"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!" Romans 10:15

2012-01-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

We're just back from a great visit to Medellin. We spent a wonderful few days catching up with friends and seeing Yokima (one of our dear Colombian missionary friends) off as she once again heads back to the jungle.

It's hard to believe we're already half way through the first month of the New Year. It's a time to dream about what this new year will hold and reflect on the year past.

Last June my folks came for a visit. It was fun spending time with them as well as letting them get a little "taste" of our lives here in Colombia. Little did I know this would be the one and only trip for my mom. A week later we had the awesome privilege of hosting our first short term team. We had a blast ministering along side some pretty amazing folks!

In July we passed our one year mark! Whew! What a challenging yet blessed first year we had on the mission field. Although I know we'll look back on that year with fond memories, it isn't one I'd like to repeat. It stretched me spiritually and emotionally in incredible ways. I am continually amazed at God's provision as He would send someone, a note or an email with a word of encouragement at just the right moment to keep me going another day. July 31st we packed up our belongings and said our goodbyes to the numerous new friends we made in Medellin (this proved to be harder than we imagined!). Six hours later, three tired dogs, four tired kids and two tired parents arrived in our new town of Armenia. After unpacking and a short vacation, we started home schooling the girls (something new for us). Soon after we arrived we fell in love with a needy neighborhood called Las Veraneras where we started Bible studies for adults and a children's program. God captured our hearts for this precious group of people. As we listen to their stories and their hearts, we fall even deeper. I guess this is where my continued prayer comes into play. "Lord break my heart for what breaks yours." Did you notice the word break? Yeah, breaking one's heart is messy and a bit painful at times. Yet to get a little glimpse of the Father's heart is so incredibly amazing. Worth each and every tear!!

We had tickets scheduled for November to fly home for our mission's conference, speak at our churches and to visit family and friends when we got the news that Mom had cancer and was "going" fast. Those were a few of the hardest days of my life. Being so far and feeling utterly helpless, I had to learn to rely on God in a whole new way. Luckily I was able to get home to see her for a precious 3 days before she went to be with her Maker. Those three days were both some of the best and worst days of my life. I was blessed to spend just a few more hours with her, yet I knew it was time to say goodbye (at least for now). On November 6th she quietly and peacefully slipped from our world into the next surrounded by her family. I'll never forget the look of utter peace on her face as she took her last breath. It was a sweet reminder of how good and faithful is our God.

We spent our first Christmas and New Years here in Colombia. It was fun getting to see and experience all the unique cultural things that Colombians do to celebrate this time of year. It was a milestone for the girls as well. Although we missed spending the holidays with our family, we spent time together embracing some new traditions.

And that brings us to 2012! We are excited to see what plans God has for us this year. We dream of starting a church and community center to meet some of the spiritual as well as physical needs of the people in Las Veraneras. We desire to be better parents, to help our girls be the princesses God has called each of them to be, to love without bounds as Christ loves us and for our cup to overflow abundantly onto the lives God has brought before us. But most importantly we hope to draw nearer to the Father each and everyday as we seek Him as a couple and family. I have been meditating on the verse found in Philippians 1:5 "because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Here's to the beginning of a VERY full year!

~Heavenly Father,
I ask that you continue to mold me for every good work you have purposed for my life and the ones who you have put in my path. That you'll give me the strength to accomplish your will. That you'll continue to shape my character with you as the Potter's hands. That I will be refined into a vessel fit for your service. That I will count the cost as a privilege and never a burden. "Here I am. Send me!" ~Amen

Season of Great Blessings

2011-12-02T22:30:00.001-08:00

Ooooh and Ahhhhhh have come out of our mouths more than once during these last few weeks of being here in the States. We are greeted at every turn with a shot of the most brilliant colors of Fall, each more glorious than the last. What a GREAT time to be home! When we first arrived the colors of Fall had just made their first appearance for the season. A few weeks later and a few degrees cooler we are ushering in the beginning of winter. Brrrrrr....it's cold outside!! (o.k. maybe for someone who has adjusted to Colombian weather!) I swear I can feel Jack Frost nipping at my nose!

It's my favorite time of year! Hot apple cider, sweaters, a crackling fire and those Fall colors that make me oh so giddy. I am reminded of God's incredible love for us! As we have embraced a hectic schedule speaking, attending meetings and visiting, I have to take a moment to pause and take in a breath of all of God's goodness! I don't want to miss a moment of it. Life is just too short to let it pass by without reveling in all of God's glory. Here's what God has been up to in these last few weeks:

1. In God's perfect timing we made it home to see my mom before she went home to be with her Maker.
2. The celebration of life service for my mom was set amidst the beautiful Ukiah Cemetery on a picture perfect day. I think it was just what she would have wanted.
3. We have spent precious time with our family and friends.
4. Our girls have gotten A LOT of one on one time with Grandma and Grandpa and their cousins.
5. We were refreshed and re-energized at our Christians in Action conference.
6. We were encouraged by other missionaries and what God is doing through them around the world.
7. We were blessed to get to meet up with fellow missionaries from Colombia who also happen to be home. What a small world!
8. We were given the opportunity to share about our love for Colombia in 12 different settings (from churches to home school groups).
9. The interest and response for short term missions has been astounding!! We are looking forward to seeing more teams in Colombia.
10. Our churches have supplied us with enough gifts, school supplies and hygiene items for 100 kids at our Christmas outreach program in Las Veraneras.

I am continually amazed at how God supplies for each and every need. Whether it's emotional, physical, spiritual or financial, He provides in the most amazing of ways in the most amazing of times and through the most amazing of people. Did I mention, "WE ARE BLESSED!!"?

Beyond Busy but Blessed Beyond Words

2011-12-02T08:46:00.001-08:00

WOW! What a time of blessing we have had while here in the States! It has been C R A Z Y busy but we've been blessed beyond words. God has been opening doors and stirring hearts! Here's a quick recap.

Our bi-annual Christians in Action conference and banquet kicked off our six weeks. We had a great time connecting with the other missionaries and hearing what God is doing around the world. We were refreshed with some great teaching as well. Matt and I had the privilege of sharing our hearts for Colombia at the banquet by being interviewed by our pastor from New Hope who MC'd the event. What a time of great encouragement!

Our first stop of course was our home church New Hope Community. We were offered such a warm, "welcome home!" There is nothing like coming back into fellowship with the ones who have raised you up, prayed for you and sent you off to the mission field. We will always be grateful to our church family who has loved us in such an incredible way!

New Hope also hosted an Actis Social where the church could come and visit us in a more intimate setting. We had fun making frijoles (beans), arroz (rice) and platanos (plantains) to share a little taste of Colombia with our friends. We had such a wonderful time catching up and visiting with our church family. Their support and prayers have kept us going each step of the way!

Our next stop was Auberry Community where we were invited to talk to the Adult Sunday School class. At first we had NO idea how we'd fill the whole hour. Silly us!!! We were able to fill that hour and more. Once we got rolling talking about our love and passion for serving the people of Colombia, there was no stopping us! What a great group of Godly, mission-minded people.

Our third church where we shared was Clovis EV Free. We were so blessed to share in the excitement of them calling their new pastor and his family. WOW! What a gem this family is! The mission board put together a terrific Missions Sunday that we were privileged to be a part of. We were blown away by the testimonies that 3 young people gave about their experiences of being in Africa for the last year. Each time we visit Clovis EV Free we are reminded of the heart beat they have for proclaiming the Gospel to all Nations. They take Missions seriously!!

We are always blessed to return to Sierra Lutheran where we first gave our lives to Christ. It is where Matt is so well known and loved by the small mountain community. We connect with old friends and meet new ones. We even made it onto the front page of the Mountain Press (o.k......so it's not the New York Times!!) Sierra Lutheran will always have a special place in our hearts!

One of the most fun places where we spoke was with the home school group and youth group of Clovis EV Free. We were impressed by the knowledge and understanding of missions at such a young age! Way to go home school moms!! It was fun to see them experience a little bit of Colombia by trying raw sugar cane and Agua Panela (a popular Colombian drink). It has been a blessing to share about how God is moving in the world and to encourage young people in their walk.

Our next opportunity to speak was at a men's Bible study group at Clovis Christian Church. I have to admit I felt a bit awkward and intimidated at first speaking to an all men's group (A first for me!), after warming up a bit, I found them to be quite friendly and engaging. The pastor there always gives us a warm welcome.

Our last Sunday in the States we were interviewed by the pastor at People's Church. WOW! It was amazing but a little intimidating standing in front of such a huge church (especially when we're used to speaking in front of the "masses" of 50-100 people here in Colombia)! We received a warm welcome as well as a lot of interest in short term missions. So hopefully we'll see a team from People's down this year!

We feel privileged and honored each time we are invited to share about the work God is doing in Colombia. God continues to amaze us in His provision, protection and timing. He has opened doors we never thought imaginable! We are still in awe of a creator who chooses to use weak vessels (us) to share His Good News, bring hope to the brokenhearted, and healing to a hurting world. As we continue to follow in faith and obedience, He continues to guide our path and provide in the most incredible of ways. Our time in the States was a time of spiritual refreshment, encouragement to keep keeping on, and a precious time to visit our loved ones. We close out the year feeling mighty blessed by our Lord and Savior!

Where is He guiding us?

2011-09-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

As we were surveying a potential area to begin ministry we came across an older man laying on the ground outside his home with a cast from his toes to his hip. Had a head-on collision with a taxi, he says, only he was walking! The taxi driver promised to take care of him and paid for his first visit to the hospital, but now the man lays there, waiting desperately for the driver to return and keep good on his word.

In another village, a woman of 82 years old lays in her bed, not sure where to turn. Her name is Aurora, and she is one of the poorest in Colombia, displaced from her hometown, and lives all alone. She feels sick all over and has an extended stomach from a large accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The hospital sent her home with no medicine or any further method of treatment. She has Ascitis, she says, but she doesn't know if there's something medical that can be done or if she's just supposed to lay there and die. We pray for her of course, and wait on the Lord to see what He's going to do.

Another family next door hear that we're passing through and stand in front of their "cambuche," or make-shift home. Her husband, her mother, and herself all live together and as we pass by I see desperation in the eyes of the mother. She starts hugging Shelley and doesn't let go. I ask if I can pray for them and she pulls me inside. Her daughter begins to cry immediately and says that none of them have work and cannot find work. They're desperate. Further down the trail I catch up to Shelley ministering to a family of indigenous tribal woman who at first refuse to let her in. We find out later that they recently had 6 shots fired at their house, the bullets passing through their thin walls like paper. They're angry, and are making plans of pulling up the roots they had planted there and moving somewhere else.

The Christian family we went to visit live in a cambuche too, and her son has cancer of the bones. He's doing well, and our girls say he's really nice and let's them play with the baby rabbits. Frequent trips to larger cities for treatment are a normal occurrence for them.

A good question we have for the Lord right now is; Where are you leading us, O Lord? We have followed your leading first to Colombia, then to Armenia, which is the capital of the State of Quindio. Although Armenia is beautiful and is in the middle of the greatest coffee producing area of Colombia, and thus the world, Quindio also has the highest unemployment in the country, the evidence all around in the poorer neighborhoods.

Shelley and I have been waiting for the Lord to show us where He'd have us begin our work here and yet there is so much need it's hard to know where HERE is!

Please pray for us, that we hear and feel and see His leading, so that we are exactly where He wants us!

Between Here and There

2011-08-26T14:39:00.001-07:00

Well....I have to start somewhere! It has been almost 4 weeks since we arrived in Armenia. It's a little difficult to put it all into words as we traverse this next transition in our lives. It is why I have been a little quiet lately. Not sure how to put all that is swarming around this overflowing head of mine into intelligible thoughts. Here's a quick recap.

Our move went well though I was amazed at just how much we had accumulated in one short year! Our friends at the Seminary all waived their goodbyes as we headed for Armenia. We loaded all of our goods into a moving truck while the four girls, our dear friend Magdalena and the three puppies squeezed into our car for the six hour drive. It made for a "cozy" trip. I was delighted upon arrival with the beauty of the house (good job Matt!), as I had not seen the house before arriving in Armenia. We had the blessing of Magdalena and Oscar's help getting the house set up.

