This week, we finally head out to Palenque. It was a good car ride with Darlys as I listened and listened to her. She is extremely stressed and allowing her studies to control her life. We talked a lot about this and how she can better prioritize and rest in HIM. When we arrived, it was good to be back and hear what all HE had been doing while we were gone. We spent some time with Hrln  and Js Mnl just listening to them. We then headed down to the farm and had a great time in His Words with Ddr. She is really listening to His Spirit and has a pure desire for her family to all come together and study. It was a beautiful time together watching Him open her eyes to who HE desires her to be. We headed back to the house and ran into everyone who had everything to tell us. It was good to see that they were excited to see us and share with us their lives. We came back to the house, and ate dinner and as we prepared to leave to meet with a family, it began to rain. And it rained, and rained, and rained, and cut off the electricity…and so we stayed at the house. I spent more time with Daryls in His Words, we exercised, we pryd, and we went to bed. It was a good day of being back in the village after 3 weeks out and it was good to see HIM granting us favor in the eyes of the people.

Wednesday, we woke up to no electricity for the entire day but HE was so good in that it has never felt that good in Palenque…it was not cool but I was not sweating profusely! It was very refreshing. That morning, Darlys lead the devotional in the house with Js Mnl and Hrln on faith. It is so cool to watch Him grow her in her understanding of basic doctrinal Truths and then watch Him use her to teach them clearly! HE was definitely refining each one of us through the devotion. Afterwards, Darlys and I headed out to do some pryr walking and visit with a lady who had bought His Word and wanted to learn how to read it. It was a good time of just asking HIM where HE was working and seeking His Will for this village. We continue to proclaim that HE rise up a man to come to these people as we both feel that this village needs a man or a couple. When we arrived at the ladies house, she was washing and did not have time to meet with us so we planned for another time this week. And just as we were leaving, it began to pour down rain again. We arrive back at the house just before the storm hit, eat some lunch, and spend the next couple of hours pryng/planning/studying and resting. When the rain finally stopped, we headed out to visit with another lady who was not there. On our way back, we stopped by a families home to say hi and it turned into a perfect opportunity to teach His Truths. The entire family gathered around and we had a great time teaching His Stories to them. They go to the local club but are not family members…think that they are but there is not fruit at all. As they answered questions, read His Truths to answer those questions, they were definitely confronted by many things. They say that they are interested in studying each week but we will see what happens (as we have heard this before.) We left their house in time to walk Brody, eat some dinner, and get ready for all the youth to come for the meeting.

It was a good group of youth and it was just good to be with them again and hear about what they had been doing. The local YWAM M and her team had been leading this group while we were gone and as we listened to what they had been learning, it was good stuff…just not based in His Truth. One of the youth began to share with us, Yrc, a young lady whom many of you have been pryng for as she had been asking a lot of deeper questions. As she opened her mouth to speak and the way she acted all night, it was completely incredible. HE is working in your life. She openly speaks about grace and forgiveness and her sin and his love. She normally is someone we cannot control because she is always yelling about something or wanting to argue her point but tonight, she was calm and respectful. It was incredible the change that HE is making in her life. I spoke on Romans 12:1-2 and resisting the things of this world. We spent awhile reflecting on these verses and what they meant for us tonight. After our youth meeting, Darlys and I walk two of the youth back to their homes and take advantage of some time with them to hear their hearts. It was good to hear what HE is doing and how they are rebelling against His Will from their lips and them recognizing it.

When we make it back to the house as I am closing the gate and putting the padlock on it, Pdr comes up to say hey. Pdr is another young man whom you guys have been pryng for as I have felt from the HS that he is seeking something and doesn’t know that it is HIM. Each and every time that he has been with us, he is the young man who responds with, “man this is some serious stuff…you have confronted me…you have disarmed me…I am in shock”. He comes up to the gate and gives us his reason that he was not with us for our youth meeting and then begins to tell us all about this meeting he had. As we listen, the HS gives me His Word and after His Word to pour out over Pdr. Each time, he looks at me with that cute smile and that same phrase comes out of his mouth, “you have disarmed me.” I always remind him that it is the HS and not me that is disarming him and that he should go home, meditate on what we talked about, ask HIM what to do, and be obedient. I think we sat out there for like an hour listening, talking, and pryng. He eventually agrees to do just that and so we head into the house. That night, Darlys and I reflected on the day, pryd, and prepared for the next day.

