Saturday, February 26, 2011
Feb 26 - Day 10
Time is flying by so fast and we are having so many opportunities to do His work - it's so wonderful!
Today, we worked on renos at Numbers and decorating birthday cakes from 8:30 - 2 and then took some children to a local park and played soccer, basketball, etc. In the evening, Amanda prepared a delicious supper for the team and we had 2 long term missionaries as guests - Seth and Amy, followed by devotional time. Colombian hot chocolate finished off the evening. We also spent more time with baby Jeanene. Many of us are getting very attached to this little gift from God. (See photos)
Shopping for fruit at the corner market.jpg
Feb 25 - Day 9
Today was a long day for our team. Much was accomplished at the Numbers (girls') house. Sharlene, Kevin and their group are doing a wonderful job of leading kids church for the younger children (see photos posted).
Devotions tonight were focused on being faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.". We discussed different ways to be faithful, including to each other and to our team.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Feb 24 - Day 8
It's so hard to believe that this is our 8th day of our time here. We have seen and experienced so much.
There is so much being accomplished with painting and renovations. Today it was discovered that more re wiring was needed - praise God we have professionals on our team to handle this!
There is so much being accomplished with painting and renovations. Today it was discovered that more re wiring was needed - praise God we have professionals on our team to handle this!
It was a very emotional day for some of us, as we met baby Jeanene's parents and witnessed her "coming home" to CVII. The story of her life to date is miraculous and we thank God for delivering her from her unsafe situation.
As a mother, I cannot fathom giving up my child, agreeing to have periodic visitations only. The only explanation I have is that she recognized that CVII can offer her baby more love and a better chance at life. Standing in the middle of her house today, I felt God present and urging me to give her the cross from around my neck. This poor, lost shell of a woman was not in a position to care for her baby, but she still needs prayer. Please pray for baby Jeanene in her new home and for her biological mother.
Devotions tonight focused on being diligent. Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.
23 day old baby Jeanene rescued Feb 24, 2011.jpg
Jeanene Sr and Jeanene Jr. Feb 24, 2011.jpg
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Feb 23 - Day 7
It's so hard to believe that we've been here for nearly a week! We have experienced so much and seen God's work time and time again here. I am so amazed at the spiritual growth team members are experiencing. The thirst for knowledge and the unity of our team has encouraged everyone to be very active in devotional discussions and to share God's love with the children.
Tonight for devotions, we shared with the boys at Exodus House on "cooperation". The guys made a human pyramid to illustrate the teaching. Psalm 133:1 "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Praise God, indeed for team unity!
Yesterday, two of our guys told the story of a small boy running up to them in the street and hugging them as their parents looked on. Yes, they checked their pockets after, and came to the conclusion that these little folks see team members hugging CVII children in the neighborhood all the time and were wanting the same attention.
We are making so much progress with the new kitchen and bedroom painting - God has given our team so much strength. However, despite my earlier report,Tim A. is under the weather again. I plan to pull a "mom" tomorrow and have him stay behind and rest for the morning. Those who know Tim and how dedicated he is may realize the battle that potentially lies ahead :) Please pray for healing for him. Blessings to all from Colombia!
Kris and the guys Feb 23, 2011.jpg
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Feb 22 - Day 6
School devotions went much better today; an older student volunteered to translate for us.
Painting and kitchen renos are coming along very well. We have 7 bedrooms to paint and decorate and we are sure God will give us the strength to finish this project.
Team ladies and Tim A took Jeanene shopping for numbers for the new kitchen we are building. We helped her purchase a fridge, a large freezer, industrial oven, stereo and microwaves all for less than $1800 CAD.
Our team devotional focus was on being content. Phillipians 4:11 " Not that I speak in regard to need, for what I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." We discussed how content the CVII children are, despite not having the materialistic "stuff" North American children have. A strong family foundation is so important and that is what Richard and Jeanene have provided for the CVII children. Praise God!
Feb 21 - Day 5
Today was our first full day of work and first day for doing devotions with the youngest CVII children. A Spanish translator was not provided today but will be for the rest of our lessons.
We had supper with the girls and then taught them devotions. Today's topic was being compassionate. 1Peter 3:8 "Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous."
We discussed with the girls ways we can be compassionate toward each other.
Feb 20 - Day 4
We attended a spanish service at City Harvest church with Jeanene, Richard and 14 CVII children. Familiar songs were sung in Spanish and our team was very moved by the worship, the people and the pastor.
He who gives us life gives us the ability to love and love fully, as He has us love each other as brothers and sisters in Him.
Feb 19 - Day 3
Today is our first day of work. Our crew partially tore down a wall in the Numbers House (girls 8-18) and got started painting the girls" bedrooms. Worked only the morning, as Jeanene had a special outing planned for our team to Mount Serrate and the emerald store. We felt quite spoiled with the outing so early on in the mission, but Jeanene assured us there was plenty of work to be done.