Then there is the transition.........The first week I struggled with frustration as I couldn't find things (seems no matter how well I organize and pack, it's still hard to find stuff when you need it!!). Second, the house doesn't have nearly the storage we need for a family of six. So I wanted to unpack but couldn't because there was no place to put it. Ugggg.....Finally in our second week we started feeling more settled. This means I can find things when needed (most of the time) and our house is coming together (well sort of!). We have found grocery stores and the basic necessities of life. The girls are loving that they can have their dogs at home, there is nature all around for them to explore (the bug bites are too numerous to count!!) and they can run free. Kids seem to adjust so easily! After being here two weeks we were going a bit stir crazy for company and being the "people" people that we are, we decided to research other missionaries in the area. Praise God we found two other missionary couples to get to know!

We are very blessed to begin work with Pastors Jairo and Doris. We've been getting to know their church which we'll be working out of. They have a very different style of worshiping than we're used to and we are so grateful that God is opening our eyes to new things. Our spiritual experiences are growing immensely!

Finally, we also started homeschooling amongst all this craziness! Yes, we are loco! Long story short, we arrived mid school year so the girls missed a half of a school year. Rather than throwing them into a new school we decided to try homeschooling for 6 months. I know.....I know....I said I'd never be a home school mom! Goes to show you, NEVER say NEVER! Actually Matt and I are splitting the duties and this is working out well so far. He is concentrating on Math while I have Language Arts, together we teach Science and Geography. Later we'll add other classes (we're taking it slow!!). Shhhhh....don't tell anyone this, but I am actually finding it rather enjoyable (ask me in another month, this may all change!).

As glad we are to move away from the city, I can't help but look back on the year living in Medellin and all the amazing people we met and feel a bit homesick for it. The year came and went with it's trials and challenges, but also it was one of many blessings. A year is just long enough to make good friends and for things to feel "normal" and "comfortable" (something my soul craves). Well.....God has other plans for us than our comfort. He wants to mold us, shape us and use us to reach others for Christ. I am reminded that He is the Potter and we are the clay. To be fit vessels, we have to be stretched, smoothed and formed to His likeness. This process is never comfortable!

Over all and through all, we are praising God for His continued provision and direction as we continue this journey of making His name known. At times we feel overwhelmed, out of our element and down right useless as we bumble our way along. We make cultural blunders and language blunders all along the way. But we have come to find Colombians to be very gracious and oh so helpful as we find our bearings. We serve a Lord who is big enough for the task of using our weaknesses, our strengths and everything in between for His Kingdom! We are looking forward to seeing what God has planned for us and the people of Colombia here in Armenia.

A Year of Abundance by shelley

2011-07-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate our one year anniversary here in Colombia. One short year ago we were packed to the hilt, teary eyed from saying our goodbyes, and full of expectation as to what our new life would hold. A year later, we are no longer "first-year missionaries". I guess that means.....we SURVIVED!!! No words can adequately describe the roller coaster of emotions that we have encountered this past year. We have experienced highs and lows that we had never before experienced. Homesickness, fear, excitement, fatigue, joy, pain, gratitude, and humility could all be felt within a single hour. As we waded through each tide of emotion God held out His mighty hand to help steady us. It has been an incredible blessing to see Him work in His miraculous ways through each step of this journey.

A year of abundant blessings:
July 2010: An amazing group of family, friends and an incredible church sent us on our way with support, prayers and love.
August 2010: We're REALLY here in Colombia! After two years of praying, planning and preparing, we finally reach the mission field. Someone please pinch us!!
September 2010: We started Spanish classes with Magdalena who would soon become one of the best gifts from above. She and her husband Oscar have become our second family. We simply wouldn't have survived this year without their prayers, their encouragement and their love!
October 2010: I had the opportunity to officiate my brother's wedding in Tennessee. What an incredible honor and privilege! The twins and I enjoyed spending time with family and seeing the colors of the Great Smoky Mountains in the Fall.
November 2010: We got the gift of all gifts! Family bought us plane tickets home to see them for the holidays. What perfect timing as we were REALLY starting to get homesick!
December 2010: We spent three great weeks with family, friends and our church. Refueling our spiritual reserves, visiting friends, sharing our experiences and eating some of our favorite foods did our homesick hearts some good!
January 2011: Back in Colombia refreshed, refueled and ready to take on the world! Or at least learning Spanish. By the way it's HARD learning a foreign language! By God's grace and the grace (and patience!) of the Colombian people, we are slowly getting it.
February 2011: The girls made it to the half way point in their school year at Colegio Canadiense. Way to go girls! We are so proud of them as they face the day to day challenges of living in a foreign culture. They're our little super troopers!!
March 2011: We continue to enjoy doing ministry in the rural community of Guarne. We hold Bible Studies, handi-craft classes and English classes. We are blessed by the learning opportunity as we partnered with a Colombian team to reach the people of Guarne.
April 2011: We traveled to the city of Armenia to seek out God's direction and guidance as we check into ministry opportunities in the surrounding areas. We were delighted to spend time getting to know the pastor and his wife that we'll be working alongside. Once again, God continues to be faithful as we watch for open doors and an invitation into the community. On the drive home, we felt a strong affirmation of God's direction.
May 2011: We held a dental brigade in Guarne for the people there who can't afford dental care. It was a great day and a way to share the love of Christ in a real and tangible way.
June 2011: My Mom and Dad came for a visit! The girls were OVER the moon to have their grandparents here and they loved playing tour guides. God also blessed us with our very first short term mission team! We had a blast ministering with them doing VBS's, preaching, giving testimonies, Bible studies and agricultural classes. When they left we were physically tired from a busy week, but spiritually and emotionally recharged (plus our chocolate and peanut butter store's were restocked. Woo hoo!).
July 2011: Well......here we are a year later, speaking Spanish (well sort of), having survived our first year on the mission field. It has been challenging, humbling, stretching and sometimes downright hard. But it has been a year of great growth in our marriage and our spiritual walk. It has been a year in which we've watched our four precious daughters rise to the occasion of living cross culturally. It has been a year of God opening our eyes to the realities and needs of a hurting world. It has been a year of seeing God's handi-work as He weaves incredible people into the fabric of our lives. It has been a year of seeing His faithfulness as each month we are supported by the love, prayers and finances of family, friends and our church. It has been a year that we'll never forget. It has been a year of abundant blessings!!

Our First Short Term Team

2011-06-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

The team from California is back in the States and now we have some catching up to do! For the last 15 days we have enjoyed hosting our first team here in Colombia. God blessed us with a great team, amazing weather, and the protective hand that we needed. The Lewis family and the Dilles spent two weeks with us doing VBS's, preaching, teaching and feeding the homeless. It was a packed but fruitful week as we ministered to children and adults in a variety of settings. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to share a little bit of our lives and heart for the country that we have come to love with such a wonderful group of people! We pray they took a piece of Colombia that will forever remain in their hearts!

Here's a recap of our week:
Day 1-Pick up team at the airport. Don't they look bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to do ministry?
Day 2-Rest up from the travel. Outing to the botanical garden and Pueblito Paisa for a dinner of Bandeja Paisa (the typical Colombian dish).
Day 3-Planning and practicing for our first VBS and evangelical outreach at the Presbyterian Church. The team did a great job at their first outreach!

Day 4-Tim preached at the Presbyterian Church while the rest of the team taught Sunday School.
Day 5-Trip to the local market called Minorista. What a fun experience!
Day 6-Off to Guarne for a two day outreach to the kids and adults in the community. We offered a VBS for the kids by Tim, Shannon, Brahms, Miriam and Fred. Agricultural classes were held by Helen and Diana taught the adults. We were blessed with excellent weather, a terrific turnout and wonderful hosts and company!
Day 7-Second day of outreach to the community of Guarne.
Day 8-Whew! We were tired and needed a morning to rest! We headed out on the metro and cable car so the team could see different parts of the city. All went smoothly until Tim, Helen and Miriam got on the metro while the rest of didn't quite make it on because the doors closed too soon. OOOPS! I can only imagine the look on my face as I saw half of the team whisked away on the metro! Luckily they didn't panic and we met up where we were supposed to meet. Lesson learned:Prepare the team for the what if's.....In the afternoon we headed to a flower farm in Santa Elena and topped the day off with a yummy meal at Hato Viejo.
Day 9-we got up early for a great day spent at El Penol and Guatape. The whole team climbed the whole 684 stairs (yes, Tim counted!)!!! The breathtaking view was so worth the climb. Oh and there was a firefighter there at the top with an oxygen canister (Just in case we needed it! Praise God we didn't.).
Day 10-We went to Parque Los Tamarindos (a water park) to celebrate Kennedy's 10th birthday, followed by dinner with friends. Our church sent all kinds of Hawaiian decorations to make Kennedy's day extra special!
Day 11- We all said goodbye to the Lewis Family as they headed to Bogota for some more sight seeing. And the Dilles shared at Casa Isreal (one of the Christians in Action churches). Then to Crepes and Waffles (one of our favorite restaurants!) for a delicious lunch.
Day 12-The girls had the day off of school so we headed to Santa Fe de Antioquia to look around, see the sights and shop a bit.
Day 13-Fred shared his testimony at a ministry for men coming out of prison. He really touched a lot of hearts that night! We then went to a children's feeding program where the children stole our hearts!
Day 14-We went to Guarne for our normal outreach. We saw many sweet faces return from the previous week! Matt, Fred and Diana then went to feed the homeless with City of Refuge ministry.
Day 15-We took Fred and Diana to the airport and said our good byes:(

What and incredible time we had! Words can't quite describe the awesome experience and all that God did in and through this precious team. Our prayer is that eyes were opened, lives were changed, and hearts were touched for the people of Colombia.

Time Flies!! by shelley

2011-05-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Top 10 things God has been teaching me in the last 10 months:
1. Just when I think I've been stretched to the max, He gives me enough strength to do what He asks of me. I am reminded of the verse, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 I am also reminded that the One who called me will also equip me. I have done things in the past 10 months that go FAR beyond my wildest imagination! I had the privilege of officiating my brother's wedding last Fall, I have preached a full length sermon (something I never thought I'D be doing!), I am helping my family navigate missionary life in a foreign country and culture not to mention learning a foreign language (which by the way is HARD!!).
2. As an American (sorry for the generalization) I tend to get my identity by what I "do" or by what I "fix", not by who I am. I am learning that it is far more important to find my identity in a person. His name is Jesus Christ. First and foremost I am a child of God. Out of my relationship with Jesus will come the "doing" part. The part where I have the opportunity to touch the lives with Jesus' love to those He has put in my path. I think I may have had this turned around a bit.
3. I am learning how to be a "waiter" and not just a "do-er". O.k. confession time: This has been an extremely hard one for me! I am wired to be a do-er and God has been extremely busy re-wiring my thinking, perspective and priorities. We came here to Colombia with certain expectations, desires and an agenda for ministry. In the last 10 months He's been teaching me that it is HIS agenda, not mine. Not only is it His agenda but in His timing. I am coming to realize that He doesn't need us "doing" anything for Him. After sharing some of our struggles and frustrations with a long-term missionary, he said, "this is where you're going to be tested. Are you comfortable just (not used lightly) being a child of God? Not being known by your strengths, capabilities, projects, etc.?" Oooooo....that stopped me in my tracks! God is FAR more interested in my relationship with Him than He is in any agenda. Once I have that straight, the "doing" part will come naturally.
4. Adjusting to a new country, culture, climate and language is a process (not an event). I have naively thought at times, "Whew! So glad we're over THAT hump!" Just to stare another hump in the face. This is where I meditate on Philippians 4:13 again.
5. As a mother to 4 wonderful daughters, they look to me for security and stability in our very unstable life. This means I have to do A LOT of faking it when I feel the ground is about to be torn out from under me!
6. As a wife to a wonderful husband, I have had to learn to share my "space" in a new way since we now are together at home quite a lot. We have had to learn to work together, live together, and share our frustrations, fears and feelings of life on the mission field without killing each other!
7. My continued learning to be utterly dependent on God. For strength, provision, safety, guidance and direction.
8. Contentment. I am learning to be joy filled and content in each moment of this grand adventure. At times this has not been easy for me. There have been disappointments, struggles, frustrations and heartache along the way. But God is teaching me that with the "ugly" stuff that comes along with missionary life also comes joy, adventure, new friendships, and unimaginable blessings.
9. Each day I fall a little more in love with the people here in Colombia. God has brought an amazing group of people into our lives to love us, hold our hands when we feel we can't take another step, give us all sorts of invaluable insight into the culture, and give us encouragement along the way. I am continually amazed by a God who cares for us so incredibly much! I love the verse found in Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
10. Last (but certainly not least) we are learning to have a sense of humor in it all (something I could desperately use a little more of!). To laugh at ourselves when we make cultural blunders, to laugh it off when we say silly things in Spanish (which we do often), and to not take life too seriously.
As you can see, God has been busy molding and shaping this clay pot into a vessel for His service. At times I am just broken shards, yet He gently re-wets me, puts me back on His potter's wheel and starts again. Each time smoothing the rough and ragged edges as any good potter does. I am the clay. He is the Potter. Lord, mold me, shape me and refine me to be a fit vessel for your service here in Colombia. Amen.