Thursday, the group of YWAM m’s (who had arrived the day before for a presentation that was canceled in the plaza) left to head back to Cartagena. That morning the women came over for our weekly meeting. They shared with us the list of things that they would like to learn about and we shared some things that HE had placed on our hearts as well. It was neat to see how the very thing that Ktln said she had been asking HIM to answer was the very thing that two weeks ago, HE had placed on my heart to teach her. HE is so good like that and always connects us like that. I taught that morning and HE moved. It was just another great time in His Word and in His Presence! When we finished, we made some lunch and then headed to meet up with Krstn and Dncl. When we arrived, Krstn was not the same Krstn that we had seen the past couple of months. She had reverted back to the old self-involved and consumed angry person. It really hurt my heart to see her rejecting HIM and His Truth and relying on herself again. We shared some tough Truths with her and I was not easy with her…gentle but I spoke clearly…or I should say that HIS Words spoke clearly. She kept trying to change the subject and try to go back to her complaining and anger but we continued bringing her back to His Words. It was a long and tough hour but HE prevailed, as we always know HE does. As she pryd, her words were sincere and His Truths and her sin had broken her. While she was pryng, it began to rain and so we ended up having some more time with them and the fun loving Krstn who we know and love returned. It was neat to watch HIM answer our pryrs so quickly and use His powerful words to transform someone in front of our very own eyes.

We headed back to the house to refill water bottles, go to the bathroom, grab a snack, and prepare for our next meeting. We head down to the farm to meet with Mnl and his family. Because we had spoken to Ddr, we knew that the family had not met in the 3 weeks we had been gone nor had they done the homework that we had given them. As we sat asking why they had not met as a family to study and if they really did want to study, I felt HIM telling me to share a different story than the one we had planned on teaching. As I shared the story from Genesis 2 and 3, HE used it to bring them to a realization of where they were in their relation ship with HIM. There were many tears shed that afternoon but there was also a new light in their eyes as we spoke. After our study of His Word as a family, we began our English class. Not many of them had done that homework either, and so we spent some time reviewing making sentences in the present tense using the verbs and vocabulary that we had learned. It was a good night with this family and HE is definitely working in their lives. That night, Darlys and I spent time in His Word together and pryng and processing what HE had done all week. It was truly a great week of watching Him work in Palenque.

Friday morning as I was packing up the car, Pdr shows up. He begins to share more and more about his time with HIM all day Thursday and explains why he did not come to the house the entire day. HE is working in his life and His Truth is confronting Pdr. I just pry that HE opens his heart to understand His Truth and Will for his life. Darlys goes to a house to pick up a parakeet for Aida that a family was going to give us, we pick up some mangos we were going to give the families on the farm, and we end up with another parakeet. What a ride we had from Palenque to the farm that day, the two parakeets would not stop fighting and pooping. It was definitely a show you should have seen as Darlys started to disciple each of them and them fighting and pooping and Brody wanting to eat them and me…well, I was just laughing my head off. We had a good time at the farm. We spent time serving them in the kitchen, with the kids, and cleaning. None of the women came up to meet and I was disappointed that they did not come to start our study on fasting but not my will but His. I went down to see the Riffle’s and it was good to see the kids and see how they were doing. We had to leave early because I was meeting one of the girls I am discipling at the mall at 4:00. We say goodbye and I get home to find a lovely mess awaiting me.

The upstairs toilet had been leaking water (for how long I do not know) and had flooded the entire upstairs. Needless to say, I was tired, dirty, and not ready for this. I pryd for patience, called the girl to tell her I could not come, and then began cleaning and repairing. After everything was clean, I took a shower, made some dinner and watched a movie. Oh what a day…but HE was glorified!

