Monday was yet another holiday here in Colombia and so we took advantage of it and had a meeting with the sports ministry team. It was great to see all of the youth again and hear what HE has been doing in their lives. Unfortunately, they have not been studying or serving together for the past several months. This was a fact that I knew but HE told me to wait for one of them to rise up as a leader…this did not happen. So, I took the initiative of coming to the meeting, listening to what they had to say, and sharing what HE had placed on my heart. There was a new guy, who had never served with us before but came because his girlfriend works with us. He was very critical, rude, and offensive. I was actually hurt by a lot of things he said without any basis or knowledge of what we do. I went home that night and asked the HS to reveal the truth amongst all of these comments made by this kid. HE did just that and renewed my sense of what to do with this team. We decided to meet weekly to study His Words and then as time allowed we would begin pryr walking in different neighborhoods to see where HE desired us to work.

Tuesday, we get up and head out to Palenque. Once we arrived, Darlys and I head out pryr walking with the intention of meeting up with two people that HE had placed on my heart. We were able to talk to each of them, finalize times to meet later in the week, and went to the Clinic there in Palenque to ask several questions. It was interesting to listen to their answers to very basic questions and agreed to help us compile a list of health problems here in Palenque that can be easily taken care of with preventative medicine and education. This was a huge PRAISE, as we want o use this form of education as a way to get into different houses and earn the trust of the community. I am not sure if you remember but in March of this year I went to Peru to receive some training and it was this training that we are going to formally implement. I have taught it to Darlys and now the two of us will train a local Palenquera to come alongside of us. HE is really moving!! That afternoon, HE gave Darlys and I some time together. We did our discipleship Word study; talked about a lot of ministry things and I finally believe that we are on the same page with our purpose each day in Palenque and in Cartagena! We spent the most time in pryr asking HIM to guide us in each of the things we have talked about during this time together. As we left the house, we were given 3 divine appointments that lead in meeting new people, sitting in their homes learning more about their culture, and one asking us to come back next week. That evening, Darlys was asked to teach in the local club service…another PRAISE as they are looking to us as the leaders of The Word. She did an excellent job storying the story of when the Israelites cross the Red Sea and leading them to apply this story through questions. And this opened the door for more conversations with the Palenqueros who attend the local club but are not family members…yet. It was a long but an excellent day. We ended the day reflecting on what HE showed us, where we were obedient and where we were not obedient for the day. I think Darlys is finally understanding and putting into practice things that I have been teaching and modeling to her for years. PRAISE HIM!

Unfortunately, the power went out at 2AM and did not come back until 6:00PM on Wednesday. The heat robbed us of our sleep but we spent the night pryng and praising HIM. That morning, we had a devotional time with Hrln and Rsr but I am waiting to finish the Restore My Heart study until Susie and Neusa return. They stayed in Cartagena to be with a local volunteer team from one of the clubs that supports Susie. We left the house and went to meet with Krstn. She was washing clothes at a neighbor’s house and so we head over to find another divine appointment. 5 women sitting on the front porch gossiping about who knows what and trying to keep their little ones occupied. We took the opportunity to not only share with Krstn but also get to know these other women. HE revealed to us through this time together that the Palenquero people who attend the club do not know how to love and tend to get on to their non-club attending neighbors. At times it was very uncomfortable as Krstn and Rsr told us to attack these other women as we listened to their responses to my questions. Both Darlys and I just loved on all the women and did not try to correct behavior that is contrary to the Word but normal in their culture and sin nature. One of the girls, 23 yrs old with 3 children, asked us to fix her hair because it was the last night of the 9 day mourning/celebration of the death of her grandmother and there was a huge party. HE gave us an opportunity to not only share HIS Love and Truth with her but also model for Krstn how to love with His Love. It was a long but great morning with these women! HE revealed to me that we can start practicing our story set with these women and finally revealed to Darlys that Krstn is not a believer. I had told her that several times and months ago but she did not believe me but HE revealed this to her and she is on board with how we will approach our time with Krstn.

