November was a month of travel for me, Katie. Less than a week after I traveled to San Marcos and Monteria, I was on a plane again heading to Bogotá. It was a quick trip, but filled with significant, life-giving connections. I spent the day with the president of the National Covenant Youth Organization. We caught up on life and talked about the upcoming year and the youth leadership training program. Then, I was able to visit Hope Foundation that provides before and after school care for vulnerable children in the San Francisco neighborhood. I spent some much needed time with pastors Maria Eugenia and Alexis, which is always good for my soul. In the evening, we had a hybrid class at their home. The students in Bogota came together to present their final project in person, while students from El Bagre and Medellin connected online.
The next morning I boarded another plane and headed to Barranquilla. There I was received by Pastor Arcenis who took me out to Villa Olimpica, where I led a workshop for children’s ministry leaders. They had invited me to come and lead a time focusing on children and their emotions for children’s ministry leaders in the region. There was a great group from many of the Covenant churches in the area. I loved seeing the adolescent and teenagers who are being equipped to serve with children. We spent time praying for children in our family, communities, country, and the world through different prayer stations.
Sunday morning I walked over to the Covenant church in Las Moras to worship with them. I was overwhelmed to see so many friends, many of whom I haven’t seen in a long time. There was so much joy in being together! I was encouraged to see the intergenerational family gathering to worship and grow together. After a quick lunch, I was back at Las Moras to teach the in-person Christian Education class. Just like in Bogota, the students presented their final projects. We enjoyed the opportunity to be together. I have loved teaching this group of students in the Certificate and Bible and Ministry. I am so grateful for the opportunity to visit them in their context.
Pray for the students who finish up their studies next month. Most of them will be coming to Medellin for the last in-person class and will participate in a ceremony where they receive their certificate. We are excited to host them and spend time with them.