Saturday, I had a good morning with HIM. Darlys came over to make brownies because she wants to sell them as a way to earn money to pay for schooling and the ministry in Palenque. The youth came over for our meeting and we talked about the gospel. They had homework of going through several gospel tracts that I had given them to tell me if they were doctrinally sound, where they lacked, and if they would use them. As some of them did not do their homework, it was still a good discussion. What I loved the most was the fact that they were thinking and searching Scripture together all based on the gospel message!! None of them left here satisfied with what they had discovered but hungry to dig deeper to finish the homework for the next week’s discussion. I love how HE is growing these youth in HIM! It is so fun to watch. That night, Darlys spent the night to work on a project and I helped her finish her brownies and get them packaged and ready to be sold the next day at the local club. As I was studying for the SS class the next day, Pdr called me. He begins to tell me how HE has opened his eyes and how he had been blinded by the world for a long time. He said that he was blind but that Gd opened his eyes and he can now see and understand the things that I had told him about. As he began to share this with me, I hit my knees and began to cry. OH WHAT A SAVIOR!! HE had saved one of his own in Palenque just like we had asked. HE had used HIS Words to draw Pdr to HIM, to confront him, and HE was changing his heart. Pdr told me he had never felt such a peace and tranquility in all of his life. He was so excited for us to come back next Tuesday and begin teaching him more about his new heart. 

THANK YOU JSS!! And thank you for pryng…I am going to hit my knees and worship a DAD Who hears us and calls His people to Him!!

For three weeks, we were not able to go into Palenque. Each and every week it is a fight for us to leave Cartagena and head into Palenque. Each week when it looked as if the door was shutting, I would hit my knees and ask what it was that HE desired for my week. Some days it was a full day on my knees, repenting, pleading, praising, or in silence. Some days it was full of divine appointments with people I know or people I may never see again. Each day was a blessing even though I did not understand why we were not able to go to Palenque and each day I just rested in His Sovereign Hands and waited to obey.

HE did so much during these three weeks that I do not want to go into detail but hit the highlights. Once again I am sorry that I am uploading all of this now, but the internet and power have not been very consistent here lately…don’t you worry…the heat has been consistent and strong!

My times at His feet were incredible. I am in Philippians and learning so much about just how far off I was in my obedience of what is commanded of us through this letter. One day, I was looking at the heart and attitudes of Jss, Paul, Timothy, and Ephroditus. I made a list of what the Word said about each one of them, their actions, and then compared myself to them. We all know where I landed in the comparison to Jss…and Paul wasn’t that far off as well. The streak continued as I do not act or think like Timothy and my  by final hope, did not come close to his heart and actions as well. What I learned from these men was that they love the people of Philippi more than they did themselves. They only thought of others to the point that Paul said that he is remaining in the flesh because it is better for their sakes…not his. This made me think, how much do I love my people? Have I been pryng asking what is the best for the sake of my people if I stay or go? Have I been more concerned about them than future vision that HE has given me for my next adventure with Him? I began to earnestly seek His face and ask His timing for my departure from here. I had always assumed because I knew the next step, that naturally He would want me to begin the next step as soon as possible. Assuming has never been a good idea and so I relinquished all into His Hands and was lead to fast and pry for His timing and His heart for my people. It was another humbling experience to say the least!

The group of young ladies has met twice now. I am really not sure what HE wants me to do with this group of ladies. I know it is a new ministry, it is something that is needed, but I am not sure what HE desires. I thought He wanted me to teach them His Truths (basic doctrine), form a group of young ladies who knew who they were in Him, move them towards outreach (with prostitutes and the widows) but now I am not sure that they are there. They seem to only be interested in activities and not HIM. I have sought His face and just pry each meeting that HE brings whom HE desires and do not worry about the numbers. The first meeting there was 3 of us but it was a sweet time of getting to know a new girl who recently moved here from Bogota. It was good for me to hear her testimony, her doubts, her goals, etc. Darlys had begun to disciple her and so it was cool for me to see their relationship that had been forming. She is hungry and ate up every word that I spoke from His Word. The second meeting, there were 6 of us including one of the young married ladies that I had invited. The young ladies here have no idea who they are in Chrst and what HE has called them to be. They are searching for all kinds of things in men and things…and this includes the young married ladies. We had a good discussion on some basic Spiritual Truths. It is crazy to me that some of these ladies have been in club for their entire lives and look at me like I am speaking another language – that this is the first time that they have heard this liberating Truth. Please join me in pryr as I seek His face for His goal for this ministry and each step He desires us to take to reach that goal.