While we were at Krstn’s house, my stomach and head began to kill me with pain. We went back home, ate lunch, and I laid down while Darlys studied. As luck would have it, it was that time of the month and oh the cramps that I had that day! And where do you want to be and what do you want to be doing when this day arrives…in your house, cool environment, hot pack on your belly, diet coke and chocolate in hand and doing whatever you want to do. And where was I…in someone else’s house, without electricity, in a village that is too hot for words and does not know the words chocolate or diet coke, and miserable. It was in this moment that HE reminded me of who I was in my sin, who I am in HIM and what is my purpose in the village…bring Him glory! So yes, even in this moment I am to bring Him glory and so after a little rest that is what I did. I began to work on some seminary work and prepare for the “house of words” that we would have that afternoon. I met with 2 of the youth for our discipleship time and fed them before the rest of the youth came for the activity.

That evening the youth that had been baptized on Monday by the pastor from Cartagena wanted to share their experiences with the rest of the group. As we sat and listened, HE made it evident to me that the majority did not know what baptism was, nor had they accepted HIM as their Lrd, and were very confused. I began to ask several different questions and always asking why and where do they find that in The Word. After they settled down to understand that I was not getting on to them but trying to help them be ready to answer these questions from the people in the village and understand more of His Words, it was an amazing time of teaching. I taught on the gospel, shared it with them, about salvation, and baptism. It was neat to watch HIM open their eyes and hearts to understand HIM and these Truths. We asked them to write down different questions, topics, etc that they would like to discuss at the “house of words” in the future and then we dismissed. There were 3 youth who did not come, and they just happen to be the 3 that the pastor’s wife had said, in front of everyone, that they could not be baptized. We sent one group to visit 2 of them and Darlys and I head to visit Zn, Ktln’s daughter. She was not there but HE provided yet another divine appointment. Her older brother who is anything but interested in His Truths was there with a huge group of his friends; taking advantage of his mom being out of town with the volunteer team! We sat with them asked them questions, answered their questions, and asked if we could come back and hang out. It was so cool to see HIM open up doors for us to meet new people and share HIS Love with them…something that they have not seen before, even those that go to the local club.

Thursday was yet another busy day that was put on hold while we wait for the torrential downpour to pass. We took advantage of the time together for more teaching and pryng. Unfortunately and fortunately, Darlys also started and was feeling the pain I was feeling and complaining about not being at home. HE taught her the same lesson that HE taught me the day before through me and we both spent time along with HIM giving Him glory for this opportunity to serve HIM in Palenque. We head to meet with Nz and her family but she was asleep and asked for us to come back later that afternoon. We were disappointed that she was not ready to meet with us but HE lead us to meet with Eva, the young pregnant girl whose “guy” had left her for another woman. We head to her house and to our surprise he is back and she is acting strange. We learn that he is dealing drugs and she shares some new things with us. We ask if she would be willing to meet weekly to hear His Stories that we are practicing and she agrees, tells us what time, and we get excited to see what HE has in store for this part of Palenque. She is one of our first contacts in this part of Palenque, so pry as we watch HIM move! After lunch, we head to Nz’s house and find her, her kids, and her husband waiting for us! Wait, is this the same woman who was too busy sleeping to meet with us but now has her entire family waiting for us. It was a sweet time together with this family and His Truths! She took us to meet some of her neighbors, who she invited (unprompted by us) to her house to study with us next week! What? Seriously, Dad who can do all of this…only YOU when we wait on Your Timing for everything!!

One of the neighbors offered us some juice, which I know now, was made with water from their “river” which is anything but clean. Both Darlys and I begin to feel bad but ask HIM to relieve our pain and we head to Ktln’s house to spend some time with her. When we arrive there are several other women at the house, and so we take advantage of the divine appointments and get to know these women as well. It was great being with Ktln and just loving on her with His Words and encouragement! By the grace of HIM, Zn shows up needing help with English and shares some very interesting things with me. It was definitely an encouragement to me as I was sad that I had not spent any time with her during the week due to her not being around. After helping her with her English, my stomach is killing me and Darlys tells me she needs to get home to do her homework. We get back to the house and there is no power and so Darlys asks if we can go back to Cartagena. We head out to get the car with a youth we met up with who wanted to know what we were doing that night…another praise that they are looking for us to spend time together!!