Dental Brigade

2011-05-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

Wow! It's been way too long since we last blogged! It's not to say we don't have anything going on because we've had lots. We continue to enjoy doing ministry up in Guarne on Wednesdays. Walking from farm to farm praying for people, visiting over a cup of agua panela (a popular drink here in Colombia), and getting to use our 4-wheel drive is right up our alley. We have been blessed to be a part of a team who is working diligently in this vereda (rural neighborhood) to bring the hope of Jesus Christ. Matt and I teach English to 20 kids from the age of eight through High school. There is such a desire here to learn English because speaking English opens the door to opportunities that they otherwise would not have. Being out in the country, these folks have little opportunity to higher education and better paying jobs. Teaching has proven to be fun , yet challenging as we hadn't prepared for teaching English before we came. It can't be THAT hard, right? I am learning that just because you SPEAK the language, doesn't mean you can TEACH the language effectively. Many a night is spent pouring over lessons. So here we are being stretched by God yet again in a multitude of ways! It has proven really good for our Spanish practice as we most often have to tell them the directions in Spanish.

Besides offering English classes, our team teaches a Bible study, puts on a children's program and teaches a skill such as sewing, or handi-crafts. This has been an effective way to reach out to the community by equipping the people in a variety of ways to help them sustain their families. Think "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime." It is our hope and desire to reach these precious people by stretching out the arms of Christ to meet not only their spiritual but physical needs as well. Another way we have reached into the community is by offering free counseling with a psychologist. Many have dealt with tragedy and loss due to the violence here in Colombia as well as an over abundance of broken families, drug and alcohol abuse. We had a fantastic day a few weeks ago doing a free dental brigade in the community. We had a great turnout! Every minute of the day was booked full for free cleanings and check-ups. Our precious Dr. Nairo worked a VERY full and long day! It was a long but very gratifying day. Job well done team!

To The Eje Cafetero and Beyond....

2011-04-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Recently we took a family trip to the Eje Cafetero (the coffee axis) where we'll be moving in early August. This is where we'll start our work with Christians in Action planting churches. God has been busy lining things up for our move in His usual amazing ways! He has brought a very special Colombian couple Jairo and Doris into our lives to work alongside. They have a healthy church in Armenia but are desiring to follow God's call on their lives by helping to start new churches in the surrounding Pueblos. After meeting them and getting to know their vision and love for their people, we knew right away that our hearts were aligned. While we were in the Eje Cafetero we looked for a school for the girls, a house, and areas to start ministry. We also had the privilege of sharing our hearts with Jairo and Doris's church as well as a new small group in a nearby Pueblo. Upon asking the congregation of who may be interested in joining a church planting team, several came forward. We are excited at the enthusiasm this church has to reach more Colombians for Christ! We managed to squeeze in a bit of sightseeing and adventure as we introduced the girls to their new city. We got four big thumbs up (which is a huge blessing since we didn't know how the girls would take another move)! God has blessed us with a house that is just 5 minutes out of town but has room to breath in the fresh air, the girls can be the country girls that they are, get the dog they've been dying for and we can get away from the hectic city life we've lived in since being in Medellin. We are looking forward to the next part of our adventure called "Living and Serving in Colombia", though we are a bit apprehensive of yet another transition. On the bright side, we don't have to learn a new language (just get better at the one we've been learning!).

Feeling settled

2011-03-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe how fast these past seven months have flown by! At times, I still have those hair raising, goose bump getting, pinch me so I know I am not dreaming moments where I think to myself, "are we REALLY here living and serving the Lord in Colombia? Did we REALLY leave family, a wonderful church and friends back in California? Are we REALLY raising our four girls in a foreign country?" I am so thankful for those moments when God gives me this perspective. He also reminds me that WE didn't do any of this, HE did! It's been a whirlwind as we have been adjusting to life here, learning and coming to love the Colombian culture and learning Spanish. It hasn't always been an easy road, but it's one we'll look back on with fond memories of all that God has done and is continuing to do in our lives. By His strength we have been able to endure far more than I could have ever imagined! In the seven short months we have been here we have tasted new foods, survived the landslides, are learning a new language and new way of life, we have climbed mountains, started teaching English classes, made many new Colombian friends and have had the pleasure of being an integral part of a new church plant in Guarne (just to name a few). We are definitely feeling more settled and adjusting to the rhythms of life here. That 'settled' feeling will be short lived though as we prepare for our next move to the town of Armenia in August. We are excited to see what God has in store for us and the people of Colombia on the next leg of our journey. We recently returned from a scouting trip to the area to see about ministry, homes and schools for our girls. We will post some pictures soon! To be continued....

Taking out the trash by Matt

2011-01-29T10:35:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I've never really liked taking out the trash, but somehow it has traditionally became the "man's job" (like fixing the leaky sink, toilet, etc.). However, after watching how Colombians do recycling, I have little room for complaint. All the trash is put out on the street, either in barrels or in bags in a pile, and then people come by and pick through it all. Surprisingly, they find quite a lot of recyclables to take. They start at the top of the hill and work their way down so they don't have to carry anything as they ride their cart. Click and watch the video:
It is quite efficient and a great way of making sure nothing goes in the garbage that couldn't be recycled. What hard, back breaking work though (all done for a few pesos!!). The interesting thing is that they ride their carts downhill, steer with ropes, and stand on rubber stoppers that act as brakes. They have to squat and push down really hard to make it stop. Some of the hills here are pretty steep and I bet the ride gets pretty exciting at times! Without a cart you really have to work! One memory that will forever be etched in my mind is when we saw a young mom and a 2-1/2 year old girl dragging huge bags full of recyclables. There were too many bags for the mother and so her little toddler had to drag one too, but it was so hard for her. It was definitely one of those heart wrenching moments :-( I am not sure I will ever look at "taking out the trash" the same again.

Eyes Wide Open by Shelley

2011-01-27T05:17:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful that God cares enough to open my eyes to all that He is doing in His Kingdom. I must admit, at times I have been a little 'narrow minded' in my thinking of what the definition of ministry really is. I have thought, "ministry is what pastors or evangelists do,something only a select few do". Like they are some 'holy' person that I have put on a pedestal. Not that they aren't special(because they certainly are!), but God has recently reminded me that we ALL have a special and important place to serve Him in His Kingdom. From the pastor with a congregation of 20,000 to the person who stays after service to collect the used communion cups. From the Theology professors at Seminary to the person who answers the church phone. He values each and EVERY act of service that is done for His glory!
Living in a place where violence, war, and poverty have defined the country for many years, it has been hard to not feel "small" in the midst of some pretty "big" problems. I often need to be reminded that we serve a mighty BIG God and that we are not in this alone.
We have met some pretty great folks here in Colombia in the last six months. We have had an opportunity to visit quite a few ministries. I am amazed at God's creativity as He has woven a beautiful tapestry of Christians all working to better other peoples lives through the love of Jesus. I am so humbled and yet privileged to be standing together with these laborers in the harvest field. My eyes have been opened wide as I have seen the different ways that these laborers are reaching others for Christ.
Our next door neighbor has been working with Prison Fellowship for nearly twenty years. During her time working in Bella Vista Prison, she has seen over forty former inmates go into full time ministry. Our friend Yokima serves in the jungle bringing hope and a Bible in the language of the Cubeo tribe. Living here at a seminary, we have had the privilege of meeting many professors serving by equipping new leaders. We visited a boys home that rescues boys from a life on the streets. We went to a children's feeding program for Desplazados where little tummies are being filled as well as minds and hearts are being filled with the love of Christ. A ministry was started here at the seminary by a wife of one of the professors that reaches out to women in the community to teach them handicrafts so they can better support themselves. I have recently been in contact with a couple in Central America who are serving as veterinarians. One of my dear friends has blessed me with her vast knowledge of prayer walking (something I was not very familiar with). I even have a few friends that are nurses in Ethiopia, Kenya and Sudan. And the list goes on! I am encouraged to see the Lord working through each of these individuals in a unique and creative way. It has brought me great joy to see the Body of Christ at work!
I am reminded of Nehemiah and how he got the people of Jerusalem to rebuild their destroyed wall, one brick at a time. After living here for six months I see the evidence that Colombia is in a stage of being rebuilt. It may not happen in 52 days, but one brick (or one life) a time, with the grace and strength of God, Colombia can be rebuilt.

Mr Toad's Wild Ride

2011-01-20T19:28:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on our comfy sofa thinking about 2010, I can't help but be amazed at all that God has done in this past year. It will be a year that is etched in our memories forever. As you know, we are a very ordinary family serving an extraordinary God in Medellin, Colombia. Here's a small glimpse of what 2010 looked like for the Actis clan. It reminds me a bit of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride!
January 2010-The year of our departure to the mission field! A sending team is formed at New Hope that will help with all the logistics as well as emotional and spiritual rigors of getting to and staying on the field. What would we do without this precious group of people? First order of business: Sell the house! Praise the Lord for selling it quickly (8 days on the market to be exact!) despite the terrible economy.
January through July-The race is on to finish raising support for our family of 6. We spent many weekends speaking at churches about our heart, passion and calling to serve the precious people of Colombia. We were WAY out of our comfort zone getting up and speaking in front of crowds, but by God's infinite grace, He gave us the strength, courage and endurance.
April- I had an incredible opportunity to spend two weeks studying missionary medicine in North Carolina. It was intense and stretched me far beyond myself, but the knowledge I gained and the friends made from various parts of the world, I will cherish forever.
May-I graduated after studying for a year and a half at The School of Women in Ministry.
June-Matt says good bye to ten wonderful years of teaching at Clovis East High School. The girls say their final good byes to their beloved Reagan Elementary. Matt finishes up his theological course through Moody Bible Institute. We apply for visas so we can work and live in Colombia. Trips to the Health Department for all the necessary vaccinations (up to four each, can anyone say, "ouch?!?").
July- Sell our cars. Have our last yard-sale. Still visiting churches and raising support. Buy our tickets for July 21 on faith that we'd have our support raised in time (this was a defining moment as it all became so much more real). Several trips to the Colombian Consulate in San Fransisco to get the run-around about our visas. Prayed like mad that our visas would come in time. Our dear friends hosted a wonderful going away party for us. We were licensed by Christians in Action as ministers. New Hope gave us a very heartfelt (and a bit heart wrenching) going away service and party. We ran around like chickens with our heads cut off doing last minute errands. We packed all of our belongings and lives into 21 suitcases that various people donated (this is where having a large family comes in handy!!). There are 6 of us, at two checked pieces plus a carry on each, that's 18 suitcases (somehow we ended up with 21, I am guessing that in all the preparation and excitement we lost the ability to count!). Spend as much time with all of our loved ones as we knew we'd miss them fiercely. Several calls each day to the Consulate as our departure date was f-a-s-t approaching! Finally the Thursday before we were to fly out they arrived in our hot little hands (Whew!! I was sweating that one a bit I must admit!). Never ceasing to be amazed by God's timing and provision. The last few days before departure were a whirlwind to say the least. Packing, cleaning, packing some more, visiting, wrapping up loose ends. Did I mention packing? At this point I seriously thanked God for His strength (and adrenaline of course!!). We couldn't have done it without our loving Heavenly Father, our church who came together as the Body of Christ in an amazing way, our friends who stepped in to help us in a variety of ways, and our family who were there to pick up the debris from this crazy tornado of a month!! As we stepped on that plane (21 suitcases in tow), I couldn't help but think of how the last two years of praying and preparation was finally coming to fruition. It was a tearful yet extremely gratifying day to watch our dreams unfold before our eyes.
August- "WOW! We're really here! And we aren't going home. This isn't some little vacation. WOW! We live in Colombia now! What have we done?" These were some of thoughts that bombarded our minds as we began setting up "home" in a foreign country. We needed to do all the mundane tasks of shopping, setting up a bank account, getting a driver's license, signing up the girls for school and filling out document after document in a language we don't know (this has made for some pretty funny and frustrating times!) We began Spanish classes and the long process of adjusting to life on the mission field , a city of 4 million people (as most of you know, we are country bumpkins at heart!), and a new culture. The first couple of months were tough as we navigated all the feelings and emotions of being away from home and then helped our daughters do the same. It is a process we know which takes time and patience (something God has been refining in our lives).
September- We began feeling a bit more settled. Yokima, a Colombian missionary came to live with us for four months while she was on furlough. What a blessing she was (especially to our language study as she doesn't speak English)! We were asked to help plant a church in Guarne (a rural area outside of Medellin. What a great opportunity to get our feet wet (sometimes literally while hiking door to door) in ministry while learning the language and culture. This has of course made for some pretty interesting language and cultural blunders! I am so thankful that the point and grunt method of communication can be so effective in a pinch!
October-Another amazing blessing from God came our way! I had the opportunity to officiate my brother's wedding in Tennessee. This was certainly something I never dreamed in my wildest of imaginations that I'd be doing! It was an awesome privilege and honor (as well as a huge area of growth for me) to do this for him and his adorable new wife. The girls bravely started the school year in a new school and in a new language. Wow! We are amazed at our little super troopers!!
November- Christmas came early! Family generously and lovingly pitched in to buy us tickets home for Christmas! Our mission agency was gracious in blessing us with the approval of our request for a trip home. We hosted a Thanksgiving dinner here at our home for all the missionaries here at the Seminary. It was fun getting to speak in English and catch up on everyone's ministry lives.
December- We were buzzing at the excitement of getting to see our loved ones for the holidays, visiting our supporting churches and spending some time with our church family worshiping together (something we greatly miss). We found a dear couple with a house in Madera for traveling missionaries and pastors. This would give us the privacy, space and much needed rest while not imposing on family or friends for that length of time. Plus we got to know a new couple who have such servants hearts and a passion for reaching the world with the love of Christ. On December 15th we hopped on the plane for a very exciting trip back to California to celebrate our Savior's birth with all of our family and friends. It was a glorious time catching up with everyone, filling up spiritually and stocking up on hard-to-get supplies (Target, oh how I've missed you!!). We had the opportunity to share a little bit of our story and Matt preached one Sunday at New Hope. We topped it all off with a trip to Disneyland with all the cousins. A lot of memories were made that day. What a great way to end our trip! We boarded the plane bound for Colombia on January 5 physically drained and exhausted but spiritually and emotionally overflowing, ready to get back to see what God has in store for us in 2011! Mr. Toad's Wild Ride to be continued....

