Update from Colombia
In December we shared the gospel and the love of Christ with many who had not heard. Still others to whom we ministered have heard the gospel through other ministries but they need a sense of God’s affirmation and love. We were there to share in that blessing.
During the month of December, we ministered to poor children and their parents from one of the poorer neighborhoods in Medellin. We gave the children toys and clothing donated by many generous patrons in the city. The parents were very appreciative and many were able to see an expression of Christ’s love that was never shown to them before.
We shared in the hope of the season at the City of Refuge Foundation with the single moms, their children, and the men in rehabilitation programs and their children. We sang songs and played games with the children. Then we gave out gifts and clothing to the children. We also gave clothing to the mothers and the men in the program.
We set up shop outside of the church and fed about 60 homeless people. A few of the members were ready and willing to cook pots of food while others went on the streets and invited the homeless to come to the church for a meal. During the meal the homeless received a gospel tract or a gospel presentation and love from the body of believers. It reminded me of how Jesus calls us, who were broken and worn with the stench and abuse of sin, to come and receive food from the Lord’s abundance for our hunger. It reminded me that He calls us for no other reason but His love and grace.
All in all we gave gifts, clothing and food to about 150 people. For next year I am encouraging the church to pursue the goal of giving food, clothing and gifts to 500 men, women and children.
We also had a year-end dinner. We encouraged everyone to try to bring one guest from their family or neighborhood. It turned out well. About half of those who attended were non-Christians. It showed us that there are many people to reach with the good news of God’s love, and they are willing to accept questions about their eternal destiny if they are approached in love and genuine concern.
Finally, the Sunday before Christmas, our new director of education for Colombia, Wayne Wozniak, visited us. He shared a Christmas message of encouragement and hope and gave us “Four Reasons Why Christ Came.”
He and his wife Phyllis had dinner with our family at our apartment after the service and we had a great time of fun and fellowship.
The church is looking forward to the New Year with excitement, hope and anticipation for the things that the Lord has planned for us.
Rick and Dolores Carroll, Approved Ministers to Colombia
Project Number 6500160
© 2009 Church of God World Missions
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