The sports ministry team is going great!! After HE revealed to me 2 months ago that I need to continue my one on one discipleship of each member, He has opened up their hearts to new Truths and ignited new passions within them. We had a great discussion on the gospel, their testimonies, and as we shared HE revealed so much to me about where they were spiritually. I praise HIM for His Spirit that always shows me things that only HE sees and knows. I have spent time individually with each one talking about their testimonies, sharing the gospel with them, and giving them a chance to practice with me. I have found that if they don’t practice with someone they know, then they will never share with someone they do not know for fear of messing up.

One HUGE DAD story was that of Edgrd. He is one of the newest members of the group who was brought it and never really discipled by the young man who brought him into the group.  Over the past year and a half, I have watched HIM speak clearly to Edgrd and open his eyes to different Truths and ways of thinking. Edgrd was very resistant and proud at first and did not want to accept what His Word was saying but during our long study in Romans, HE opened his heart to understand!! But as I asked them to share their testimonies, Edgrd had problems communicating when and how HE came to know Chrst and submit to His Lordship. I had one of the other youth work with him during the week and this past Saturday, Edgrd came early (as always) for the study. As I asked him to tell me his testimony, he still was talking about his club this, his pastor that, and never really sharing how he met Chrst, how he understood that he was a sinner, and when HE opened his heart, gave him faith, and Edgrd truly believed and repented. I started asking a bunch of different questions, trying to get him to either confess that he did not have a personal relationship or be honest when he first understood. Edgrd began to cry and then apologized for crying in front of me. He then clearly communicated that it was during the Romans study that he surrendered his life to Chrst and became a Chrstn. It was hard for him to accept but as he spoke so clearly, I told him that this is when and how he came to know the Lrd and surrender his life. He said he was embarrassed because he had been baptized, been in club,and a part of the ministry for a year and a half. I reminded him that his salvation does not come from him but from HIM. HE opened his heart at the perfect time. If you could have seen the look on his face as he told me all of this and as I reassured him that he had nothing to be embarrassed about, it was incredible! It was TOTALLY a divine appointment.

With the sports ministry team, we had a night of riding bikes through the old city, shared some food on the wall, and had some worship/pryr time. It was a lot of fun and really united the group. HE is doing some incredible things through this group. Please continue to pry for them!!


With the girls that I am discipling, HE is moving in their hearts and at least they have been honest with me and consistent. One struggles with pride and prides herself in how quiet she is and how she doesn’t speak too much. One struggles with guys and looking to them for everything and not running from temptation but flirty and hugging temptation. One is finding herself in HIM and seeing just how little she knows of Him and His Word. All three are very different but all are at least living with a hunger to meet and know more…what are they exactly searching for, they do not know but HE is showing them! Please continue to ask for wisdom with each girl and that they will continue to be open and honest with me and with themselves.

In the youth SS and with the youth sports ministry team, I have begun teaching the Who is Dad material from Platt. It is evident that they truly do not know Who He is because if they truly did, they would not struggle with basic Truths, fighting against His Will, and ultimately surrendering their lives to His Lrdshp. It has been interesting to watch them after each study, sit in silence. At first, I thought they did not understand one word that I spoke but then after speaking with them I understood that they were in shock. It was the first time for many of them that they had head these things about HIM. This was a sad truth for me to hear but has made me hit my knees and study more each day so that I can accurately present this AMAZING DAD we serve to them in a way that they can understand and HE can use for His glory! 

What a privilege I have had to see HIM work in all areas of my life and I was not even with my people in Palenque. Oh, how I praise HIM for allowing me to watch HIM transform lives all around me! What an honor! What a Savior!!    