In Search of a Hot Shower By Shelley

2011-01-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

When we first arrived here at the Seminary last July, we rejoiced that we had a hot shower! We knew this was pure luxury as most Colombians don't have hot water in their homes. We were so thankful that the Seminary was built by Americans thinking of hosting us wimpier-types who need a hot shower for survival. It all started out pretty well. That is until our shower head went loco and started spraying water up and out of the shower. After mopping up after each shower (something that got old REALLY quick), we decided it was time for a trip to the hardware store (one of many to soon follow).
Our next shower head seemed to "have it all". However, when we'd take a shower, the water would fluctuate between screaming hot and freezing cold. I was getting pretty good at jumping in and out of the shower with amazing speed, but for the girls, it was pretty miserable.
Another trip to the hardware store was in order. This time Matt brought over three options for me to choose from. Very cheap, a moderate priced one and a more expensive one. Being the frugal girl that I am. I thought, "don't choose the cheap, cheap one, that'll just lead to another trip to the hardware store. Don't choose the expensive one, I am way too frugal for that! The middle one is probably the best." For those who know me, I am a middle of the road kind of girl (it's safe, comfortable and well...in the middle!). As we left the store that day, little did I know Matt had put all three of the shower heads in the cart (smart thinking!). That would lead to fewer trips back to the hardware store (though now I was sort of liking the place).
First Matt started with the cheapest shower head (figuring if it worked, we'd take back the other two and save us some dough!). All was good for a day or so. We even got in a hot shower or two! Then THAT shower head went loco too! Time for shower head number four (I think I might be starting to lose count!). This one has been sort of our happy medium. For some reason we can't get the really hot water (it's sort of more tepid), but the shower stays at a constant heat AND doesn't spray over the door. It makes for good water saving as well since we don't feel the urge to linger in the semi-warm water. You may ask, "what about the last shower head?" Well....we're just too frugal for that! Plus, now we have a clog in the drain for Matt to turn his attention to. So is life on the mission field.......

Displaced Children

2011-01-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

From La Cruz

Welcome to "La Cruz," where a small ministry is trying to feed hungry children and families of those who are displaced (desplazados in Spanish). The person leading this ministry, Roman, said that most of the children there had no fathers because there were killed by the drug cartels, or "guerrillas". I met one woman who said that she lost both her husband and one of her sons to the violence that plagues Colombia. This day, however, was a great day to spend with the children and see them smile!

From La Cruz

As many of you know, God has given us a heart to serve the "desplazados" so it was special to see a ministry with the same heart. We are praying and seeking God's guidance as to how we can come alongside this ministry. Currently, they are having a hard time feeding the 300 children more than once a week. They also don't have funds for water or electricity! Although they don't have much, they are asking God for a way to rent more space so they can start having church services...love their faith! Let us know if you'd like to help fill tummies with the love of Jesus. TheActisFamily@gmail.com Click the picture below to start a quick slideshow of 12 photos.

Derrumbes!

2010-11-30T04:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I think almost ALL vacations have some sort of funny story...or some sort of STORY anyway! I can remember growing up, the first thing my dad would pack in the trunk of the car was all his tools! Apparently, he's got a few stories of his OWN to tell! Anyway, our friends invited us to join them in a town call San Jeronimo (which in near Santa Fe de Antioquia if you google it) for weekend of swimming and relaxing. The only problem was getting there! There has been so much rain in Colombia that they are saying the rivers are higher than they've been in 30 years!(Check out the homes in the rivers!)

From Derrubes

The problems that are caused by rain are derrumbes (landslides/mudslides) and washouts (see last photo). As you can see by the photo with the blue van in front, we are all the way over to the edge of a four lane freeway. Traffic was reduced to one by one.

From Derrubes

A smart person might think; "If it's hard getting there, I wonder how hard it'll be to come back!" But instead, we were focused on our much needed rest in San Jeronimo. Unfortunately, the rain kept coming and coming, and the three roads back to Medellín were all blocked by landslides! One road wasn't too bad, but there were reports of guerrillas in that direction, so we were obviously NOT going that direction! Unfortunately, one of our friends had to catch a plane to Bogotá so they attempted to go through. They got through one landslide, but as the rains continued to come down they closed the roads on either side of them! Eeek! There they were, stuck on the side of the mountain in cold, no food/water, no Johnny Quick, Taco Bell, NADA! (No, we don't have those in Colombia anyway).

From Derrubes

Luckily, a friend drove through on his motorcycle and picked her up (minus her luggage) and drove her all the way to airport on the bike. Later that night Oscar and Daniela were able to get through to Medellín but not back to us! We were able to get through a couple days later because we found a back road that took us around both landslides. Most cars couldn't go that way because they didn't have a jeep-like car with four wheel drive, and I don't know if they'd attempt that hair-raising road anyway because it wasn't much better!

From Derrubes

Brazos Abiertos

2010-11-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

From Brazos Abiertos

What an incredible day we had at Brazos Abiertos (Open Arms). Let me tell you a little about this amazing ministry. It is a working dairy farm in San Pedro that was started 20 years ago by missionaries who wanted to do something about the street children of Medellin. The boys are first brought to a home in the city where they earn trust and assimilate into a home atmosphere. When they are ready, they can go live at the farm where they are cared for and loved on, given an education, taught technical skills and most importantly are exposed to a life with Jesus.

From Brazos Abiertos

We enjoyed the day getting to know the boys, goofing around with them and seeing the farm. We met a young man who is a graduate of the program named Jose Pablo. He has an incredible story of God's redemption in his life. As a seven year old he was forced to sell chiclets on the street. He wasn't allowed to go to school or use any of the money for food for himself. If he didn't sell the whole box that day, his step father met him with a beating. One day when he was ten he used some of the money to get himself something to eat because he was sent out each day without food. Again, he was met with a beating. He decided to runaway, thinking a life on the streets had to be better than living with his step father. After two months on the streets of Medellin, a man saw him and took him to his house. He cleaned him up, fed him and gave him clothes (sound like a familiar story?). The next day he took him to Brazos Abiertos. A story that could have ended in tragedy, God has redeemed and has used for good. Juan Pablo is now working at the farm serving the Lord and the boys that are there now. He has the desire to attend University next year where he will specialize in Psychology so that he can better help the boys with their problems. What an inspiration he was to us.

From Brazos Abiertos

As I played with the boys, I fought back the tears. Looking into their eyes and knowing that these were once considered "throw away" children. Someone, somewhere had decided to abandon these precious lives. With our Maker, no one is ever beyond help or considered a "throw away". We are all precious in His sight. I am so thankful for loving people who have made a difference in the lives of those who can't fend for themselves, giving these boys a second chance at life. They have forever left an imprint on my heart.

From Brazos Abiertos

The Actis Messenger - November 2010

2010-11-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

Good news!

Christmas came early in Colombia! Family has generously pitched in to get us home for Christmas!! We are so excited to see family and friends, and it will be great for our girls too.

Greetings from the other side of the Canal…

2010-11-08T06:34:00.001-08:00

Wow! It’s hard to believe it was just four short months ago that we said good bye to family and friends, packed all our belongings into 21 suitcases and headed to Colombia with our four daughters. God has been busy refining us as we navigate all the emotional, physical and spiritual rigors of a new life on the mission field. He continues to be our sustainer, provider and our comforter. When the going has gotten tough, He has kept us going! So much has happened in the few months that we have been here. We are adjusting to a new culture, a new climate, and a new language just to name a few. It has been a whirlwind as we have set up house at the Seminary, the girls have started school at Colegio Canadiense, we are progressing in our Spanish lessons, and have begun work with a new ministry in a rural village 45 minutes away. It hasn’t always been the easiest, but we know that we are living right in the middle of God’s will. There’s no place we’d rather be!

Driving in Colombia!

2010-11-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

Here in Colombia the right of way belongs to the largest vehicle, usually the buses, all the way down to the little taxis (and the tiniest taxis we’ve ever seen!). In addition, there is a race going on. I’m not sure where the finish line is, and I don’t think that anybody else does either but we are all frantically looking for it. So what rights do pedestrians have? None! It’s like I said, there is a race going on, and who’d dare to stroll across a race track anyway? Compare the two signs of Pedestrian Crossing. Which do you think is from Colombia? While racing, you also need to watch out for roundabouts, potholes, and speed bumps (nicknamed "sleeping policemen" in Spanish). Also, there are motorcyclists splitting lanes and passing you on each side, all carrying precious cargo like babies, dogs, and washing machines (not kidding, they can get a lot on a motorcycle!). Oh yeah, and left turns are a rarity here. It’s more fun that way!

God continues to be faithful!

2010-11-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Lord never ceases to amaze us with His provision; whether it’s through encouraging friends, the timely arrival of a package, or faithful supporters. Sometimes it’s something as simple as the strength to get through another day. Of the many ways He has blessed us while we have been here is a very special friend named Yokima. She is a Colombian missionary who needed a place to rest while on furlough and we needed more practice with our Spanish. It’s a win-win situation. Plus we just ‘happen’ to have an extra room for her. Since she doesn’t speak English, we have had LOTS of practice speaking Spanish. It has made for some pretty interesting conversations! Another way He has blessed us abundantly is through our Spanish teacher Magdalena. She and her husband have taken us under their wings and have introduced us to their beautiful country. What had started out as a teacher-student relationship has quickly blossomed into a wonderful friendship. We of course can’t forget Jim and Miriam Marquardt, the other American Missionaries that are mentoring us and helping us with just about everything from finding the post office, to enrolling the girls in school. When we left for Colombia we had fears that we would be on our own, but He has shown He is faithful by providing friends and mentors that have given us a source of encouragement.

Prayer Requests:

· First of all, pray for Colombia to be released from Satan’s grip and the light of Jesus Christ to penetrate the hearts of those that have been held captive by the Evil one.

· For the dedicated Colombian servants here. Many pastors lead 2-3 churches, go to seminary and also work an outside job. We are continually amazed by the many “hats” that Colombian pastors wear.

· For God’s specific area of ministry to be revealed to us. There is so much need here in Colombia, but we want to be serving exactly where God wants us. We are currently asking for the Lord’s leading in another town called Armenia.

· For accelerated language acquisition. We are excited and motivated to learn Colombia’s heart language, and to be able to share our faith effectively and efficiently without a translator.

· Continue to pray for ease of transition as we continue to face the emotional and spiritual rigors of a new life on the mission field.

