, the education system is incapable of receiving them again.
Today, 30 of every 100 children of preschool age attend school and only 60 of every 100 that start primary school finish there primary education. More than 2,500,000 children work in dangerous conditions and of them only 3 attend school. 35% of the children who complete the 3rd grade are literate. Only 47% of children between 12 and 17 attend high school, of them 84% live in urban areas. Only 30% finish 9th grade. Only 30% of pregnant girls finish elementary school.
Who are these children?
Totally abandoned children: live in the streets with no family contact, use drugs, (usually shoemakers’ glue), don’t work.
Partially abandoned children: live in the streets but have some contact with their families, use drugs, typically, don’t work.
Latch-key children: roam the streets but maintain contact with their families, do not usually use drugs, don’t work.
Working children: 1,700,000 youth between 12 and 17 and 800,000 boys and girls between 6 and 11 years are working on the streets (shine shoes, wash car windows, sell goodies). They live with their families and don’t normally take drugs.
Life on the Street
In Latin America, both boys and girls live on the streets. However, the boy/girl ratio of street children may be as high as nine to one. Most street children are not abandoned by their families. Instead they leave home to escape abuse, poverty, or ordinary parental authority. 9,500 cases of physical abuse 9,300 cases of sexual abuse are investigated every year. Lack of stability in family life is the main reason for losing a child to the streets. In the streets they find other children who have come from equally difficult backgrounds. However the child also soon finds that in the world of the street they are abused as much as they were at home. This disillusionment is a tremendous shock – the child realizes that he can have no confidence either in his parents or in any other authority figure. Inflicting damage on others results and about 30,000 youth are now facing charges for breaking the law. Inhaling drugs becomes part of the child’s survival strategy as they lessen the sense of reality.
What can we do?
Governments and social agencies do not own this world problem. We all do. God’s word to us is full of commands to watch out for orphans. These words to us are as fresh today as when they were first spoken:
Change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, do not oppress…the orphan (Jer. 7: 5-6). This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right…do no wrong or violence to the… orphan (Jer. 22:3). Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans…in their distress and to keep from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)
To begin to solve this problem, the Christian community (organizations, agencies, and churches) must:
1) Recognize that each of us can have a part in sharing the love of Christ with these children. The local church must decide to face the problem of the children on its own city streets.
2) Prevent children from arriving on the streets, making choices available to them before they enter street life.
3) Re-evaluate our work and give much more support and funding to meet the needs of children at risk.
Street children need a choice so they can leave the street scene, recover from their tragic experiences, and learn to have a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.
All above info from: http://tilz.tearfund.org/Publications/Footsteps+21-30/Footsteps+28/Children+at+risk.htm
YWAM Bogota’s Street Children Ministry
Since 1982, the Street Children's Ministry under Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has developed a program to restore the children of Colombia who have been living in the streets or are at high risk of falling into this lifestyle. This Christian non-profit organization, called "Formando Vidas" (Forming Lives) is staffed by volunteers and is currently recognized under Resolution 0539 of May 16, 2003 of the Colombian Family Welfare Department (ICBF), legally authorized to participate in social development programs. Beginning with boys and girls between the ages of 0 - 12 years, the process of rehabilitation takes the child through various stages until he or she is able to perform in a socially acceptable manner as an adult.
The two areas of “Formando Vidas” that interest me are the following:
THE LIGHT & LIFE SCHOOL: Integral formation of the child that is not able to attend a school of basic formal education for reasons of: learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, negative behavior, or differentiated intelligence. This re-educative bridge has as its goal to reintegrate the child into community schools or training programs.
STAFF TRAINING: For people already working (or that show interest in working) directly with children, a bilingual school, Working With Children At Risk (WWCR), is held once a year and consists of 4 months of teaching by 30 qualified teachers from all over the world and includes the following: 300 Hours of Theory, Biblical Perspective on Children At Risk, The Christian Worker's Formation, Normal and Abnormal Development of the Child, Analysis of the 52 Problem Areas, Functional Strategies to Restore the Child, Servant Leadership, Team Dynamics, Administrative and Juridical Concepts, 300 hours of practice in local street/ children’s ministries.
For more information, check out: http://www.colombiastreetkids.org
‘I asked over his grave dug in the side of the mountain, “Isn’t there some way that Colombia, instead of killing her children, can make them worthy of living?” (Gonzalo Arango, A Lament for Disquiet)
To help allow street children become ‘worthy of living’ is the focus of all of us working with children at risk.
We need to understand what a huge problem we face, especially in Latin America. It is difficult to picture the number of children living in the world’s streets, many unattached to any family at all. The standard reference figure quoted for street children around the world today is a staggering 100 million (UN). In Colombia there are 17 million children under 18 years of age, 42% of the population. 38.9% living below the poverty line, and about half in absolute poverty. More and more of these are finding their way to the streets. Approx. 7,859,673 boys and girls are said to be abused. It is calculated that of these 850,000 are severally abused the majority between 5 and 14 years old.
12 children die daily: 5 are murdered, 3 in traffic accidents, 1 commits suicide, and 3 in other types of accidents. 1 child is kidnapped every 2 days. Approx. 18% minors have killed at least once, 60% have seen someone killed, 78% have seen bodies mutilated, 25% have seen someone been kidnapped, 13% have been kidnapped, 18% have seen someone tortured, 40% have fired a gun at someone at least once, 28% have been injured. 70 to 80% of the sexual abuse toward children ages 5-15 is committed by persons known and trusted by the victim. Because of physical or sexual abuse or neglect, the education system is incapable of receiving them again.
