The National Youth Camp - Reflections from Julio | The Isaza FamilyThe Isaza Family

December 31-January 13 I, Julio, embarked on a great adventure as I traveled and spent time with people I care about and love to serve. On December 31st, I traveled 6 hours from Medellin to Caucasia to spend New Years with my parents and three brothers. It had been 8 years since we had all been together. We spent the day cooking together over a fire pit on the street in front of their home, sharing in conversation and laughter. January 1st I traveled back to Medellin in the afternoon to be with my wife and children and prepared for the next trip. January 2nd I traveled by bus to Monteria to serve alongside the men from First Covenant Church of Sacramento. I was with them until the 8th of January when I returned to Medellin and prepared for the next trip. On the 9th of January at 10:30pm I set out with 10 others, in two cars for Monteria where we would participate in the national youth camp. The trip was 8 hours and it was a great time talking with friends as we traveled. We arrived in Monteria in the morning and spent the next two days with over 70 youth from around the country.

Over 70 youth participated in this national Covenant youth camp

During this time of travel I was able to be with and serve the people that God has called me to serve. The time with the youth was incredible. Just to be able to hear their stories, share the gospel message and plant seeds of hope was a highlight and what motivates me to life a life of ministry. During the time of the camp we had the opportunity to share with youth from the major cities and small towns of various Covenant churches in Colombia, as together we experienced life in Christ and in community dreaming about how we can impact our world in a profound way. The theme of the camp was “Time to act.” Through teaching times, small groups, prayer times, games, meals, a special dinner we were able to get to know one another and encourage each other. The thing that stood out most to me was the unity that was evident and the desire that they expressed to work together to work for the good of their communities, serving others in the love of Christ. They know that this is what it will take to change Colombia so that their is justice, equality, and peace. While I had the privilege of leading the teaching times, this camp was a time of great learning and inspiration for me. Please pray for these youth and their leaders and they move forward in leadership training in their local congregations and in their regions.