Greetings from Colombia or Saludas desde Colombia! …I used google translate for that…my spanish is not so good.
To be completely honest, I’ve sat down twice to write this update—but each time, another activity or conversation would come up and thus I would be distracted again! So, after a few attempts, I finally found a quiet moment to share what’s been happening.
Yesterday morning, we arrived at our camp location, Mecegal. This is the facility our Global Mission partners, Robert and Nina Bruneau, rent to host the camp. It’s located about an hour outside the incredible Colombian city of Medellín. Like Medellín, Mecegal is nestled in the Andes mountains, but it’s in a much more rural and peaceful area.
We spent most of the day preparing for the arrival of the campers, who are college students from various universities around Colombia—primarily from Medellín. When they finally arrived, they were welcomed with great warmth by our team, the Bruneaus, and their staff. The campers got settled in quickly and jumped right into icebreakers, worship, and an introduction to the camp theme: “Courageous,” inspired by Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
A couple of the key goals for the campers are:
- That they would grow in their English vocabulary and overcome fear of speaking the language.
- That they would know God is with them and find courage to face the challenges in their daily lives.
- Our role, as the team from NW City, is to help support and encourage those goals!
After a full day of prep, welcoming, and launching camp yesterday, today (Saturday) was our first full day of teaching English through a variety of fun and engaging games. Our team did an incredible job! The campers came eager not only to learn English, but also to connect relationally. For many of us, the highlight of the day was the deepening connection with these amazing young people. They are hungry to know God, to grow in their language skills, and to build meaningful relationships. It is truly a privilege to serve God’s image-bearers in this way.
Please continue to pray:
- That campers would grow in their relationship with God—and that some would begin to place their trust in Him.
- That each camper would grow in confidence in speaking, listening, and writing English.
- For our team, the Bruneaus, and their staff—to have strength, discernment, and a deeper connection with God as we serve together.
Blessings—and until the next update!