· Matt’s health. He has been battling stomach pains since being here and nothing seems to improve it. He has visited the doctor and currently is trying different things.

Other info:

· To see more about our new life in Colombia you can also visit our blog: http://actisfamily.blogspot.com

· To mail things to us, we have new instructions posted on our webpage: www.ActisFamily.com

· Many people have asked us how they can help us in our ministry. Please visit our wish list on our webpage. Thanks!

Email: TheActisFamily@gmail.com

If you would like to help spread the Gospel in Colombia,

Donate online at www.ActisFamily.com

or Christians in Action: (559) 564-3762, P.O. Box 728 Woodlake, CA 93286,

Please put M429 in the Memo. www.ChristiansInAction.org

A tribute to my momma

2010-10-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

My mom has always loved flowers, birds, and God's creation in general. Everywhere I go in Colombia I see beautiful flowers and I think; "Oh, I wish my mom was here to see that! She'd even know what it is!" So I'd take a picture of it. Well, after three months of living here I've got a bunch of photos of things I think my momma would like, so here's a little slide show of all things pretty and nice. Love ya Momma!

Puerta a Puerta (Door to Door)

2010-10-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

We have had the opportunity to get involved with a new outreach ministry in Guarne. It is a small rural farming community about 45 minutes outside of the city. Cumberland Presbyterian Church here in Medellin is hoping to plant a church there in the veredas (villages) for campesinos (farmers). It is in the very beginning stages where they are offering a devotional and outreach to women and children and farming classes for the men (you can see Adan teaching the Bible class and leading a discussion with the kids in the slidshow). We are excited to see the possibilities of growth for this unique ministry. Each Wednesday we have had the privilege of visiting, sharing the Word and praying in nearby homes only reachable by foot (the kids love it too, and they love the kids!). We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the precious people of this area while covering many miles trekking through muddy foot paths. I am amazed at the hospitality of the Colombian people. They all offer something to drink or eat each time we come (which means that we need to take Pepto Bismo with us for the affects later). It has brought an all new meaning to "door to door" evangelism. And Matt has gotten to use our 4 wheel drive which makes him soooo happy (he's like a kid in a candy store!!). If we are going to continue with this ministry we will need to invest in some good rubber boots!!

Prayer Requests from Colombia

2010-09-24T08:58:00.001-07:00

It’s hard to believe we’ve been here in Medellin for two months already! It has been a wild ride of adjusting, adjusting and more adjusting! We have settled into the Seminary where we are living for the time being, started the girls in school and Spanish classes for us are in full swing. We have encountered great need here in Colombia. While we are learning the language and culture we are also checking out ministries and seeking God’s direction as to where He wants us to begin. Here are a few prayer requests:

1. Medellin is experiencing an increase in violence right now (especially our neighborhood in particular). Please pray for protection as well as a special sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.

2. We are seeking His guidance and clear direction in where to serve. With so much need, we ask you to pray for clarity and God’s vision above all else.

3. We need your prayers for the people of Colombia. It is a very spiritually dark place that so badly needs the light of our Lord and Savior. Please pray that our family can be a light in the darkness.

4. The last two months have been filled with a wide range of emotions. Please continue to pray for our transition. That we will keep Christ at the forefront of our thoughts and that we will remain unified as a family during the triumphs and trials of life on the mission field.

5. Please pray that Satan will not discourage us from the mission that God has called us to, and the vision He gave us for this country.

You are invited to see a quick Youtube video of what we've done since being here. It's at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JcYsW1rj-k

Off to Prison

2010-09-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great opportunity to visit Bella Vista Prison last Friday with our neighbor Jeannine. She is a missionary here and has given 19 years of her life to working there through Prison Fellowship. I was filled with excitement, interest and apprehension as the time to go approached. I had previously read that Bella Vista was once notorious for being one of the most dangerous prisons in the world. Carlos, a former prisoner himself along with Jeannine and Alex (I'll tell you about his amazing story later) were our guides for the day.
It was quite a process getting clearance. First we had to send our passport numbers with Jeannine prior to our visit. The day of we had a long wait as they transferred prisoners right in front of us. Close enough for me to reach out and touch them! We were then finger printed, photographed and patted down. After about an hour and a half, we were finally in! We were led through dark and dank hallways that looked like they hadn't seen a fresh coat of paint in decades, if ever. We then went into a small chapel where about 100 men gathered for worship. Some were standing, others were kneeling at the alter, and still others with their hands lifted high. It was a beautiful sight. Carlos had told Matt during the wait that Matt was preaching today. Matt and I laughed it off thinking he was kidding. Little did we know that he wasn't kidding a bit! We hadn't even brought our Bibles (after all, we thought we were just visiting!!) A great lesson was learned that day: Always bring your Bible and be prepared for ANYTHING! I was reminded of the Bible verse in 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Matt did a great job sharing his testimony and "winging" it. Sitting there in the chapel I got a chance to look into the faces of men that had done some pretty horrible things (probably things I can't even imagine). At first I had feelings of disgust and disdain for these men. God convicted my heart then and there that He doesn't want to see a single one of His children slip away. How badly He must hurt for each one of these precious men.
After the service we were then led outside into an area where the prisoners can roam. We were swarmed by men who were interested in why we had come. I could feel the blood pulsing through my veins as fear crept in. We couldn't tell prisoners from anyone else as they wear street clothes there. No guards were in sight. Carlos, Jeannine, Matt and I then went to a "patio" a little further into the prison. This is where prisoners are kept that haven't earned more freedom. WOW! Did I feel like a fish out of water! Hundreds of men's eyes all looking at us white folks was a bit unnerving! We gathered with the believers in that patio and joined hands right there in front of all the other prisoners for prayer. What a testimony to those men. For some reason we were ushered out before we could finish, but that is o.k., you can't stop us from praying for them.
At the end of our visit we went to meet the warden. Jeannine told them about our agriculture backgrounds and he immediately asked if we'd be interested in coming to help them with their farm. We said we would like to come another day to see it. He then booked us for the following Monday.
Now let me tell you about Alex.....when I first saw him I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen him before. He looked so familiar! But where on Earth would I have seen him before? Him being from Colombia and us from the States. Then between Matt and I, we were able to finally place him. We had read about him in a Voice of the Martyrs magazine. He was the soul survivor of a 26 person massacre that happened fifteen years ago. He was shot in the face and lost an eye as well as almost all the vision in the other. For some reason, God spared this precious man's life. God had work for Alex to do. After healing, Alex began ministering in the prison. And one day he met the man that had shot him. Alex not only forgave this man but also led him to the Lord. Wow! What an incredible story! And we got to spend the day with this very special man!
After we had dropped each person off at their home Matt said to me, "I feel like I was just in the presence of God's chosen!"
Jeannine had warned us of the tiredness and exhaustion we'd feel later that day due to the spiritual darkness in that place. When I got home, I laid on my bed and wept. The heaviness on my heart was incredible. I felt every emotion imaginable that day. Sadness, spiritual oppression, hope, hopelessness, fear, exhilaration. "What was a naive country bumpkin of a girl doing in that dark place? What did I have to offer a bunch of dangerous criminals? Am I strong enough to handle the spiritual, emotional and mental rigors of life in Colombia?" These were all thoughts that bombarded my mind. As I laid there wallowing, that still small voice said to me, "All you need is love." We had a great opportunity to visit Bella Vista Prison last Friday with our neighbor Jeannine. She is a missionary here and has given 19 years of her life to working there through Prison Fellowship. I was filled with excitement, interest and apprehension as the time to go approached. I had previously read that Bella Vista was once notorious for being one of the most dangerous prisons in the world. Carlos, a former prisoner himself along with Jeannine and Alex (I'll tell you about his amazing story later) were our guides for the day.
It was quite a process getting clearance. First we had to send our passport numbers with Jeannine prior to our visit. The day of we had a long wait as they transferred prisoners right in front of us. Close enough for me to reach out and touch them! We were then finger printed, photographed and patted down. After about an hour and a half, we were finally in! We were led through dark and dank hallways that looked like they hadn't seen a fresh coat of paint in decades, if ever. We then went into a small chapel where about 100 men gathered for worship. Some were standing, others were kneeling at the alter, and still others with their hands lifted high. It was a beautiful sight. Carlos had told Matt during the wait that Matt was preaching today. Matt and I laughed it off thinking he was kidding. Little did we know that he wasn't kidding a bit! We hadn't even brought our Bibles (after all, we thought we were just visiting!!) A great lesson was learned that day: Always bring your Bible and be prepared for ANYTHING! I was reminded of the Bible verse in 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." Matt did a great job sharing his testimony and "winging" it. Sitting there in the chapel I got a chance to look into the faces of men that had done some pretty horrible things (probably things I can't even imagine). At first I had feelings of disgust and disdain for these men. God convicted my heart then and there that He doesn't want to see a single one of His children slip away. How badly He must hurt for each one of these precious men.
After the service we were then led outside into an area where the prisoners can roam. We were swarmed by men who were interested in why we had come. I could feel the blood pulsing through my veins as fear crept in. We couldn't tell prisoners from anyone else as they wear street clothes there. No guards were in sight. Carlos, Jeannine, Matt and I then went to a "patio" a little further into the prison. This is where prisoners are kept that haven't earned more freedom. WOW! Did I feel like a fish out of water! Hundreds of men's eyes all looking at us white folks was a bit unnerving! We gathered with the believers in that patio and joined hands right there in front of all the other prisoners for prayer. What a testimony to those men. For some reason we were ushered out before we could finish, but that is o.k., you can't stop us from praying for them.
At the end of our visit we went to meet the warden. Jeannine told them about our agriculture backgrounds and he immediately asked if we'd be interested in coming to help them with their farm. We said we would like to come another day to see it. He then booked us for the following Monday.
Now let me tell you about Alex.....when I first saw him I couldn't shake the feeling that I had seen him before. He looked so familiar! But where on Earth would I have seen him before? Him being from Colombia and us from the States. Then between Matt and I, we were able to finally place him. We had read about him in a Voice of the Martyrs magazine. He was the soul survivor of a 26 person massacre that happened fifteen years ago. He was shot in the face and lost an eye as well as almost all the vision in the other. For some reason, God spared this precious man's life. God had work for Alex to do. After healing, Alex began ministering in the prison. And one day he met the man that had shot him. Alex not only forgave this man but also led him to the Lord. Wow! What an incredible story! And we got to spend the day with this very special man!
After we had dropped each person off at their home Matt said to me, "I feel like I was just in the presence of God's chosen!"
Jeannine had warned us of the tiredness and exhaustion we'd feel later that day due to the spiritual darkness in that place. When I got home, I laid on my bed and wept. The heaviness on my heart was incredible. I felt every emotion imaginable that day. Sadness, spiritual oppression, hope, hopelessness, fear, exhilaration. "What was a naive country bumpkin of a girl doing in that dark place? What did I have to offer a bunch of dangerous criminals? Am I strong enough to handle the spiritual, emotional and mental rigors of life in Colombia?" These were all thoughts that bombarded my mind. As I laid there wallowing, that still small voice said to me, "All you need is love."

Granadilla

2010-09-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Experiencing new food in Colombia is always fun...well...not ALWAYS! The Mondongo was actually too gross for Shelley and I. Luckily we were at a restaurant so when we decided that we couldn't eat it (it's Tripe, by the way) we didn't offend anyone! The problem is that we told people we ordered it and didn't like it, now everyone here says "Oh, well you haven't tried MY Mondongo. We'll have you over and I'll cook up my special recipe!" Oh NOOOOO! What have we done?!?! Now we're going to have to eat Tripe several times instead of just that once!
Anyway, back to my story about Granadilla. Shelley went to the "market" today, and I mean the Real Market, where working Colombians go every Saturday. I am sure that Shelley will write about it later. Her and Yokima are in the kitchen cooking fresh fish right now! Yum. Anyway, I keep getting side tracked. This fruit, Granadilla, is really weird. You can slice it with your finger nail, then twist it in half. Inside is really weird looking, with a bunch of slimy looking seed pouches. Kind of like a pomegranate on the inside, but the seed bags are soft, slimy and grey. Then you pick them out, drop them into your mouth, and suck on them. The trick is, to let them slide down your throat before you're suckin' on just seeds. You want the seeds to still have a little slime on them. All the kids tried it and only one kid cried before being "force fed." They all said it was sweet and yummy, then they got to the seeds...