Today, 30 of every 100 children of preschool age attend school and only 60 of every 100 that start primary school finish there primary education. More than 2,500,000 children work in dangerous conditions and of them only 3 attend school. 35% of the children who complete the 3rd grade are literate. Only 47% of children between 12 and 17 attend high school, of them 84% live in urban areas. Only 30% finish 9th grade. Only 30% of pregnant girls finish elementary school.
Who are these children?
Totally abandoned children: live in the streets with no family contact, use drugs, (usually shoemakers’ glue), don’t work.
Partially abandoned children: live in the streets but have some contact with their families, use drugs, typically, don’t work.
Latch-key children: roam the streets but maintain contact with their families, do not usually use drugs, don’t work.
Working children: 1,700,000 youth between 12 and 17 and 800,000 boys and girls between 6 and 11 years are working on the streets (shine shoes, wash car windows, sell goodies). They live with their families and don’t normally take drugs.
Life on the Street
In Latin America, both boys and girls live on the streets. However, the boy/girl ratio of street children may be as high as nine to one. Most street children are not abandoned by their families. Instead they leave home to escape abuse, poverty, or ordinary parental authority. 9,500 cases of physical abuse 9,300 cases of sexual abuse are investigated every year. Lack of stability in family life is the main reason for losing a child to the streets. In the streets they find other children who have come from equally difficult backgrounds. However the child also soon finds that in the world of the street they are abused as much as they were at home. This disillusionment is a tremendous shock – the child realizes that he can have no confidence either in his parents or in any other authority figure. Inflicting damage on others results and about 30,000 youth are now facing charges for breaking the law. Inhaling drugs becomes part of the child’s survival strategy as they lessen the sense of reality.
What can we do?
Governments and social agencies do not own this world problem. We all do. God’s word to us is full of commands to watch out for orphans. These words to us are as fresh today as when they were first spoken:
Change your ways and your actions and deal with each other justly, do not oppress…the orphan (Jer. 7: 5-6). This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right…do no wrong or violence to the… orphan (Jer. 22:3). Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans…in their distress and to keep from being polluted by the world (James 1:27)
To begin to solve this problem, the Christian community (organizations, agencies, and churches) must:
1) Recognize that each of us can have a part in sharing the love of Christ with these children. The local church must decide to face the problem of the children on its own city streets.
2) Prevent children from arriving on the streets, making choices available to them before they enter street life.
3) Re-evaluate our work and give much more support and funding to meet the needs of children at risk.
Street children need a choice so they can leave the street scene, recover from their tragic experiences, and learn to have a personal relationship with the Heavenly Father.
All above info from: http://tilz.tearfund.org/Publications/Footsteps+21-30/Footsteps+28/Children+at+risk.htm
YWAM Bogota’s Street Children Ministry
Since 1982, the Street Children's Ministry under Youth With A Mission (YWAM) has developed a program to restore the children of Colombia who have been living in the streets or are at high risk of falling into this lifestyle. This Christian non-profit organization, called "Formando Vidas" (Forming Lives) is staffed by volunteers and is currently recognized under Resolution 0539 of May 16, 2003 of the Colombian Family Welfare Department (ICBF), legally authorized to participate in social development programs. Beginning with boys and girls between the ages of 0 - 12 years, the process of rehabilitation takes the child through various stages until he or she is able to perform in a socially acceptable manner as an adult.
The two areas of “Formando Vidas” that interest me are the following:
THE LIGHT & LIFE SCHOOL: Integral formation of the child that is not able to attend a school of basic formal education for reasons of: learning disabilities, emotional difficulties, negative behavior, or differentiated intelligence. This re-educative bridge has as its goal to reintegrate the child into community schools or training programs.
STAFF TRAINING: For people already working (or that show interest in working) directly with children, a bilingual school, Working With Children At Risk (WWCR), is held once a year and consists of 4 months of teaching by 30 qualified teachers from all over the world and includes the following: 300 Hours of Theory, Biblical Perspective on Children At Risk, The Christian Worker's Formation, Normal and Abnormal Development of the Child, Analysis of the 52 Problem Areas, Functional Strategies to Restore the Child, Servant Leadership, Team Dynamics, Administrative and Juridical Concepts, 300 hours of practice in local street/ children’s ministries.
For more information, check out: http://www.colombiastreetkids.org
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thank you for praying for my eye surgery. Everything went well. It's not at 100%, but I can see without glasses or contacts! Yea! I thank God for giving me the miracle of new vision!
Also just to let you know, you will be receiving an inviation for a picnic "open house"--food will be provided; it is NOT potluck. Please come. It will help if you email me to let me know, so I can plan accordingly. Drop by anytime, but if you can be there around 6:30, we will have a time of sharing and prayer. Hope to see you then.
Also just to let you know, you will be receiving an inviation for a picnic "open house"--food will be provided; it is NOT potluck. Please come. It will help if you email me to let me know, so I can plan accordingly. Drop by anytime, but if you can be there around 6:30, we will have a time of sharing and prayer. Hope to see you then.
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