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.

Bogota, Colombia
Week 2

Schedule:
6 am wake up
6:30 devotional
7:30 chores
8 am breakfast
8:30 group devotion (by a student)
9-1:15 lesson 1:30 lunch
2:30-4 pm lesson
4-7 time to walk, do homework, read, memorize Bible verse, prepare dinner (we take turns)
7 pm dinner
10 in rooms

Book reports--every 2 weeks, I´m on book 4 of required 8
Creative book--summary of week, what we learned

The lessons have been on the Bill Gothard Seminary character qualities, the psyche of the child from conception, and information on children´s needs and minstries. (I´ve been translating most of the teachings; another student takes notes for me.)

I have very little free time. Today we spent the day at a farm a couple hours from the base, a ministry with boys who have been rescued from heading to the streets, because of family problems. It´s an institution and I really see God putting it in my heart to encourage family not institution. It was a long day and I have the creative book to work on. I hope to visit Cecy and David on Sunday. There is a lot to talk about.

I am glad I am here, and my team of 10 is united. 9 girls sleep in one big room, and the boy shares a room with a staff. I am glad there are veggetables at some meals and I buy fruits. But there is still a lot of carbs (rice and potatoes) served. I am trying to exercise, to get back in shape from the surgery. In a couple weeks we are going to do a 5-day survival ropes course, and as much as I want to do it, and it´s required, I´m not in good shape right now.

So I ask for prayers for sleep, rest, strength, energy, motivation to work out and do my work, the ability to prioritize my time well, and the heart to hear God´s direction for my life. I will be faced with some decisions soon and really need prayers. Thanks. Many blessings on you all.

I encourage you to read more about the ministry where I am presently going to be studying for the next four months: www.colombiastreetkids.org/

It's an amazing ministry and I pray the Lord leads me into ministering to children in a way that 1) brings Him glory, 2) reaches many needy children, and 3) uses my strengthes and perhaps even more my weaknesses.

Nightmare

I wake up drenched in sweat
In the middle of the night
I can hardly breathe
And long to see the light

Why am I so sad?
How long will the darkness last?
I can’t endure the pain
From a haunted past

Paralyzed on my bed
I wallow in hot tears
Oh God rescue me
Save me from my fears

Ah, I see the Light
Come to bring the day
I choose to rejoice in the One
Who takes the night away

Morning has arrived
Making me rise up and sing
In the sunshine I know
The joy of the Lord is my strength


Pesadilla

Me despierto sudando
En la medianoche
No puedo respirar
Anhelo ver la luz

¿Porque estoy tan triste?
¿Cuanto durará la oscuridad?
No aguanto el dolor
De un pasado angustiado

Paralizada en la cama
Me ahogo en mis lágrimas
Dios mió, rescátame
Sálvame de mis temores

Ah, veo la Luz
Trayéndome el día
Elijo regocijarme en El
Que quitó la noche

La mañana ha llegado
Haciendo levantarme y cantar
En el sol, yo sé
Que el gozo del Señor es mi fortaleza


By Rachel C. Deal

Bogota, Colombia

It has been three weeks since I left the States. Upon arriving in Iquitos, I was very occupied with the preparations of the wedding as well as buying materials for the fence we have now put around the property in Iquitos. The cost to fence the 5 acres and hire workers (at $5 a day) was $650. This will keep people out and help people know that we will be building on the property soon. It is a big job to clean the brush and trees and maintain the property, as everything grows fast in the jungle. We want to build a large hut (“maloca”) of about 20 meters square. This will probably cost $2000 if we hire local workers. If we brought in a volunteer construction team, we would only need to hire a master who could teach the workers how to build the maloca and buy the materials. Please pray with me that God’s will be done. We want to build things that last and not cut corners, but at the same time get the best deal so as to not waste money.

The wedding was beautiful and sweet. David and Cecy are here in Bogotá, and will be settling down for a few months here, before returning to live in Iquitos. There are some big prayer requests concerning our beginning the ministry—a lot of questions and details to work out. God is in control and completely trustworthy. We just need to pray that we make the right decisions and make them as a team. There have been a lot of changes in my life in the last year, and I hope that these 4 months in Bogota help me clarify things in my heart. I want to be in Iquitos—I am excited and happy about the work to be done there. But right now, I need to focus on learning how to work with street kids and being open to what God has for me. This will be a great school for me.

I came a week early to Bogota with David, Cecy, and Cecy’s sister, Juliana, for a second “wedding” with David’s family; and I am staying at the YWAM base where I will be attending the school that starts March 4. I am living in the middle of the office space temporarily while the dorms are being constructed, However, I trust God and His plan for me. I want to use this extra time to rest, pray, write, read, and get to know the people at the base.