A God of Abundance by Shelley

2010-09-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

As I have been reflecting on the last month and a half here in Colombia, I am amazed at how much can change in such a short period of time. Last night someone from the states asked, "what kinds of things are you really missing from home?" I had to really think about that. The first few days here I had a list a mile long of all the things that I missed (ziploc bags, swiffers, peanut butter, chocolate chips etc.) A few short weeks later and my list has shrunk considerably. It has been a great lesson in making do, doing without and learning to be content in abundance and in want.

The last month and a half has been one of the most challenging times in my life. Learning a new language is exhausting and can be a bit frustrating at times. Everything we do here is new and a little scary for the first time. Whether it's going to the store, getting a taxi (and telling the driver directions in VERY broken Spanish), ordering off of a menu (only to figure out later that you ordered tripe!), or that very first time driving in Colombian traffic (something I haven't dared quite yet, though Matt has and with great success). I didn't realize that all this newness, excitement and stimulation really does take a toll on your stress level. I am learning (again) how to rely on God's strength to help us through the trials. I know that one day I'll look back on these moments as a time of serious faith strengthening.

Patience is not one of my finest virtues. We have been in a time of waiting as we learn the language, build relationships and wait for God's specific leading into the ministry He has created for us to do. Matt and I are such action oriented people that it has been difficult at times to wait on the Lord. We are learning to cherish these moments as He is preparing us for the months and years to come. God revealed to me that I need to live in the here and now and minister to those He has placed in our lives at this particular moment. There is no need to wait to do ministry. We can encourage the seminary students here on campus, the portero (guard), our fellow missionaries, the neighborhood kids and Yokima (I'll tell you about her later) and anyone else we make come into contact with during the adventure of our day. The taxi drivers are especially captive audiences since they want your service (and they have nowhere to escape to!), therefore making great people to practice our Spanish with!

We have experienced God's provision each step of the way. I pray that we never become immune to the miraculous ways that He provides for us daily. We were in need of a car and another missionary here 'just happened' to be selling his. It is perfect for our family and ministry, big (to fit our four girls), older (so we aren't targets for robbery), and red (Matt's favorite color). We affectionately call it the Red Wagon (it's a Mitsubishi Wagon). And the price was right! The seminary has become a place of refuge to get away from the stress and violence of living in a big city. It is a place we can let the girls play without worry. We thank God (and the seminary)for a secure spot to get our feet wet as we venture out into cross cultural ministry.

God has provided special new friends to encourage us and cheer us along the way. He has provided a Spanish teacher who has taken us under her wing and has treated us as part of her family. And lastly, but definitely not least, Yokima walked into our lives last Monday. She is a missionary to the Cubeo tribe in the Amazon jungle. She needed a place to stay to recuperate from a surgery and life on the mission field. We 'just happened' to have an extra bedroom, need of extra Spanish practice (she doesn't speak ANY English)and open hearts to receive her. What a blessing she is to our lives! I don't know exactly why or for how long God has placed her in our lives, but I do recognize a true gift when I see one.

On Tuesday we sent our four precious girls off to their new school. I must admit, it was a little hard to watch them pull away from the seminary in a school bus in a foreign country where they don't speak the language. My mother instincts kicked in big time! I wanted to run after that bus (luckily I knew I would have looked like a lunatic, so I restrained...I think Matt would have restrained me anyway). Another lesson learned, to leave them in God's protective and loving arms (He's much better suited for the job anyway!). Praise God, they returned safe and sound (and with smiles on their faces) at 5:00.

Since we have been here in Colombia there has been an unusual increase in violence in Medellin. A times, I have been gripped by fear. I am not usually a fearful person so this has been a new experience for me. As I have dived into the Word in search of peace, He has provided for me (yet once again) with scripture verses to meditate on, friends to pray with me and for me. I have learned to ask Him what he is trying to teach me in this moment, during this trial. Is my heart being broken further for these people who have experienced fear their entire lives? Am I needing to learn a little more clearly what "dying to self" really means? Am I needing to learn to surrender even more fully? Do I need to learn better to put my comfort, security and desires second to lost souls? Only time will tell. I do know that the more closely I walk with Christ, the more peace He gives. He is a God of abundance.

Great Pics of our girls!

2010-08-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

Taking a cable car ride up the side of the mountain in Medellin didn't look all that steep from the bottom, but WOW, what a ride! Kids had a great time and you can tell by their smiles...

One Month in Medellin by Shelley

2010-08-24T21:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrate our first month here in Colombia today. One month ago we stepped off the plane to a whole new life. One with ups and downs, but praise God there have been far more of the ups! The girls have been our super troopers as they have been adjusting amazingly well. We have experienced far more family time in the last month than ever which has brought us much closer. It has been a joy to watch the girls lean on one another during this huge transition process. It’s not to say that they haven’t gotten on each other’s nerves (they are kids after all!). God has blessed each girl with a new friend. It is precious to watch them interact with each other across language barriers. When play is involved though, those barriers miraculously disappear. Together as a family we have made many blunders as we have tried (unsuccessfully at times) to assimilate into the Colombian culture. It has provided many good laughs (I’m not sure who has enjoyed them more, us or them, but probably them.) Sometimes I have to look at it as providing them with some entertainment, like when I went to the market with Carmen. As I blundered through, I noticed the nationals laughing in my direction. What can you do, but laugh along (otherwise I’d probably end up in tears!!)?

I am truly amazed at the warmth and friendliness of the people of Colombia. Despite the darkness and terror that they experience here, they are wonderful people. There are visual reminders all over Medellín of the enemy’s stronghold over this country. There is barbed wire, graffiti, bars on windows and police with machine guns everywhere. It is my prayer that Christ will have victory in this country. It breaks my heart to see people live in (and rightly so) a state of constant fear. I am not exactly sure what His plans are for Colombia, but we are so grateful to be a part of that plan. Our God is one of redemption and I am excited to see what His glory can do in this nation.

The "Little" Things by Shelley

2010-08-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Things that have taken some "getting" used to in Colombia:

Throwing your toilet paper in the trash instead of the toilet (o.k.I am still dealing with this one!!).
Lack of toilet seats in public places (o.k., it's another toilet issue, I can't help it!!).
Putting bleach in your rinse water to kill all the cootie bugs (and fruits and veggies get a dip too).
Living with geckos in the house (hopefully they are reducing the killer mosquito population).
Getting stared at wherever we go.
The noises of city life. Loud music on the weekends, motos, trucks and buses running at all hours.
The constant smell of exhaust (I am pretty sure they don't believe in smogging their cars here).
Slooooooow internet (sometimes none at all so I am thankful when we DO have it).
Bars and barbed wire everywhere (I hate seeing people live in a state of fear).
Lack of seat belts in any car (and at times, lack of seats as well. It's taught me to pray more). Matt had the experience of being asked by the taxi driver to tie his seatbelt on because he was sitting in the front seat (and it's the law for the front seat).
The white knuckle, hair raising traffic that uses the 2 lanes for 4-6 cars at a time.
Using the "twist on, twist off" method of a light switch. Basically, if you want the light on, screw the light bulb in! Matt bought one of the chain puller's for the room where it was too high to reach and when he tried it out he pulled the fixture out of the ceiling!
Trying to outwit the rat from tearing into our trash every night by tying it up high (think camping-style).
The mid-shower cold water shock until the water tank can heat some more water.
Turning off the gas to the house each night (we were told to by the maintenance man, wonder why?).

Things that we have come to love in Colombia:

Living in God's will.
Experiencing Christ's love for us in an entirely different way.
Seeing God provide in an all new way.
A faith that continues to grow as we step out in obedience.
A love for our Savior that deepens when we put our lives fully in His hands.
The warm and friendly people of Colombia who have been living a life in darkness far too long.
Obleas, a wonderfully gooey Colombian snack that makes us smile.
Watching our four daughters prevail in trying new foods, a new language and a new way of life.
Meeting amazing people here who love the Lord and are following His call on their lives.

In the midst of the trials of adjusting to living cross-culturally, we have seen God meet our needs each step of the way. Not just in the big things, but in the small everyday things as well. He sends an email at just the right time or a call when we are feeling a bit homesick. He is so faithful!

Just a couple of last minute "little things" from Matt:
Ever think about being in another country and needing Google? Go to www.Google.com, right? Great, if you speak Spanish! Even the button for search is in Spanish. Just to blog, we had to look up some of the words just to log in! You need to put "en" at the end of the web address for "English."
Why run electricity wires inside the walls, anyway? Don't they work just as well if you staple them on the outside? Yep, they really do! Easier to repair too; you don't have to climb into the attic!
Speaking of electricity, why exactly do we need light switches? Can you just twist the light bulb a little if you want it on, and loosen it a tad if you want it off? If you're quick enough, you don't even burn your fingers...and if you're slow you develop callouses, which are manly anyway, right? And who's the one that said light switches have to go up and down, or that up is "on" for that matter? Why not hang them sideways, "upside down," or just skip the switch altogether?

2010-08-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a difference three weeks can make! The first few days, I had moments of thinking, "what on earth are we doing here?" Now a short three weeks later and I am feeling much more at home in my unfamiliar surroundings. New sights, sounds and tastes can overwhelm the senses.

It has been a busy week. We went to DAS to get our cedula (a Colombian i.d. that everyone must carry) in order to purchase a car, get a driver's license (yes, we are going to brave the hair raising traffic here), get a bank account or even buy a cell phone plan. The government says we should get it in about a month. Until then, we are at the mercy of taxi's, the metro, crazy bus drivers or a fellow missionary that feels sorry for us.

We took the girls to their new school for a visit and they all gave it a thumbs up! Somethings have to line up in order for them to start soon. The school is working out a plan to meet the girls need of extra language help since they don't speak Spanish yet. It is also a 45 minute taxi or bus ride so that poses a dilemma as well. We are trusting that God has all the details in His control.

Language lessons are going well and I finally feel as though I may actually learn the language before I turn eighty (the first few lessons, I wasn't so sure!!). Magdalena has been so amazing and patient with us butchering her beautiful language! It's funny how my tongue just doesn't seem to want to cooperate sometimes (o.k., most of the time!). Why on earth would a language have so many verb tenses? Can anyone explain that one to me?

Matt, the girls and I ventured out for the first time this week by ourselves! One day we walked to the nearby market to buy fresh veggies and the next, we took a taxi to a shopping center across the city (quite a feat when you speak minimal Spanish and don't even know how to give directions back to your own home). With God's protective hands cradling us, both trips were a success. The girls had a great time riding some rides at the shopping center and doing what kids do best, play and eat ice cream! Shh......don't tell anyone, but we had Burger King for lunch and it was soooooo good! No American food in two and a half weeks and we enjoyed that Whopper like none other! Pathetic I say.

The girls are adjusting amazingly well. They have been such troopers! Due to no children's Sunday School programs they have had to sit through long church services in a foreign language.

They have taken it so well. A gift from God no doubt! We have been supplementing at home with books and devotionals that we brought with us. They are making fast friends (it's funny how kids have no boundaries when they have the international language of, "let's play!"). They were invited to their first birthday party of a boy named Juan Esteban. Matt made his first language blunder (one of many to come I'm sure) when he confused "torta" (cake) for "tortuga" (turtle). You can imagine the rest! The girls had a great time doing all the fun party games and things that kids do.

I am learning the ropes of cleaning, shopping, doing the laundry and cooking here. I made my first pot of beans and chicken stock from scratch this week. Today I had the privilege of getting a cooking lesson from our neighbor Carmen. She came up to our house and showed me how to make arroz con pollo. With my limited Spanish and her VERY limited English, somehow we made do with the point and grunt method and had several good laughs thrown in there as well. It took 2 1/2 hours to make, so I am wondering how on earth Colombians have time to do anything else! Oh yeah...the arroz con pollo was delicious! Definitely worth the time.

One day we had forty little sets of eyes peering into our window. I have to admit that at first I was taken aback. Once I got over myself, I went out to play and had a great time making forty new friends! They had come to the Seminary library as a part of a ministry to impoverished kids. They were quite interested in us and we were able to practice our Spanish on them with little embarrassment (quite a few good laughs though!!). It reminded us as to how much we love working with children. They were precious!

WEEK TWO IN COLOMBIA by Shelley

2010-08-03T18:24:00.001-07:00

Well...we are in week two of being in Colombia! It has been a week of adjusting, adjusting and more adjusting. To a new way of life, a new language and a new home. God has shown His mighty hand throughout this process and we are so grateful for an awesome God. We simply couldn't do it without His guidance and love. He has provided each and every step of the way. It's funny how just when I am feeling a little low, or out of sorts, He reveals Himself in an incredible way. Just at the right time, every time. One instance this week was our Spanish teacher Magdalena invited us to her daughter's concert. She and her husband Oscar picked us up in their van (no matter that it had no seats, you can fit more in that way!!!) and took us out for the day. We enjoyed their company immensely! It was exactly what I was needing, a little normalcy and the start of a new friendship. She has been truly a gift from God. Another time that God revealed Himself powerfully was when I was getting a little tired of the rain (out of fourteen days being here, it has rained fourteen of them!), He blessed us with a beautiful and warm day. Again, just what my soul needed (not to mention the laundry hanging on the line!).