We head home, take a shower, unpack, and go to bed! The next day, I did not go to the farm because I needed to take my car in to get the alarm and window fixed. Also the Internet people were coming out because once again I am having difficulties with Internet and they were putting in a landline. After running all of these errands, I spent most of the day in the bathroom enjoying the effects of the juice that I had drank the day before. In between bathroom trips, I was able to work on my seminary class stuff and rest from a long week serving HIM.

On Saturday, I went with the Riffle’s and the Paul’s to Barranquilla. The Riffle’s are finally close to moving into their home and so they asked us to go with them to help with the kids and carrying the different appliances and what not that they needed for their new home! It was an interesting day full of playing with kids in all kinds of stores and enjoying some American foods! When we got back that night, I was absolutely exhausted. I praised HIM for my single life but also began missing my family more and more. With my dad being as sick as he has been, it has been very difficult for me to be here and not be there with them. That night, I just cried after I talked to my mom and Kerri…wishing I was home with them, taking care of them, and just being loved on by them. I praise HIM for new family but there is nothing like the amazing family HE gave me!! They are amazing and I miss them SO MUCH it hurts! I know this sacrifice is worth it because HE has called me for such a time as this to be here but I do miss my family and friends back home! I pry HE gets glory even in my times of home-sickness as I lean on HIM for comfort and sense of knowing HE loves them way more than I ever could and is taking care of them where they are!

Yesterday, I went back to the youth SS class under HIS direction. HE is slowly revealing my purpose in this class and how HE desires to use me amongst these youth who are more focused on themselves and their activities than HIS glory and His work in their communities. After club, Jorge’s family came over to celebrate one of the Aunt’s birthdays. It was a nice time of serving her and them but it made me miss my family yet again! I did not have time to talk to my family as I had to finish a report for one of my classes but I spent a lot of time last night on my knees for them as I miss them like crazy.

So if you are reading this and are near one of them, give them a huge hug from me!

So last week, I did not have enough money to put gas in my vehicle and go to Palenque but HE provided in huge ways! I rode my bike 3 days of the week to Narino (a local neighborhood full of Palenqueros) and HE opened up so many doors for me to just get to know knew people and share His love with them! It was such a blessing and HE was definitely glorified!

And this week started the same, I still had not be paid back for some work that was done on the vehicle two weeks ago but HE provided just enough to fill the gas tank and buy a couple of things to eat during the week.

So, Darlys and I head out to Palenque on Tuesday. It was neat to watch all the Palenqueros respond when I explained the reason we could not come last week and then also share about my father being ill. As they realized that I really did not have any money at all and that my dad was really sick, they finally saw me like they see each other and not just some outsider. HE works all things for His Glory! They had put up a wall in between me, la grienga and the palenqueros that was going to be impossible to break down. HE took everything away from me and made me vulnerable to them and they responded by letting me in. There was a definite change as they realized that nothing I had was mine and everything was borrowed. It was so beautiful and I praise HIM for my time without money and living in complete dependence on Him! HE used this time to teach me and to open up these people to His Light inside of me!! HE is SO GOOD!!

That afternoon after Darlys and I had spoken to most people we know, we headed to a little farm where they offered to store the car for us while we stay in Palenque. It was such a divine appointment as Ddr had recently lost her mother and was dealing with this tremendous loss. She asked us if we would be willing to teach her His Words and different activities she could do with kids to teach them about HIM. Are you kidding me, Dad? She asked us. We arrived about 3 hours ago and had already seen many miracles done by His Hands! Palenqueros opening up to me, seeing me like one of them, and then Ddr asking if we will teach her His Words! WOW!! At this moment, I was on the edge of my seat to see what HE was going to the rest of the week just to show HOW BIG HE is!

As we are heading to the club for their meeting that night, it was dark and we were outside of the village without a flashlight but thankful we had Brody and the moon was fairly bright that evening. As we were just praising HIM for what we had seen, a huge snake crosses over my feet and I scream which scares Darlys and alerts Brody. Praise HIM that it was just crossing the road and did not turn around to bite my foot. Two ladies were coming towards, saw the snake, screamed, and then asked who we were. Darlys and I laughed that they probably thought we were witches because the snake didn’t bite us or follow us.