So the mission conference was an extremely exciting time to watch HIM move in ways that I did not even expect. First, Darlys and I head out to San Fransisco to help a local club and Compassion site for the afternoon. The plan was that more people from the local club would assist us but we went and it was a blessing. It was neat to be in this neighborhood finally that I have been pryng over for years. The need is so great here and the youth were very responsive to us, not only when we were playing soccer but as I was sharing my testimony and His Story with them. (These were youth guys 16-20 and did not make fun of me or disrupt…but actually listened and asked when we were coming back.) Please join me in pryr as we pry over the possibility of serving here with the youth sports ministry team.

 Next, Jorge comes into town and it was good to catch up with him again. We had a great time together and he helped me finish the last of the details for the conference. Friday we spent the AM together in study of His Word, pryr, and getting the house ready for the many guests that I was about to receive. We went to the airport to pick up the band that afternoon. It was so great to see them again and hear what HE had been doing in their lives. Not to mention, my amazing sister had sent me some Cinnabons and some American goodies that we cannot get here in Cartagena. I would have preferred to have her here but the goodies were a nice second prize to having her here with me. They unloaded some stuff, ate some snacks, drank lots of water, and then we packed up and headed to the club for the first night of the conference.

There was a good turnout for the conference for the first day. A gentleman from YWAM spoke about his history, his calling, and his ministry in Spain. One of the most exciting things was to see people I had not seen in many months and years. There were several different indigenous people whom I had worked with before and pastors there for the weekend. It was great to see their faces and reconnect with them for a little bit. After the conference, the group ate and we headed back to the apt. They spent time planning for the next day while Marcela (one of the band member’s girlfriend) and I set up the beds, air mattresses and prepare to go to sleep. It had been a long day but HE gave me some time to listen to Marcela and what HE has been doing in her life. She has a design company that she and her friend created. They have T-shirts, buttons, stickers, etc that they design and sell with the gospel message on them. They also have tracks that they have made with one of the truest forms of the gospel message that I have seen in Colombia that they give away to people. It was cool listening to the vision that HE has given her for her ministry and company!

Saturday, we wake up super early…I spend time alone with Him and then wake the group up to get ready. Luis Fernando and I were the first ones to teach that day and so I had to be there early. When I arrived, someone told me that I was in one room to teach…so I entered and begin to pry over the room and what HE was going to do through this time. Luis Fernando had yet to arrive when another M came into the room and told me that this was his room. At first, I was a little disappointed (as this room had AC) but it turned out to be a blessing that they had placed us in the sanctuary.     

Being in Colombia, you know that no one is going to arrive on time for anything (not even my co-teacher) and so HE used us in the sanctuary as a place where people entered to come to the conference and just stayed with us thinking that we were the only workshop. It was cool and I praise HIM for the amount of people HE brought to hear HIS TRUE GOSPEL message. 

After our workshop, we had a break and HE continued to bless me. HE had brought more people that I had not seen in years and allowed me to hear what HE has been doing in their lives. There were people from all over whom we have visited to train in sports ministry, telling stories, and etc. I listened to two Wayuu Indians telling me how HE had been using the sports ministry to reach other tribes and had called one of them out to be a M. He was now serving in another indigenous group using sports to share the gospel message. PRAISE HIM!

After the break, Felipe and the band taught their workshop on the Resistance movement that they had started in and around Bogota. There was a good turnout of youth from all over who came to hear this much-needed message. It was really amazing to watch HIM use these guys to share Truth with a group of complacent teenagers. Not all of them signed the pact to resist things of this world and all HIM to transform them but there was a good number of youth who I am working with who did and now I can hold them accountable of this. 

We broke for lunch and after I had gotten the band settled with their food…HE blessed me with more and more conversations with people from all over. Hearing their stories of how HE is moving was such refreshment for me. HE showed me how those times when we went out to train different groups that they just didn’t go to the training but they put it in to practice and HE was calling people to HIM as a result of their obedience! So thank you for pryng and praise HIM that HE has answered our pryrs…even from 4 years ago!!