Somethings have definitely taken some getting used to. A big city means big city noises and traffic that can scare the pants off of you. The bus goes when the driver decides, whether you're on or not. The whole Actis family can fit in a taxi the size of a tuna can (and no, there aren't usually any seat belts!). We have had to say a little prayer for our children and leave them in God's protective hands. Learning to cook from scratch because the price of convenience foods is out of this world! Doing chores without all the modern conveniences that you are used to. This means extra planning and work, but I am finding my own way. It's been a great way for me to grow as a woman. It has been a great lesson in not taking so much for granted as well. I am learning to surrender my independence as we are in a foreign country not knowing the language, we are completely dependent on our mentor's and friends, the Marquardts. Learning a new language makes you feel like your tongue is tied at times (why is it that they make it sound so easy?). There are bars and barbed wire EVERYWHERE! It breaks my heart that this country is so bound by fear (and rightly so). Satan has an enormous stronghold over many in Colombia. Slowly though, Christ is shedding His light in this dark nation. I am so encouraged by the young women and men at this seminary who have answered His call and are desiring to share the gospel with their fellow countrymen.

It is hard to believe that two weeks have gone by already! Though it has had it's ups and downs, there is no place I'd rather be. Smack dab in the middle of God's will! I am learning an incredible amount about myself and my maker, the One who sustains me. I am excited to see what the next couple of weeks will hold!

Vueltiados

2010-08-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Where else can you find a bunch of cowboys riding through the streets other than Clovis, CA?

Medellin, Colombia of course. We went to a festival that had over 5,000 horses in the parade. Apparently, drinking and riding aren't against the rules here!

Once you see the horses, you realize that you aren't in Kansas (Clovis) anymore! Paso Fino horses and mules were all over the place. Many stallions rearing and ready to go. Many hombres had a saddle bag that went behind them and they had an iPod attached to it with built in speakers! Very cool. The next day I saw one in a store for sale...almost bought one for my nieces Kiara and Emma! Probably would have made the horse "Lace" even grumpier if she had to listen to music though!

The hat this hombre is wearing is called a Sombrero Vueltiado and is one of Colombians symbols. It's sewn from using Cana Flecha, a type of cane that grows in some regions of Colombia. It is sewn in a continuous pattern, or "laps" starting in the center and working its way to the outer edge. It's really neat, because you can crumple them up and when you let go they just pop back into shape...unlike my Stetson!

Check out this video below of the Paso Fino horse's gait:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbhn1lpzy3s

2010-08-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

If Jeff Foxworthy has hundreds of "You might be a redneck if..." then I've got hundreds of "You might be missionary if..."

Our firsts:
• Learn how to use a toilet with no seat (and teach our 4 girls the same).
• Learn how to communicate using an ancient tribal language: pointing and grunting.
• Learn how to brush teeth with bottled water.
• Learn how to do household chores without the use of modern conveniences.
• Learn how to use the Metro/bus/taxi system.
• Learn how to convert Colombian Pesos to US Dollars (Shelley spent $765,000 at the grocery store!...in Pesos, of course).
• Learn to put the bag of milk in the plastic container you have purchased separately BEFORE cutting a hole in the top!
• Learn to co-habitate with geckos and other members of God’s creation.
• The first thing I did what take that third prong on our laptop computers and rip if off. Should have done it long ago!

Blessings:
• You, our friends, family: prayer partners and supporters!
• A great group of friends that are cheering us on!
• 4 girls that are adjusting nicely to life as missionary kids (MK’s).
• Our health thus far has been great!
• Plenty of rain. It’s raining as we write this and I’m sure it’ll be raining when you read it as well.
• Beautiful birds and plant life.
• Wonderful and warm people we have met so far…even the taxi drivers are nice!
• Jim and Miriam, our mentors and friends (and now neighbors).
• Travel mercies.
• A peek into the ministry possibilities in Amagá (the area we will serve).
• A safe place to live while we adjust to life in Colombia.
• A great Spanish teacher that comes to our home on the Seminary grounds.

Questions:
• Do mosquitoes like the taste of Americanos better than others?
• Have you ever considered washing and saving your ziplock bags?
• If toilet paper doesn't go IN the toilet, why do they still call it toilet paper?
• If your car has the shoulder strap seatbelts but doesn't have the part it clicks into, why do you have the main part? How long does it take before you stop reaching back for the seatbelt?
• If milk in the store is sold on the shelf, do you need to refrigerate it once you get home?
• Did you know that jelly, yogurt, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup, and milk can (and does) come in a bag?
• If milk comes in a bag, how do you set it down?
• If you take the seats out of your van, can you get more people in? (Yes, you can!)

More to come...

2010-07-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Praise God! We are finally able to post a blog! It has been an AMAZING week! Yesterday we marked one week here in Colombia. It has been a week of many firsts, new faces, new sights, sounds and tastes and a new way of life. We are so excited to finally be here where God has placed such a burden for the Colombian people on our hearts. It took a lot of work, prayers and support from friends and family to get here and we are so very grateful to all those who believe in us, our call and more importantly, believe in the need a to spread the Good News to those in Colombia. We have fallen in love with the people here and can't wait to start our ministry. We will be living here at the Seminary for a few months while we learn the Spanish language, gain cultural knowledge and build our confidence. We have experienced many blessings this past week and would like to share some with you. It has not been an easy week as we are experiencing a bit of culture shock, homesickness and adjustment to a new lifestyle. My prayer this week has been to remain content in all situations and remember that His grace is ALWAYS sufficient.

Picture Captions:
Big Catholic church in the village of Amaga.
Team photo of us, Pastor Alex and wife Laura, Ramon and wife Amparo with son and young evangelist, Lady.
Colombian Cuisine is "delicioso!"

Here is a recap of the week:
*The Thursday before we left our visas FINALLY were approved. God was stretching our faith a bit on that one!
*Our financial support got to 90% just three days before we left meaning we could board the plane. Another opportunity to strengthen our faith(That is what it's all about, right?).
*All twenty one suitcases as well as the six of us arrived safe and sound in Medellin on July 21st as scheduled.
*God supplied us with a wonderful and safe place to stay at the seminary while we get language and cultural training.
*We have a wonderful American couple named Jim and Miriam Marquardt who are showing us the ropes and letting us get accustomed gently.
*We enjoyed a day learning the taxi, bus and metro systems (whew, there is so much to learn!!)
*I have had a few Colombian-style cooking and cleaning lessons. With no dish washer, washing machine or dryer, or convenience foods, I am learning that everything takes a bit longer in Colombia.
*We had the privilege of visiting Amaga (the place we'll be ministering in)where God has captured our hearts for the people there. He has given us a vision of all the possibilities for ministry.
*God again has supplied our every need by providing a wonderful Spanish tutor who comes to our home three times a week. (It doesn't get much better than that!)
*Our girls have been adjusting amazingly well. They have been real troopers (another gift from God).
*We have an incredible support team in the states praying for us.
*We have been stretched far beyond ourselves and we are relying on the One who will never leave us nor forsake us in a whole new way.

Some funnies from the week:
-Sunburned gringos after forgetting that the sun is much more intense this close to the equator.
-Flushing toilet paper is a BIG no no!
-It may take as many as three modes of transportation to get to any one place.
-Mosquito bites and geckos in the house are a normal part of life here.
-We have butchered the language in innumerable ways.
-The internet is a privilege, NOT a right.

The Week by Shelley

2010-07-17T22:37:00.000-07:00

A year and a half ago I would lay in bed and wonder what this final week before our departure would look like. Now I can say, "I know". It has been surreal to say the least! Almost two years of preparation and 'the week' has finally come. Last Saturday our dear friends the Hergenroeders, the Berry's, the Durants and the Dewitts hosted a going away party for us. Despite the incredible heat, we had a great time catching up, reminiscing and saying good-bye. Then Sunday New Hope and Christians in Action held a special licensing and commissioning service. We enjoyed the company of many of our dear friends from all walks of life there to cheer us on and show their support. What an outpouring of love that we received! Sunday night the sending team hosted a special ice cream social to honor our four girls and their part in becoming m.k.'s (missionary kids). We are so proud of them, they have been such troopers. No stopping the tears this time! The faucet was turned on full blast! It was an evening full of raw emotion as we celebrated, prayed, grieved, and thanked all that have been a part of this incredible journey. It has been an amazing yet at times arduous adventure this far. We have seen our incredible Maker provide in such creative and awesome ways throughout these last couple of years. Every drop of blood, sweat and tears has been worth it! Our faith was stretched later in the week as we waited anxiously for our visas to be approved. No matter how we changed our application (numerous times!!), we just couldn't seem to satisfy the Colombian consulate. The Lord, yet again came through and they were approved on Thursday (just 6 days before our departure date)! Yes, we freely admit that we were sweating a bit on that one!! Does "You of little faith." ring a bell? I can't believe that after ALL that God has done to get us this far and yet I somehow had a moment that I thought He wasn't going to come through. Praise God that we are not saved based on our performance (I think I might have failed that test!). In the midst of packing, packing and MORE packing, Matt prepared his first sermon, we enjoyed one last Wednesday night Bible study, said some more goodbyes, we sold a car and held a yard-sale. Whew! Just thinking about all of that has made me tired!! Somehow, God has given us the grace and power (as well as amazingly helpful friends and family)to accomplish enormous amounts of work in order to leave as scheduled. It has been a stressful, exciting, tiring, sad, exhilarating week. One day I will look back on this week and think, "that wasn't that bad!" But for now, I am thankful it is almost over and we are one step closer to the mission field! In 4 days we will be in a new country starting a new chapter of our lives. I can't believe it is FINALLY here!

Hidden Blessings in Support Raising

2010-07-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

When we first "signed" on as missionaries, one of the most nerve-wracking parts was dealing with the inevitable: learning the fine art of support raising. This was a task that daunted the both of us. As we put ourselves out there and have shared our vision of ministry in Colombia, we have experienced many of God's blessings along the way. Though it has stretched us far beyond ourselves, it has been an incredible and rewarding part of our journey. We have gotten to see the hand of God in ways that we would never have, hadn't we stepped out in faith. There is something so humbling and special about someone handing you a check, someone who believes in the work you are doing, someone who believes in reaching the nations for Christ, someone who wants to be a part of God's plan for Colombia. We have had the wonderful opportunity to share our story at several churches and meet amazing people at each one. We have seen God glorified through a body of believer's who desperately want to see more souls saved. Our home church, New Hope Community, has come alongside to support us and cheer us on each step of the way. Sierra Lutheran has lovingly welcomed us with open arms. We had the privilege of sharing in a fantastic missions weekend at Mountain View Community Church. What a great group of folks that are so dedicated to missions. Clovis EV Free has adopted us like one of theirs and they have been so supportive and loving. Palm Avenue Community Church invited us to speak at one of their Circle of Friends luncheons. Matt had a wonderful time sharing his heart at Auberry Community, and Bethany mens breakfast. Each time we step up to speak and pray a silent prayer for God to take over, He has given us the right words at just the right moment. He is so faithful! Although support raising hasn't been the easiest part of this process, it has been such a lesson in faith, humility, gratefulness, endurance and perseverance. It has been an opportunity to see God's faithfulness in a new way. God has revealed Himself to us through a generous body of believer's. Who said taking up your cross and following Jesus would be easy, anyway?

Colomdia by Chloe, age 6

2010-06-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

I'm xcited adout the mission field! But I'm wateing and wateing to go. Wer leving in July 21. Thers only 30 more days until we leave to Colomdia!