We get into the club and they are all pryng in a circle and a new man Js Mnl is there leading them. I run to the bathroom (well, if you can call it a bathroom.) As I enter, there is no light and a smell that would knock you over. So I hold my breath, do what I have to do, and as I am pulling up my shorts I hear a thud in the water. First thing I think is that it is another animal and I best get out of there. When I am about to leave and realized that my cell phone was in my pocket. Are you kidding me? What an idiot. My phone has dropped in this “toilet”. Once again, I can’t see because there is no light and I grab something to stick in the toilet and get it out. Doesn’t work but it does turn on the phone just enough for me to see what really is in the toilet…I almost vomit! As I was about to leave the phone, I realized that I have to have a phone to communicate while out in the village and all my numbers were on the sim cards. So, I do what any M would do…grab some paper and stick my hand in as fast as I can to grab the phone. I think I almost vomit several times as my hand brushes against several things. Even as I write this, I am cringing to recall this incident! I get the phone, get out of the bathroom, but don’t want to disturb them so I use hand sanitizer to clean my hand/arm/body/phone and try to dry the phone out. Once I get the situation under control, I go out to find that Js Mnl is laying his hands on people, calling out spirits, and people are falling on the floor. I immediately ask The Spirit to reveal The Truth in all of this and my spirit is very uneasy throughout the entire night. Of course this would happen, I mean HE completely broke down a wall to HIS Truths penetrating their hearts and the enemy sends a false witness to lead them in this.  That evening, I spoke to Js Mnl and Hrln about what was going on in the club because I did not understand everything. Neither of them could explain the Biblical basis for what was going on and both changed the subject. That evening, Darlys and I pryd and interceded for this village. It was a long night of reading His Words and claiming them over this week.

On Wednesday, we had a small devotion in the house over Romans and HE was definitely speaking to them through His Powerful Word. And then a blessing from The Father…we get water!! So, I run to take a shower and try to get as clean as I still had not felt completely clean after my experience the night before. We then head to Ktln’s house and HE once again opened the door for me to ask about the activity the night before. Through several questions, she also was unable to share with me the Biblical basis of what was going on. Her response was it is just what we do and thru several other questions, we came to the understanding that the leaders of this club had brought this and several other things to the Palenquero people without explaining the basis behind each thing. HE then opened her heart to us as she shares about her daughter Zn and how she has been rebelling. As we listen and ask questions, we understand that her rebellion started when the leader of the club told her she could not be baptized in front of the entire group. Ktln asked me to try to meet with Zn and disciple her and of course I was thrilled. Ktln also agreed to study with us each week, after our language lessons.  She answered honestly so many culture questions that I had been asking but people were closed to share with me so that I could truly understand their culture. It was yet another miracle in His Perfect Timing. We pry and leave the house, so that she can go to her afternoon sewing session.

Darlys and I begin pryng that HE will open up the door for us to meet with Zn and see what is going on with this young rebellious girl. I began to feel really bad and so I laid down to rest. While I was asleep, the power went out and it began to storm. I got up and started to study His Words and just pry for more divine appointments to be His Light and guess who showed up at the door? Zn comes into the house to ask me if I will help her with English. From here, she opened up to me about what is going on in the club, asked me questions like what is a Chrstn, and shared with me about her father. It was incredible. I just sat in awe of HIM, Who was moving in a powerful way! She continued to share until some other youth come in to the house for our meeting that night. She desired to leave but we quickly distracted her with food and she and Darlys continued talking while I spent time with two other youth. I mean, HE just brings them to us and does all the work!! HE is incredible! And that night as the roads became rivers and we sat around candles, HE kept bringing people to us. We never thought that the youth would get out during this storm but over 20 of them showed up at the house. We had an incredible time of worship, games, and then we asked them questions. For the first hour, they responded in a very surface, fake way…which is normal for them. Darlys and I shared our real life answers to these questions and HE knocked down yet another wall and opened up the door for more teaching of His Word and challenging of their ways of doing things! We eventually had to ask the youth to leave because it was late and the rain had let up just enough that they could all get back to their homes safely. That night, Darlys and I praised HIM for all that HE had done this day!

