We have been on the mission field for less than a week and I already feel changed. Through the love of a couple who cant even speak the same language as me. Through incredibly beautiful views. Through the sights and sounds of the city. Through ministry preparation. Through the hearts of my team. Through vulnerable conversations. Through fasting, prayer and worship. Through some bomb food. Through salsa and tango dancing sessions with Olga and Momma Christina. Through lots of laughing.
This month our team, Team Fiercely Loved, is paired up with Team Lit (We are Fiercely Lit). We are serving with a ministry called Ministero Vida Nuevo which is part of an Assemblies of God church nestled right outside of the city of Medellin. God has blessed us with amazing hosts, pastor Willy and his wife Christina. We are staying at there home and it holds the most amazing view overlooking the city.
So far our days have been spent training for the ministry we are going to be doing over the next 3 weeks and getting acclimated to the city and the church we are serving. Although the ministry is primarily a prison ministry, Pastor Willy has different things planned for us this month. Along with prison ministry, we will be doing children’s ministry and evangelism through drama and dance. Yes, both of those things are way out of my comfort zone (WOO this is going to be FUN). Our team has had a blast preparing for it and I am excited to see what God does through it.
Last night we went to church and Pastor Willie preached to us while one of the guys on our team named Oscar translated. Side note: we have 5 people on the team who knows Spanish and it has been the most amazing God-send. Pastor Willie preached out of Acts 3 where Paul heals the lame beggar outside of the gate called Beautiful. The beggar had been sitting there for years, unable to walk therefore unable to work, asking people passing by for money. Each day he went there thinking that he knew what he needed; but God had bigger things in store for him. Paul responded to the beggar saying “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. Get up and walk.” DANG. When that man went to the gate that day, he had no clue that God would give him way more than what he showed up there looking for.
Pastor related that back to us and our World Race. We are going to encounter people who think they know what they need to get by in life. They are standing there with their hand out asking for all the wrong things. Those things we may not have, but what we do have is going to change their entire life. Pastor Willie encouraged us to be bold and be willing to give away what Holy Spirit wants us to give whether thats as big as a healing or as small as a smile. He challenged us to think about the times in our own life where we have been like the beggar, thinking we know what we need from the Lord and thinking we know what he should be doing through us. BUT NO… he has so much more in store for us and so much more He wants to do through us than we could ever imagine.
I cannot wait to explore what that looks like and see it all unfold.
Thank you for everyone who has been standing with me in prayer. Continued prayers are needed as we move into ministry next week. Prayers that our team would be bold in giving away the precious gifts we are led to give away. Prayers that the people of Colombia would have ears to hear and eyes to see. Prayers for Pastor Willie and his ministry.
On earth as it is in heaven.
Much love,
Cam
I enjoyed everything you said and you know Iam praying for pastor Willie , your team and the people of Colombia.I have a map and markers to follow your every move.?????????????????????????????????? Good night sweetie and go in GODS SPEED.
May God give you favor everywhere your feet land. May Holy Spirit go before you and open the ears, eyes and hearts of all whom you meet so that the Word of God will be received with gladness. You are awesome!!
Thank you for sharing. Am excited to hear about the ministry you and the team will be involved
with for this month. Thankful for Pastor Willy and his wife Cristina! May God continue to bless them. Give them hug from us parents here .
WOW! Cami! You are walking into all of the prayers that have been prayed over you and the team. This is so exciting…thank you for the update! Remember to be expectant…greater things will you do because I go to my father. The Word is true! Love you!
So excited to be on this journey with you all. Can begin to see your view and new landscape from the words and expressions in your post. I am sure Pastor Willie and Christina are just as happy that you are there as you are to be there. It will be mutually inspiring and encouraging as you link arms in ministry. Join where you see God at work. I pray God’s blood hedge around each of you and His spirit upon you this week. Hugs and kisses,,,
So excited to be on this journey with you all. Can begin to see your view and new landscape from the words and expressions in your post. I am sure Pastor Willie and Christina are just as happy that you are there as you are to be there. It will be mutually inspiring and encouraging as you link arms in ministry. Join where you see God at work. I pray God’s blood hedge around each of you and His spirit upon you this week. Hugs and kisses,,,
Camers!!! Yes that’s my Nick name for my baby girl! I was so blessed to hear your heart … I can tell God is doing amazing things ! Wish I were there with you!!!
So good to hear from you Cami is God is really use you guys be blessed love you ???????????? Gramps
So exciting! Praying for you and your entire team for safety and all the tools you need for this journey! XOXO
Cami, How beautiful to hear your open heart! I’m sure with your heart God will use you in amazing ways. Praying for you and your team. Love, Aunt Sid
So awesome Cami! So happy and honored to be partner with you on this journey! Love you tons!
What a great beginning and what a great word from Pastor Willie!
Loved ready all about things. Love you. Praying for you
Cami so glad to hear God is touching and moving in your life in a new way may you continue to know the Father heart and love he has for all of his children and how much He loves you I’ll be praying for you and your team
Cami, You are so blessed and loved. You are my hero! So happy and honored to be part of this journey with you! Your kindness and love is touching so many people. Will continue to pray for you and your team. Love you tons!!
Yea Camilou! So happy to hear from you and relieved that you are so excited and in a safe place…God is so good and He has you in the palm of His hand (That reminder is for me…not you!). Love you so much and so excited to be with you on this journey (from my house ;-))
Every time I read your blogs, it brings me to tears. God will be doing amazing things through your team and you because you’re laying down your will for His!
you are a beautiful writer, cam! loved that story that your host shared with you. i can’t wait to hear all of the wisdom he shared with you!
I love love this. I know you already told me it the other day, but it is just so good. The Lord is going to the miraculous on this trip and I can’t wait to see him do it IN and THROUGH you, my friend 🙂
The stretching begins with being out of your comfort zone into your new comfort zone you go with arms wide open ready to receive what may come!
Yay! So good to hear from you and about how God is growing you ALREADY! Love you and praying for you!