I am a little tired today because of the busyness before the wedding, being in the wedding, packing for Bogota, the 2 day boat ride to Leticia, conversations about future plans, a meeting with Pastor Jaime Useche to agree that I will be working in Iquitos not Leticia, but it is all working out fine. I am safe in the YWAM base. Change is always in front of me and I am content that I am in a good place spiritually and physically. Phil. 4:11

Prayer Requests:
Concentration, clarity, and organization
Confidence in what God is doing in and through me
During my time in Bogotá these next four months: safety, health, wisdom, rest, friendships, an open mind to God’s voice, and submission to authority
The team God is preparing for the street children ministry in Iquitos, Perú
Funds and wisdom in continued building plans

Praises:
The fence has been completed around our property in Iquitos
I am healing well from the operation and seem to have better health J
A good time in the 2 weeks I was in Iquitos—the wedding was beautiful, I hung out with my friends, and all my things I’d stored in my rented room are fine
An opportunity on the ship (“lancha”) to witness to a young Peruvian who accepted the Lord as Savior and Father!
A warm welcome here at the YWAM Bogotá base

Love in Christ, Rachel
February 23, 2007


I wrote the Nightmare today, not because I had a nightmare, but because I realized that living in the joy of the morning or the sorrow of night is my choice. I actually slept well, and have felt very welcomed here, the director talked to me for a long time about his vision of making the children part of the family not an institution. I am very happy that I will be here to learn more about how to work well with needy kids. Thanks for continued prayers and support.

Peru

It was a busy last week, but I am packed and ready to go to the airport. I'll be in Lima early tomorrow morning and will write soon to let you know of my arrival. I am excited and blessed to be sent to work in the Amazon. I ask for prayers for protection, wisdom, and peace--that I will rest in the plans God has for me, "plans to give me a future and a hope." Thanks for supporting me during this "emergency" trip home. It's been great to see everyone and receive a clearer vision of God's heart for the street kids of Iquitos.

To South America...And Beyond!!
The countdown has begun. I leave next Monday. I am spending the last week getting everything in order for this trip and the next several months of living overseas. I appreciate your prayers for tranquility and protection. Thanks!

A Gift from God: Being a Street Child
By Webster Nhlanhla Nxele
Johannesburg, South Africa

What is this gift doing on the street?
Where does this gift sleep?
He sleeps on the street or on the bed like you?
What does this child eat?

This child has a dream but because he is on the street,
He cannot make his dream come true.
He is now using drugs to forget who he is.
What is he doing with his life?
What future does his life on the street have for him?

When the nights come,
He has to see where he is going to sleep.
He must drug himself so that he can pretend
He is inside the house like you,
Going to sleep on his bed with his warm blankets.

That’s only imagination
In truth he is going to sleep on the street
And all that strong wind and rain will end up on him.

When he suffers from all these pains,
Who is looking after him?
Who is taking care of him or to the doctor?
He has to wait until he gets better on his own.

These children are people like us.
Let us help them.
They are a gift from God.
Put them first.

~from No Turning Back: a novel of South Africa by Beverly Naidoo

Dear Iquitos, Hidden Jewel

Dear Iquitos, beautiful city
You have welcomed me with open arms
Never have I known such intensity
You, who lie alongside the world’s longest river, have shown me true love and great need
A maze of streets, with fruit-sellers and sleeping children
You, with your glorious sunsets, hospitality, and sloths and snakes, captivate my heart
You, with your abandoned children, begging for food, searching through the dump, walking barefooted, make my heart cry

Dear Iquitos, hidden jewel
I will search for and find the precious children if it takes a life-time
Together we can give them a better future, free from the need of begging, working for nothing, prostitution, abuse, drugs, and fighting
Dear Iquitos, who has given me a place to call home
Take care of my babies, those who are old too soon, even those not yet born
Let’s give them a chance at life, hope, peace, and joy
Let’s give them a chance of safety, education, and self-worth
Let’s give them a chance to know Jesus’ love

According to the UN, children are supposed to be: “innocent, vulnerable and dependent, curious, active and full of hope, lives of joy, peace, playing, learning, and growing, with a future of harmony and cooperation, maturing as they broaden their perspectives and gain new experiences.”

Dear children of Iquitos
You who are made in God’s image and tenderly loved by Him
That is what I desire for you

Prayers for Children
By Amy Carmichael

Father, hear us, we are praying
Hear the words of our hearts saying
We are praying for our children

Keep them from the powers of evil
From the secret, hidden peril
Father, hear us for our children

From the whirlpool that would suck them
From the treacherous quicksand pluck them
Father, hear us for our children

From the worldling’s hollow gladness
From the sting of faithless sadness
Father, Father, keep our children

Through life’s troubled waters steer them
Through life’s’ bitter battles cheer them
Father, Father, be Thou near them

Read the language of our longing
Read the wordless pleadings thronging
Holy Father, for our children

And wherever they may bide
Lead them home at eventide.