Team devotions focused on being attentive. Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard lest we drift away." Phillipians 2:5, James 1:22 We discussed that as a team, we need to be servants to one another and to be attentive.
Feb 18
Today was our first day at CVII. Jeanene shared the history of CVII with our team. Everyone was impressed and moved by her testimony which began with her rescuing abandoned children in Bogota 23 years ago.
Our team devotions focused on being appreciative.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Our team is thankful for physical and spiritual strength and prayers from our prayer warriors back home.
Across the street from Numbers House.jpg
Feb 17 - Departure Day highlights - Tanya and Michelle
Our team assembled at the Saskatoon airport by 5 am on Feb 17 (see team photo posted). We were all so excited and were thankful that all members arrived safely despite very slippery roads that morning.
We were very blessed to have Bryan Conrad from Ebenezer there to pray over our team and for the family and friends who got up so early to see us off.
Getting through security was a breeze. My case ended up holding us up slightly, as it had to be examined and swabbed, etc. Then off to the pre boarding area where we met Tanya, a delightful Air Canada attendant. Turns out Tanya was at Ebenezer's service on the previous Sunday and recognized me and our team. It had been her first time at our church (she was "shopping") and she enjoyed Pastor Scott's message re: the importance/power of prayer. We encouraged her to come back and hear updates from our team trip.
We met Michelle in the Toronto airport. She happened to be in line at a restaraunt we had stopped at for breakfast. She was behind me in line and was coughing and apologizing. We started talking and was so surprised to find out that she had grown up in Bogota with her parents who served as missionaries there. We invited her to sit with us and eat and to share about her experience. We were a little saddened to hear how hard it was for her to grow up in Bogota at a time when there was such political unrest. It appears she has fallen away from God and teachings, but we pray that she will be brought back. We offered to pray for her, but she declined. Please pray for her to find her way back.
We arrived in Bogota on time,but spent much time in line to get through Customs. We were all very tired and so happy to see Richard and the CVII bus waiting there to pick us up and take us to Bethel House - our home for the next 2 weeks.
(please forgive any typos, as I am back to typing with one hand most of the time)
We were very blessed to have Bryan Conrad from Ebenezer there to pray over our team and for the family and friends who got up so early to see us off.
Getting through security was a breeze. My case ended up holding us up slightly, as it had to be examined and swabbed, etc. Then off to the pre boarding area where we met Tanya, a delightful Air Canada attendant. Turns out Tanya was at Ebenezer's service on the previous Sunday and recognized me and our team. It had been her first time at our church (she was "shopping") and she enjoyed Pastor Scott's message re: the importance/power of prayer. We encouraged her to come back and hear updates from our team trip.
We met Michelle in the Toronto airport. She happened to be in line at a restaraunt we had stopped at for breakfast. She was behind me in line and was coughing and apologizing. We started talking and was so surprised to find out that she had grown up in Bogota with her parents who served as missionaries there. We invited her to sit with us and eat and to share about her experience. We were a little saddened to hear how hard it was for her to grow up in Bogota at a time when there was such political unrest. It appears she has fallen away from God and teachings, but we pray that she will be brought back. We offered to pray for her, but she declined. Please pray for her to find her way back.
We arrived in Bogota on time,but spent much time in line to get through Customs. We were all very tired and so happy to see Richard and the CVII bus waiting there to pick us up and take us to Bethel House - our home for the next 2 weeks.
(please forgive any typos, as I am back to typing with one hand most of the time)
Going Big for God
Hola from Children's Vision! I have finally had time to update this blog on a real computer. I was very blessed to have my Blackberry to upload photos, through - I hope you have been enjoying them.
Our team has felt so covered in prayer - I hear comments from members daily. Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying - May God bless you abundantly, too.
I will do a few catch up posts, as there is so much to tell! One of the things we have realized as a team is that we want to do great things here and we don'twant to settle for small-scale. We will "Go big for God, and then go home"!
I hope you enjoy these accounts of our time here. We are truly blessed to be serving.
Blessings,
Carol and Team Canada
Our team has felt so covered in prayer - I hear comments from members daily. Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying - May God bless you abundantly, too.
I will do a few catch up posts, as there is so much to tell! One of the things we have realized as a team is that we want to do great things here and we don'twant to settle for small-scale. We will "Go big for God, and then go home"!
I hope you enjoy these accounts of our time here. We are truly blessed to be serving.
Blessings,
Carol and Team Canada
Monday, February 21, 2011
Colossians 2:6-7
Team scripture for the day...Be grateful for what the Lord has provided!
Please pray for Sharlene who is feeling a bit ill (cough) this morning and stayed behind to rest. Tim A. also has been fighting a sore throat for a few days.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
It's hammer time with Tim A..jpg
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