Well, the second group of workshops began but they had run out of food for the lunches and so Jorge and I had not eaten as we were serving and ministering to others. So once everyone was where they needed to be, we headed next door to the mall to eat and the band came to eat ice cream with us. It was a great time of relaxing in some AC and just being together. I was blessed to hear their stories and encourage some of them with His Truths. I feel like these guys are my little brothers and they are truly goofy!   

We headed back to the club to get ready for their concert. Oh what a blessing to have them here. The youth were drawn to them as they lead us to the Throne to worship. I am so thankful that HE provided for the group to come for this weekend.

After their concert, I once again got them settled with their dinner, water, etc and helped Marcela sell their CDs and her shirts. It was neat to watch each of them minister to the people in their own ways…HE definitely united us as a team. Once they were all settled and ready to begin the worship service, I left to go home and walk Brody and eat dinner. Jorge and Marcela came with me to take showers and eat as well. We relaxed for a little bit and then headed back to the club to listen to another M story through Jonah. This M truly loves HIM and it shows. HE has given him so many gifts and encouraging words for me. I praise HIM for this man and that all of these people had the privilege of listening to HIM through a fellow M. After everything was finished, it was late but the guys couldn’t decide if they wanted to go out or not. After some conversations, they decided they wanted to eat street food from the coast and so that is what we did.

Sunday, we were able to sleep a little bit more because we were all exhausted from the full day on Saturday. We head to the club and prepare for the first worship service. It was great to hear the different testimonies of these different people groups from all over Colombia and how HE was moving amongst their people and how we can pry for them. 

After the worship service, we made sure the group ate lunch and spent some time listening to one of the Wiwa Indians share about her community. It was such a blessing to hear how HE had saved her and how HE had given her a passion for her people. It was beautiful and it all started years ago in Bogota in the ministry where Kerri had worked. It was so cool to hear HIS faithfulness throughout the past 6 years of this girl’s life. When the other workshops began, we decided to take the band to the house to relax, swim in the pool, and just rest in HIM. Marcela and I had some great time to talk and encourage one another. She is truly a blessing and I praise HIM for her friendship. 

That night, we headed to the club for the last service. One of the Ms from the board spoke on his time in Cuba. It was neat to hear from him and see what is really going on in Cuba. I have heard for years about this incredible movement going on but it was really neat to hear from someone who has actually seen it! That evening, there was a call to be on mission and several young ladies whom I had been working with came forward. It was an honor to pry over them and to now hold them accountable for what HE has called them to and what they promised to do. 

The last blessing happened that night as Mrhls and her family came to this service! What a blessing to see them and hug them and I was truly speechless. It was a perfect way to end a time of hearing the faithfulness of HIM when we are obedient to go and do and pry (even when it doesn’t make sense.) What an AMAZING DAD we serve. What an honor to see first hand the transformation power of The Almighty in the lives of people that I have worked with, served beside, and pryd over!

Once everyone had said their goodbyes, the group of us headed to Centro to walk around and for some of them to see it as they had never been to Cartagena before. These guys are completely goofy but love HIM more than all other things. It was fun to just walk around and show them another side of the city. Once again they were hungry, so we headed back to the little street food vender in my neighborhood so that they could eat the amazing coastal fried goodness! I think we managed to get home at 2:00AM and I fell asleep immediately.

Monday morning, we all slept in until 8-ish which was such a blessing. We had a great devo together that morning and a time of worship and pryr. I had to go to a meeting with the other M’s who were in town and I dropped the group off at the beach. During my meeting He showed Himself faithful once again, as HE reacted for me as I was tested once again with certain people. I praise HIM for Him killing yet more of my flesh and allowing me to live in His Spirit and Truth. I headed back to the house to eat lunch and wait to hear from the group. I went to pick them up, they hurried to take showers, and they were gone. It felt like time had flown by but yet HE had done so much in such a short amount of time. Thank you for pryng for this weekend. HE was truly glorified and there are some people who committed to serving HIM. Pry that people will disciple these newly called ambassadors and that they will be obediently to His calling on their lives. Ask that this was not just a weekend conference but that HE will use the teachings to strengthen them in HIM and make them into instruments of His righteousness.

A HUGE THANKS TO MARCELA for all the photos! She is amazing!!!