Go Bold to the Throne

Thursday morning started with a delicious breakfast prepared by two of our team members. Our team split up with half going to CONBIBA Church to help with renovations and half going to the farm to continue working on the children’s playground and various projects. Our initiatives for the day were to finish designing and building a playground, renovating a large tower and zip line and finishing a playhouse for the kids. The weather was cold and wet which made it made it very difficult to work in the mountains.  Despite the conditions we were able to complete our tasks and walk away from this project feeling fulfilled and accomplished. So many children have found happiness on this farm. This environment enables them to forget where they’ve been, laugh like children and know that they are surrounded by god love. Steve, who runs the street kids ministry, told stories of children who smiled for the first time while being on the playground. Being able to help with this project has brought us all closer together and allowed us to tap in to strength that we might not have otherwise had. The theme for the day was “go bold to the throne”.  After 5 days, sickness and fatigue have started to takeover. Each day is ended with devotional and intimate time of worship This morning we just needed to be extra bold in our prayers as we asked for strength and health as we transition into a 3 day camp called Dia Cero.  As we close for the evening, everyone seems to be in great spirits and ready to start camp. It’s seems like being at 10,000 feet our prayers have been heard a little bit easier…

Oh, what a day.

Day 4. Once again our day started off in the hands of our trusty Colombian driver, Wilson. What a day it was! First we traveled to downtown Bogota to "The Jungle." The Jungle is a place for street kids to come and play, laugh, jump, run and most importantly a day off the streets of Bogota where these kids get to experience God and act like kids. The work we did today at The Jungle was mostly cleaning and fixing things. 

Today was also the day in which we were taken by van through the streets where the street kids come from. Mark had cautioned us about the things we would see on these streets; but that still wasn't enough for the real devastation. Steve first drove us through what is known as the "Tolerant Zone." These couple blocks are where the government allows prostitution. Driving down streets ten feet away from brothels felt surreal, and as a team we were struck to our core. The tour continued through different districts of downtown and then we came to an area called the "Bronx." Steve had told us about a guy who stands at the entrance of the Bronx warning the drug dealers with whistle commands letting them know if the "Policia" or anyone else of interest was coming. And sure enough, upon entering we saw that guy take one look at our bus and blow some type of warning letting others know that a van of foreigners were coming through. The despair and hopelessness within downtown Bogota is unbearable. The stories shared with our team today were like nothing we've ever heard.

We then took a trip up the mountain out of downtown where we spent the rest of the afternoon with the street kids themselves. Making crafts and playing all sorts of games was just what we needed after a hard reality check. The smiles on those kids faces, the laughter and chatter filled the small room we were in. Oh, the joy of loving children, not caring about the language barrier! We did crafts and games with two groups of children. The first group was 4-7 years old and the second 8-11. Two of the best moments during this time was 1. the kids loving to touch Marks bald head! And 2. when we wall played a game and the kids started chanting "gringos! gringos! gringos!" 

The day ended with an evening walk and an amazing and impacting team devotional about waiting on God and how to be an active waiter. Looking back on the day and letting everything sink in, as a team we've remembered something very important. God loves those prostitutes, gang members, drug addicts and dealers; He loves those street children and all 13 million people of Bogota. God is moving, and working in Bogota through us and the permanent missionaries he's placed here and we have to trust in his unfailing love and greater plan.

The Farm

Wow!  Today was a work day for us so Wilson, our trusty driver drove us to the Farm.  The streets of Bogota are CRAZY, to say the least, making the drive up the mountain an adventure.  The view was great, with a cow or two on the side of the road, small restaurants overhanging the edge of the mountain with a great view overlooking the city.  The final road up to the farm is quite steep.  I just closed my eyes and prayed we would make it.  As we opened the door to get out, the incline was so steep the door actually came off.  Thankfully the guys got it back on.  It would have been difficult driving back in our bus at the end of the day with no door. 

The farm is run by Steve and his wife Evi.  It is a  beautiful place in the mountains for kids from the streets to have a home.  Our team did a lot of different projects with some gardening, some painting, some building a slide addition to the side of a swing set and the list went on.  We worked alongside some Colombians making the communication a little interesting at times, but what a blessing to be there and to be involved in such an amazing experience.

One of my favourite parts of the day was the view, which was simply stunning to say the least.  It was sad to have to leave, but by the end of the work day we were all pretty tired.  The traffic coming home was crazy once again.  I thank God that Wilson knows what he is doing!  We came home to a wonderful home cooked Colombian meal.  Some of the team are across the room playing a game right now.  Our first work day is coming to an end.   

Tomorrow is another day.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for us. 

Flexibility

Throughout our meetings, from the very first one, we have discussed the need to be flexible. That our best laid plans were likely to go awry while on this short term mission trip. Who would have thought that our first need for flexibility would come before we even left Detroit? Our initial flight, scheduled to depart at 12:05p, was delayed until 2:15p. This new departure time eliminated a safe window to catch our next flight out of Atlanta to Bogotá. Fortunately, we were able to switch to a 1:40p flight which got us into Atlanta with plenty of time to spare. Our flight from Atlanta was delayed an hour. When we finally boarded, our pilot told us that due to lightening in the area and a broken antennae our takeoff was delayed. And because it was an international flight we were unable to disembark from the plane. We spent the next two hours sitting on a plane at the gate. We left Atlanta at 8:30p.

The good news is, through all of the delays and sitting, we arrived safely. And of equal importance, we learned the benefit of flexibility.

Tomorrow begins our first day working with the Street Kids Ministry. The team is ready for a day of intense labor as we work on a playground structure.

Welcome to our team blog!

This is the official team blog site for the 2011 NorthRidge Church Colombia Missions Team. We will try to keep you up to date during our trip as much as possible. Remember - "No news is good news." If you do not hear from us for a couple of days that means we are either very busy or do not have adequate internet access.

We will be entering the lives of dozens of Colombian children, teens, and families through two unique experiences. We are partnering with Street Kids Ministry to impact the lives of children who are being raised by the streets. We are also partnering with Conbiba, the local church in Bogotá, in hosting nearly 300 parents who will be experiencing God in real and tangible ways through Dia Cero (Day Zero), a weekend retreat.

Pray for us as we travel, work, and build relationships with the people of Bogotá.

-The NorthRidge Church Colombia Missions Team