Thursday, we have another devotion and I asked Darlys to lead it. I have been pouring a lot into her while she serves alongside of me, trying to model everything for her and mentor her as we serve. We met up with Ktln to visit some women and for a time of pryr. As we told her about Zn, she was stunned and so was I. I thought she had sent Zn to our house that afternoon but she said no and was surprised by what all she had shared with the two of us! It was beautiful to watch HIM change the countenance of this servant of His and worried mother. We went to visit several women where we listened to them, shared His Story, and pryd for them. Our last house was in the upper neighborhood and we enter into a mud house with little to nothing inside. A little 4 year old and a young pregnant girl walk out and she begins to share with us how her man has recently left her and their son for another woman and is not helping her out with anything. HE brought me to a story to share with her that I honestly did not know if she would understand…silly me! As I asked her several questions, she answered them with a wisdom that only comes from His Spirit and as she answered me, HE revealed His Truth for her to apply now. We were all blown away at how she arrived at the application from this story all by herself. Ktln shared her surprise out loud, which was exactly what she needed to boost her confidence and confirm who she is in HIM.

That afternoon, Darlys and I played soccer with some youth and shared His Stories. It was neat to watch some of them really be interested and HE gave us time to speak to them afterwards more deeply. They even invited us to go hang out with them that night and we were so excited to get to sit and listen to these youth and allow HIM to show us how HE desires to reach them. Unfortunately, it began to storm again, worse than the night before and no one left their house. Since our afternoon with the youth and evening game night were canceled, Darlys asked if we could go back because she needed to send in some of her homework for her classes. She had not been able to because of the lack of power Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. So we left and just pryd and praised HIM for what HE did this week in Palenque!! I helped walk her through a lot of processing that she had not done to understand exactly what HE did and what she learned during this week with the people. I arrived home, bathed myself and Brody, and went to sleep in my own bed (well, kind of!)

Friday, I went to the farm with the Paul’s to love on them and just serve. We had a great time of study with Stacy in His Words. I love how HE is uniting us each week. Julie was busy doing something else and my heart is heavy for her. I just feel like she is distant, so please take a moment and pry for her as well. We played with the adorable kids, loved on them, and helped prepare the lunch. I had wanted to speak with Ls Frnd about helping me in Palenque but he left early and said he would come by the house later. Well later never happened but I called and waited at my house and just rested in His Words. That evening, I met up with Js Angl (a member of Central Baptist Club) to go back to Narino to meet his family and meet his friends. It was another blessing to get to know more palenqueros and have more entrances into this community. I am excited to see what HE does with all of these open doors!

So as you can see, HE is answering your pryrs in a mighty way! He has taught me so much during this time of not having and having to depend on others. I forgot to tell you how the Palenqueros in Palenque invited me to eat with them or brought over things so we could have community meals together. And, oh how they pryd for my father each and everyday. They each would come find me to pry with me for him and find out what the latest update was and how he was feeling. HE has continued to provide as I have not missed a meal (although it wouldn’t hurt me at all), haven’t missed out on any opportunity to serve HIM, or spend time with Him! HE is showing me just how much HE desires for me to use to live on and what HE wants me to do with everything else. I cannot wait to see what HE does this week! Thank you for pryng! Please keep it up as HE is answering and is performing miracles everywhere we look!!

Mom and Kerri arrive LATE Tuesday night and so we spend Wednesday celebrating the 4th of July in a relaxed fashion. We have family devotion, eat a little Coastanean meal, watch Independence Day, and pack for our trip to Medellin.

Thursday, Mom and Kerri leave early for Medellin where they spend the day getting to know the city and waiting for the rest of us to arrive. I arrive with some other M’s that evening and once the team from Euless arrives, we head to the hotel. We are in Medellin translating for the second team from Euless teaching the local leaders of the clubs the mentoring process.

Friday, we have a day of tourism and getting to know this amazing team! Sharon comes back and is as funny as ever. Everyone on this team is incredible and excited about serving HIM. I enjoyed hearing their stories of how they fell in love with The Creator of the universe. That evening we head to the club to meet up with our nationals and have the first mentor session of sharing their stories. I had the privilege of translating for Gloria, an incredibly passionate woman who loves to share her redemption story. Unfortunately, none of our ladies were able to come that evening due to illness, travel, and their work. And fortunately, Mom, Kerri, and I were able to hear Gloria’s story and pry for her. It was a sweet, sweet time together as women loving on each other.