40 Days

2010-06-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day! Matt and the girls had their last day at school which was emotional and a bit hard. Last night Matt handed over his school keys to the teacher who is replacing him. That must have felt weird. We had our final review with our mission agency, Christians in Action or C in A for short. Of course going into it we were a bit nervous, not knowing what to expect. We knew they would be going over our final preparations and assess where we are at on our support raising (71% of what is needed) So we went with a bit of trepidation. We worried for nothing though as God had gone before us and prepared the way as He has so faithfully done thus far. The meeting went smoothly and after a few questions we were voted "in" and given their blessing to proceed as planned with our July 21st departure date. A new excitement overcame us as we drove away from the meeting. We are ACTUALLY going!! Each little step of the way, it becomes more real. Then Matt said, "WOW! Do you know that this is the 40th day before we leave?" You see, in the Bible, 40 is a very significant number. All in one day, Matt experienced his last day of teaching (something that has been a bit hard for him to give up because he loves it so much) and yet God, in His perfect timing, planned this meeting where we have been approved for ministerial licenses on the SAME day. We are in awe of God's care and comfort each and every step of the way. We have been blessed beyond measure in getting the awesome privilege to see His action in our lives! We had called on many prayer partners so thank you for praying so diligently for us!

By Sophie, age 6

2010-06-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

In Juliy 21rst I am moving to South Amumairaca I will miss it here at usA I love it here it is home. I am sad but I know that I am doing the write thing because God called us to the moitoin feld.

The Makings of a Sending Team

2010-06-06T21:51:00.000-07:00

I never tire of talking about God's amazing provision and activity in our lives! As we were driving home from a sending team meeting today, I couldn't help but marvel at the awesomeness of our Creator. "What's a sending team?", you might ask. Something I had no awareness of just one short year ago! Now a year later, I can't imagine life as a missionary without one!! Here's how it all started...Diana and Fred Dille asked us in church one Sunday how they could be a part of our ministry (wow, they probably had NO idea what they were getting themselves into!). I had recently attended a mission conference and had learned of the need for a group of individuals that would help get us to the mission field. They would be our "sending team". This group would help with such things as prayer and moral support, logistics and packing, mailing items, and raising support along with a whole host of other tasks. Diana and Fred as well as Dawn and Dennis McGinley graciously offered to head up our sending team. What started as a small idea of maybe 5 or so couples has blossomed into 45 people! Again, God giving us above and beyond what we could have ever imagined. We have been overwhelmed by the love and support of these dedicated servants! They have become a vital and cherished part of our ministry. What's even greater is that God is using them to forge a new path at our church to come alongside any other folks who might feel also the call to missions. Whoever these people may be, they're in good hands!! Shelley

A Season of "Chapter Closing"

2010-06-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Today was yet another day of closure. As our departure date draws near, we have begun the long process of good byes. This has been a busy and emotional week! Matt began the task of cleaning out his classroom to make room for the incoming teacher. We had a quick trip planned to San Francisco to apply for Visas when we were informed that Matt was being honored with Clovis East's yearbook dedication, something we simply couldn't miss. It was such a great way to end his 10 wonderful years spent teaching there. It's funny how we are getting used to God re-routing our plans! Thursday we were off to get immunizations for the entire family, 18 to be exact! Today was my last day as co-leader of our local Teen Mops group. It has been a great learning experience serving teen moms over these past two years. It has been a place for me to stretch my leadership wings. God has stretched me far beyond myself and by His infinite grace, He has given me the strength to do more than I could have ever imagined! I will dearly miss the steering team and all the dedicated mentors that pour into these precious girls' lives. They are truly saints! It has not been the easiest ministry, but when you see just one girl blossom and become all that God has created her to be, it is worth EVERY drop of blood, sweat and tears. And there have been many!

Come along for the journey

2010-05-23T22:49:00.001-07:00

Come along for the journey…

What does it feel like to be a parent, work full time, take theology courses, go through missionary training, have yard sales for things you don’t really want to sell, get passports and visas, immunizations, raise financial support and suffer through having to speak in front of churches? Overwhelming! But we consider ourselves blessed at the awesome opportunity to surrender ourselves and serve God fully! Our God has given us this strength and by His grace He’s given us the ability to handle this. Our marriage has been strengthened beyond measure, our faith deepened, and our hearts more aligned with our Creator.

How does one respond when the Lord asks you to toss out your life plans and turns your world upside down? Two years ago the Lord laid it on our hearts to begin ministry in Colombia and we had a choice to make; to continue with living our American dream or to follow Him into the homes of the broken.

As we were searching for what the Lord was laying on our hearts, it took some time for us to discern what it was that He wanted for us. We had the initial feeling of excitement, saying; “yes Lord, we will follow wherever you lead.”

After we said “yes” to The Call the initial feeling of excitement transitioned into sadness for all those who would be left behind: Family, friends, colleagues, church family, pets, and we also have a feeling of guilt for taking the kids away from their grandparents. As we announced to people we noticed a change in relationships as our friends who didn’t understand started distancing themselves from us. About this time the Sending Team started and God, in His ultimate sovereignty, surrounded us with the love and support we needed.

A myriad of “what if?” questions began bombarding our minds and we felt ill-equipped to carry the Good News to Colombia. As we started taking our classes and training, it only added to the way we were feeling that we had a long way to go before we were ready. In the midst of this we were blessed with this quote: “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.”

We know that Colombia is known for its violence and danger, and we had to work through feelings of fear and lay it at the foot of the cross. Does God call a family with four little darlings to a country famous for kidnappings, drugs, and assassinations? We found great comfort and drew strength from II Timothy 1:7 “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self discipline.” And Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God has given us an incredible sense of peace that passes all understanding. It is hard to explain how we have had this sense of calmness in a chaotic time in our lives. The only explanation is the presence of Jesus Christ.

As we prepare to say “goodbye,” we have been wading through the sense of loss of our friends and family. “Goodbye” to our home that we’ve loved and we’ve raised our kids in, goodbye to a great career as a school teacher, and goodbye to the sense of control we’ve had on our lives. Our kids had to move their kitties to grandma’s house and start sorting through the things they could live without. Not only are making choices for ourselves difficult enough, but it has been extremely rough making choices for four others who are completely dependent on us. Another loss is the loss of our church as we know it. Every Sunday we go to a place “where everybody knows your name,” where we have put down roots and grown spiritually in incredible ways. Sunday worship in Colombia will be filled with new faces, new music, and it will be in a new language.

We are trusting Him fully, as it is written in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know that plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” On this journey we have learned to cling in this biblical truth, and our perspective on the world, the economy, and the American dream has been dramatically altered. Compassion for the lost in this world has been carved deep into our hearts and we are now longing to give our lives to the people of Colombia.

Why Colombia?

2010-01-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

...for the coffee of course! by Shelley Actis

All kidding aside, many people ask; "why Colombia?" We've asked this very same question of God. His response is; "I need you there." As we have grappled with this question of, Why Colombia, God has placed a burden in our hearts. This burden is to share the love of Christ to the people of Colombia whose lives have been severely affected by the drug trade and violence there. We have a deep desire to invest in the lives of those we serve. Some see Colombia as violent, dark, and unsafe. We see a country in desperate need of hope. Hope that only Jesus can bring. We are so very excited, yet humbled, that our almighty Lord has entrusted us with this ministry. We can't wait to get started!

Ministry Description

2009-11-08T21:02:00.001-08:00

God has given us a burden to share the love of Christ to the people of Colombia whose lives have been severely affected by the drug trade and violence there. We have a deep desire to invest in the lives of those we serve. Some see Colombia as a violent, dark, and unsafe place. We see a country in desperate need of hope. Hope that only Jesus can bring.

We are so very excited, yet humbled, that our almighty Lord has entrusted us with this ministry. We can't wait to get started!

We will begin a ministry in a rural area outside of Medellín with the goal of planting a church that will reach out to the desplazados (displaced people). These are families that have been forced off their land by the drug cartels and they are in desperate need of a savior. There are roughly 3 million people in deplorable living conditions. These people have captured our hearts and we are excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of God's plan to offer them new hope through Jesus Christ!

Would you like to be a part of His plan for Colombia?

For His Glory,

Matthew & Shelley

The Place I have Prepared for you

2009-05-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

by Matt Actis

Above: My friend and mentor Jim Marquardt, interviewing Daisy about how she and her family became "Displaced" by the guerrillas.

I am so passionate and heartbroken for those forced into situations they cannot escape. God gave my wife and I hearts for the poor in Colombia last July, but I didn't know how to help. I didn't even know where to start, but God had a way for us and paths were already being laid out in our future.

I visited the country of Colombia for the first time last month to make plans for moving there. I wanted to find ministry opportunities, locate a school for my four girls, and meet others already in God's service there. I also wanted to explore a country my family had never seen before so I could report back to them. I traveled with Bob Spencer from the missionary sending agency, Christians in Action.

Bob told me about people used as drug traffickers, called drug mules, who carry packaged cocaine or heroin in their stomachs into the United States. They do this to either receive a lump sum of money or free passage into the States. This is one of the extreme measures that parents and even young children and grandparents will try in order to secure a better living for their family. They have no one to help them, and this often looks like their only chance.

An 82-year-old grandmother wanted financial security for her mentally disabled grandson and was told this was an easy way to do it. Like hundreds of others, she didn't make it. Once she left JFK International Airport, one of the packages broke inside her stomach and she died in the cab. A mother and her 16-year-old son were both serving as drug mules when they arrived in New York. A pellet burst in the boy's stomach on the way to their hotel.

Once in Medellín, Bob and I were warmly greeted by Jim and Miriam Marquardt and Adán Varilla. The Marquardts are American missionaries who are working at the seminary, and Adán is a Colombian national who has a strong passion to see the Word of God spread through his country.

After church on Sunday we met Pastor Javier in an area just outside Medellín. We visited families displaced by guerilla warfare and violence in a village near Popular 2. These people are the desplazados, or displaced people. The Guerrillas, an armed group that terrorizes Colombian nationals, ran them off their farms and now use the land to grow illegal crops.

I knew of the desplazados before my arrival, and I'd pictured them living in a row of shacks with little gardens to grow food. In Popular 2, I learned that the only place the desplazados are allowed to stay is along the tops of the cliffs where no one else would dare build their home. There are no gardens. Once a family establishes a home using long stilts that extend down the side of the cliff, other families build homes on top of it, utilizing support of the stilts. Most buildings are three layers high and during downpours in the wetter season (I'm not sure they have a dry season), homes wash out and slip over the cliff, taking entire families to their deaths below.

It was here that I really felt a calling to help. I saw a people hurting and in desperate need. These are hard-working people who have tried everything to secure a proper and safe provision for their families. They lost their farms and have nowhere else to go, and they know of no one they can turn to for help.

On Monday, Pastor Alex took me to another area called Amagá. This is a series of small villages, farms and ranches that fill the valley floor. Pastor Alex told me that there is a great hunger for the word of God here. The Marquardts told me of an American missionary who read a tract and substituted "pescado" for "pecado," saying, "What is between you and God is fish" (instead of sin). Even so, the Colombians accepted Christ! They are hungry for the word, as much of the word as they can get.

We traveled through the valley. My insides leapt with joy and I heard God say, "This is the place I have prepared for you." Bob knew it immediately and mentioned that I looked excited. The openness of the people to the Gospel, the rural and agricultural nature of the land (with which I have a great deal of experience), and the invitation from Pastor Alex to plant a church here was too much excitement to hold in.

Churches have reached out to this area, but the distant location, the lack of funds to employ a fulltime pastor (most pastors are laymen), the lack of time to travel there and back (most adults work many hours per week), and the cost of transportation have all made it difficult. Pastor Alex, for example, began meetings and Bible studies there, but he is also preaching in one town, he's the associate pastor in another town, and he's a student at the seminary 45 minutes away.

Bob taught me that the best method of reaching the desplazados is through a church plant. The desplazados are not financially capable of a self-supporting church. If another church sent and supported a local church for the desplazados, the poor would receive a great help. I ached to be a part of this. I thought I might have a problem finding a school for my children, but Pastor Alex took us to a Canadian school 30 minutes away. Everything was falling into place before my eyes.

Daisy, a 13-year-old desplazada I interviewed, remembers her family grabbing their things and running for their lives. Once in Popular 2, her mother became ill and died. Her father left to look for work and she hasn't seen him in a long time. It's just her elderly grandmother and herself.

I tried to put myself in her shoes - what would I do as a 13-year-old girl with no money, a grandmother who can barely get around, and poor living conditions? If someone promised me a huge sum of money, would I take what looked like my one chance at getting out of the slums, my one chance of taking better care of my grandmother? Would I become a drug mule? Would I turn to prostitution? Or would I fall for a boy in the village, begin a family in Popular 2, and watch heartbroken as my children faced the same choices?

These people know of no one who will save them. I cannot wait to get in the field and begin the work my Savior has ordained for my family and me. The people are ready. The desplazados cannot rescue themselves from their disastrous situation, but Christ can. I didn't know how to help or even where to start, but God has been good to me once again and He has shown me the way.

He has prepared a place for me.