I am endangered
I am voiceless
I am invisible
I am of low esteem
I am a waste of time
I am hidden under poverty
I am hungry
I am alone
I am a silent emergency
My name does not matter
I am every child

Did you know?? *

•there are 2.2. billion children in the world, one billion of whom live in poverty?
•more than 11 million of us children die each year before reaching the age of five—that’s 210,000 every week?
•8 million of us die yearly from one or more of five diseases that move in on our bodies that have been weakened by hunger: pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, malaria, and malnutrition, most of which are preventable or treatable?
•we kids lose 443 million school days each year from water-related illness, a lack of water or a lack of sanitation and 1.8 million of our deaths result from diarrhea—that’s 3 children per minute?
•3000 of us die every day—that’s one kid every 30 seconds—from malaria in Africa alone due to a lack of programs to prevent and antimalarial to treat malaria?
•30,000 of us children die each day due to poverty? According to UNICEF, we “die quietly in some of the poorest villages on earth, far removed from the scrutiny and the conscience of the world. Being weak in life makes these dying multitudes even more invisible in death.”
•16,000 of us die from hunger-related causes every day—that’s one kid every five seconds?
•15 million of us were orphaned this year due to our parents’ dying from AIDS?
•200 of us are dying every day in Iraq, a number that has been increasing since the war started in 2003, from malnutrition, a lack of clean water, and a lack of medical equipment and drugs to cure easily treatable diseases?
•most of us are illiterate because we are fighting to survive (mostly working for a pittance in deplorable situations)—121 million of us have never been to school?
•more money is spent on ice cream every year than education and water sanitation together?
•in Brasil, killing children is a pastime for police: 4 to 5 adolescents are murdered daily, a child is beaten every 12 minutes, 4.5 million children under 12 are working, and 500,000 children are engaged in domestic labor?
•there are 150 million street kids, most of whom do not have a home to go to at night?
•in the United States, a million of us are abused yearly and four die daily?
•we are often sold into slavery or prostitution to pay off a family debt or because our family can’t afford to feed us?
•we are often forced to beg on the streets to buy drugs for our parents?
•most of us have never heard about Jesus’ love?

*Due to a lack of available information, not all stats are up-to-date.

Only
By Rachel C. Deal

I only love God 7 days of the week
I only serve Him 24 hours a day
I only enjoy His beauty 60 seconds per hour
And only all the time do I—in the Spirit—pray

I’m only fully given to my Father in heaven
I only am His child 100%
I only know I’ll be with Him always and forever
And only do I trust in a love that’s permanent

I only find God’s grace a gift that never ceases
I only put my faith in a salvation that endures
I only worship Him the moments I am breathing
And only when my heart beats do I obey His Word


Solo

Solo amo a Dios 7 días de la semana
Solo le sirvo 24 horas por día
Solo disfruto su belleza 60 segundos por hora
Y solo siempre—en el Espíritu—oro

Solo completamente soy de mi Padre en el cielo
Solo soy su hija 100%
Solo sé que estaré con El para la eternidad
Y solo confío en un amor permanente

Solo encuentro la gracia de Dios un regalo que nunca cesa
Solo pongo mi fe en una salvación que endura
Solo le adoro los momentos que respiro
Y solo cuando late el corazón obedezco la Palabra

the get together went well. thanks to bob for opening his house and to all who came and donated money toward my ministry in the amazon--to make the voice of the invisible children heard--to teach them the Truth. it's great to know i have a team behind me, supporting and praying for me. don't forget to consider being part of a building fund raiser in the fall (so we can begin to construct the children's home) and upcoming mission trips (construction/ medical/ service) starting summer 2008. many blessings.

WRITTEN IN FLESH
By Rachel C. Deal

The Word of God, Jesus Himself
Written on my heart
Etched in flesh, His revelations
From me will never depart

Meditating day and night
I delight to have Him close
The Great I AM, the sacrificial Lamb
He's what I want the most

The Word of God signed His Name in blood
The Life, the Truth, the Way
Hidden within so I might not sin
He lives on in my heart today

John 1:1-4, 14:6
Psalm 1:1-2, 119:11

Get Together at Bob's
This Friday evening, January 12, from 7-8:30, is the get-together, an opportunity for us to hang out, chat, and pray before I go back to the Amazon early February. I hope you come--it will really bless me. This is not per se a fund raiser, but there will be a basket available for any offerings you choose to give toward the street children ministry the Lord is building up in Iquitos. Directions are at the bottom of this page.

Thanks for viewing this blog. I hope you will continue to check in regularly and also leave comments, which is also a blessing to me.

Happy New Year 2007! The Lord has been healing me and showing me His will for me. I can't wait to share with you the new developments for my ministry in Iquitos, Peru, with the street children. Please come on January 12 to hear all about it, join with me in prayer. See you then!