Saturday, Mom and Kerri go and visit Felipe’s family and tour around the city while I head back to the club with Gloria to have the next mentor sessions. Today only one of our ladies was able to come but it was A, who I worked with in April with Cindy. It was absolutely to see how HE had answered our pryrs in her life. She was more confident in HIM and her knowledge of HIM. She reported to us that she had began the process with an older lady in her club and she was seeing miracles happen right and left in this woman’s life…not to mention, learning a lot herself. It was such a day full of His Presence as I watched Him unite Gloria and A in a supernatural way! I praise HIM for these two ladies and how they have a piece of my heart!

Sunday, Sharon was asked to speak at the same club I went to with Cindy and so The Faust’s and Sharon headed to see what HE had in store for us. Sharon shared a beautiful word from HIM with the people as I translated. I only messed up once as instead of saying the Lrd is gracious, I said hey was funny but quickly corrected myself as the congregation laughed at me. It was neat to worship again with my mom and sister…in another language but because we serve a Sovereign Dad most of the songs that we sang were songs that Mom and Sharon knew in English! It was a sweet time at His Feet together! We all met up for lunch to exchange HIS Stories from our morning experiences in different clubs and then headed back to the club for our last sessions. To our surprise, all three ladies were there today and His Presence was resting over us. It was A’s turn to teach and to see the transformation HE had done in her life from the scared, timid woman I saw in April to a woman who was confident in His Words! Gloria was so excited to see that these women understood and were able to repeat, almost verbatim, what she had taught them and were excited to put it all in practice. It was such a Spirit-filled time! I am blessed that HE chose me to serve alongside such an amazing group of people who love and fear Him! I look forward to meeting the next group in October and seeing what HE does through them and the changes He has made in the local leaders through the study of His Powerful Life changing Word!

On Monday, the team leaves early and The Faust’s hang around until Tuesday to explore more of Medellin. It was so much fun to just be the three of us and experience new things together. When we returned to Cartagena on Tuesday night, we were exhausted and ready to rest…and rest we did on Wednesday. Until the family from the farm came to visit, Geiner, one of the little guys needed to have surgery on his nose after a fall. So we spent the afternoon just loving on them and enjoying being together as a family…extended family!

Thursday, I took the Mom and Kerri to Palenque to meet the people and see where I spend most of the time during the week. One of the families came to visit us at the house and enjoyed just getting to talk to Mom and Kerri. Krstn brought Mom and Kerri some of her cocadas (coconut sweets) that they loved and ended up buying more from her to give away to people back home. It was neat to watch them open up to my Mom and Kerri and share things that I had never heard before! I praise Him for opening up their hearts and I am excited to start studying with them each week! I wanted to let them see the village and so we walked around the lower and upper neighborhoods. Some of the youth came to find us to meet my family and that speaks volumes to me!! HE is uniting us and supernaturally connecting us! I cannot wait to see how HE grows these guys in His Words as we study each week! And then the greatest surprise, a woman that I have tried to visit every week for the past 5 months was home. We went in to her home and after a little visit, she and her husband asked me to come in and teach them about His Word!! And she offered her sons to help me play futbol in the afternoons as a way to get to know the youth of the village! I cannot believe how just having my family there in the village opened up so many doors to meet weekly and share His Words. Please pry that He protect these times that they have committed to meet with Him and with me each week!!

That night, LATE, Felipe arrived. On Friday, it was just more of being together as a family and relaxing! Kerri and Felipe went on a date that evening and left mom and I to watch a movie and relax. On Saturday, I took them to Playa Blanca where we played volleyball, swam, read, ate, slept, and just enjoyed more time together as a family.

On Sunday, a local club asked me to share what HE has been doing in Palenque…a HUGE ANSWER to your pryrs!! So I shared all that HE has been doing and the leaders HE is forming out in Palenque. I also took advantage and presented Darlys to her congregation stating that I believed in her calling to go and serve the Palenquero people in Palenque. I asked them to pry about supporting her pryfully and financially. Please pry that this club will send Darlys to these people and that they will rise up and support her as she goes. The rest of the day, we went shopping for last minute gifts, ate together, and then watched the sunset from the old city. We spent the night just praising HIM for the time we had together and the much needed refreshment that I needed from time spent with people who love me!

On Monday, all three of them leave and I head back to normal life…