2006 was a good year for us. Our missionary work took us to Colombia, Peru, Rwanda, Uganda and Cambodia. Colombia was unforgettable because we went to some of the areas where armed groups remain. We interviewed and heard the stories of Colombian missionaries who risk their lives to reach these groups of people as well as the indigenous groups - often rescuing children who have become child soldiers.
In Peru we hosted a fantastic team from Bethel Church in San Jose. We had a great week of outreach in picturesque Huaraz. Over 10,000 people attended our evening outreaches and the schools went really well.
In Uganda and Rwanda we interviewed more than 75 people who have been touched by the Book of Hope ministry - and captured over 60 testimonies of children and youth whose lives have been affected by God's Word through Book of Hope. This was a very impacting trip with once in a lifetime experiences. We went up north to Gulu where we met the Night Commuter Children (children who travel from their villages at dusk so they won't be abducted by the rebels), Child soldiers who were abducted - served under the rebels - and then escaped, we went to refugee/displaced camps for thousands of people, we met Alice whose parents had been killed by the rebels and her and her sister escaped by hiding in the bush. In Rwanda we went to the Genocide Memorial and interviewed young orphans who still live with the nightmare of what happened to them. We met little ones whose parents had died of AIDS. There were lots of heartwrenching moments.
In Cambodia, we learned about the largest child abuse/sex trade in the world right now. Very, very disturbing and sad. We visited the Genocide Memorial and the Killing Fields. We learned about a people where everyone (except those who came to Cambodia after the war) over the age of 30 has experienced what it is to be in a Concentration Camp.
We interacted with Muslims, Buddhists and Christians. And learned so much about ourselves and others.
This is an incredible adventure that God has us on. We try to cherish every moment of the journey. It's amazing how God can use one willing life to do his work and affect so many.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Monday, September 04, 2006
Just checkin' in...
Well, we're doing great! We spent a majority of the first of the year in the States. In Florida to be exact. Ryan working in the Studio and both of us working within the Communications group at Book of Hope. We've learned to be thankful for this time in the States - time when we can be grounded and build relationships...and have a bit of structure. :) At the beginning of the summer we went to Colombia and Peru. Again, it was another amazing time overseas.
In Colombia we worked with Native and National Missionaries to tell the story of the children and young people in Colombia's jungle and mountain areas. Young people who are often recruited for armed groups and some who have NEVER heard about Jesus. We met amazing people. Christians who sacrifice greatly to share Christ with the people around them.
We also met with a Book of Hope partner/distributor in Barranquilla. One woman that has reached over 150,000 students by herself. She shared her amazing story with us!
Then, we were off to Peru where we followed up on some families and children who had watched The GodMan and come to Christ. Again, it was an amazing experience to see how God had moved them and spoke to them about His truth. One morning, we got out of a taxi and the Pastor told us, "We're going to the blue house." We were interviewing a sister and brother who had come to Christ after watching The GodMan in a park. We started walking and when we got to the blue house, we stopped. "Pastor, are we going to stop here?" Then he looked up and pointed to the top of the large hill in front of us. "No, the blue house at the top there." I'll have to put up some pictures. We climbed these stairs to the top of the hill and had an amazing interview with the children. Their mother, who is not a Christian, even shared with us the difference she has seen in their lives since they gave their lives to Christ.
After a few days in Lima, we met a team and hosted them in Huaraz, Peru. A team we love from Bethel Church in San Jose. We had an amazing time of outreach, sharing the Book of Hope with over 40,000 students! We had 4 Hopefests with between 3 and 5 thousand people at each. The team was incredible! The ministry amazing! It is always a gift to see God work in the team members and through them ~ and God did amazing work that week!
Then, we came back to Florida. Loving our God and loving our life!
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