The Goodness of God

By Merlin M. | Volunteer

If you haven’t heard it yet, I would encourage you to listen to the newest hit song- “Goodness of God” by the musical group, Bethel Music.

The words of the song simply and so eloquently highlight a simple Gospel truth that so often we forget or fail to really appreciate.  Some of the lyrics include:

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God!

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God!

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me

-Goodness of God by Bethel Music

 

In so many ways, this song exemplifies the ministry of Ciudad Refugio. Time after time we have experienced how God truly redeems and restores the broken, the lost, the pain for His purpose and glory.  From the men and women in the restoration program, we have seen God repurpose the past to highlight God’s goodness and love, even when they were running away from Him.  Their lives shout the story of how God’s goodness was running after them; seeking them in their brokenness and bringing them back home to His loving arms.

Be encouraged no matter what circumstances you are facing today; God’s goodness is running after you.  No matter how dark the night is He is right there with you in the fire and the flood.  He longs to be your Father and Friend; would you trust Him with all you have?  May your life be a testimony of His faithfulness and goodness!

Click here to listen to “Goodness of God” by Bethel Worship

The Long and Short of It All

By Merlin M. | Short- term volunteer

I for one can’t believe that it’s already time for me to write about my experience serving short term in Ciudad Refugio for the last three months.  Time truly does fly here.  I still remember being overwhelmed my first day here in Medellin and just trying to take in what would be my life for the next couple of months.  And now, as I reflect on the end of my time here I can honestly say beyond a shadow of a doubt I have been blessed to have lived here and consider it an honor to have served as part of this ministry.

In many ways I came with one expectation of what it meant to be a missionary and that perception was always based on quantifiable measurement of what success is.  For example, when I came I wanted to go back and tell my home church: ” Well, I went to Colombia and brought 5 people to Christ, cast out 7 demons, healed a leper…”  I’m sure you get the picture.  But what the Lord taught me more than anything else is that missions is about serving and being present with people whether it is working in the kitchen peeling carrots, creating a giant twister board for kids or ministering in a Bible study. Relationships and reliability are what matters the most when serving.  And my perspective changed on what “success” was. A smile, a hug, a silent prayer became my new markers of it.  I had to unlearn so much of my “works” mentality and learn to embrace discomfort and to just be content and faithful where God had placed me.

Secondly, I saw and observed the true meaning of service from everyone who works and serves in Ciudad Refugio.  They truly exemplify and shine the love of Christ everyday in the big and small things.  They serve not from obligation or compulsion but because they long to share the heart of Christ to the needy and the lost around them.  There were no better examples to learn from than the volunteers and staff that serve here.  I have grown just by working and serving along side with them and truly consider myself blessed for having been given a chance to do so!

Having said all this, my heart was deeply touched by my time at Ciudad Refugio that I didn’t want it to end after just three months! So after been given clear direction from God, I can confidently say that I will be BACK! And this time, to serve for a  longer term! So this is not goodbye but see you soon!

 

 

A Manantiales of Healing – Youth Retreat

By Merlin M. | Short Term Volunteer

The word “manantiales” in Spanish means spring and the word seems fitting to describe the youth retreat of Ciudad Refugio which took place from November 10-12, 2018.  The youth and leadership team had a chance to get away from their normal responsibilities and ministry to just have a chance to relax, spend time with God and each other. The youth leadership team did an excellent job in planning the entire retreat and it provided a good mix of activities and time with the Lord.

We arrived at the retreat on Saturday afternoon and after settling into what would be our rooms for the next couple of nights; we spent time some playing an intense game of football. (I should clarify that the others played an intense game of football while I screamed every time the ball came near me.) Following, we had dinner and then Rebekah shared a powerful lesson on healing.  During the lesson, we were each given a rag and at the end of the lesson, we got a chance to write what we individually needed healing from and nail it to an actual cross! It was a powerful moment for all!

Sunday was a unique day because it was the first time that the youth had a separate service apart from the rest of the congregation.  The morning was spent in time for praise and worship and David shared a powerful word. He began by asking: “When was the last time you cried?” And by the end of his message, many youth were touched and wept before the Lord.  It truly was a beautiful time in the presence of the Lord. The afternoon consisted of volleyball, swimming and tie-dye crafts. In the evening, we spent time with the Lord and Gustavo taught on having passion and fire for Christ. It was an inspiring teaching that the youth needed to hear.

Monday was the last day of the retreat! In the morning, Erika taught a beautiful lesson on how our inheritance in Christ comes through faith and how we all need to share the hope we have with others. The afternoon was special because Pastor Douglas and Marilu came and spent time with the youth.  Once again, there was a super competitive game of football; this time with Pastor Douglas leading a team. It was great to see everyone involved in the game; and to even see a few goals scored by Pastor Douglas himself. (Though I do have to say, some of the goals were handballs. But according to Pastor Douglas, there were no handballs but I have a problem with my sight.)  The retreat ended with a timely teaching and passionate prayer from Pastor Douglas that summed up everything that was previously shared and taught over the course of the previous days. We truly felt the healing and powerful presence of God during this time!

Overall, it was a great experience to spend time with the youth and to see God begin a work of healing in many lives.  It was inspiring to hear the youth reflect on their time at the retreat on how God spoke to their hearts and their takeaways.  Some shared that they learned about faith, that is alright to be vulnerable, how God wants to heal us, and what it means to be a child of God.  I know that the retreat is just the start of what God is looking to do in the lives of this next generation. My prayer is that the work that God began in their hearts would grow and spring forth to provide much fruit and that these youngsters would shine the hope and light of Christ to all those around them.  

 

Planting Seeds of Faith in the United States

By Merlin M. |Short -Term Volunteer

For the first time in the history of Ciudad Refugio, Pastor Douglas and Harry went on a trip abroad to the United Stated together from October 10- October 31, 2018.  Anyone who knows Ciudad Refugio can understand how monumental this trip was because these two servants of God play such integral roles in the day to day workings of the foundation and the church. On the other hand, it’s uncertain what was harder for them: to spend so much time together or to spend so much time away from the ministry and their families.  But God truly blessed their trip with favor, open doors, and hazelnut coffee creamer and for that they are truly grateful and thankful.

Though the trip was only for a few weeks, their itinerary was jam packed with meetings and services.  They landed in New York and spent their first Sunday in the United States at their home church, Times Square Church (TSC).  Ciudad Refugio has a deep and lasting connection with Times Square Church and  is an “Anchor Project” of TSC.   In fact, Pastor Douglas came to serve in Medellin on a one-way ticket from Times Square Church.  So everyone at the foundation are grateful and treasure this ministry for their continual support!  After the 10 AM service at TSC, Harry and Pastor Douglas had the opportunity to meet with a team of prayer warriors and supporters of the ministry.  Most of the members of the prayer team in TSC have previously visited Ciudad Refugio for a short term missions trip and are faithful in meeting to intercede and pray for the ministry.  They were so thankful to this team for their prayers and upholding the ministry!

The Lord also provided opportunities for Pastor Douglas and Harry to meet other churches in New Jersey and within Pennsylvania.  One memorable experience was traveling to and speaking at Summit International School of Ministry in Grantville, PA.  At one meeting, more than 50 individuals came forward and expressed interest to serve in Colombia.  Praise God for this! May the Lord bring the workers who He has chosen to reap the harvest in Medellin.

Their trip ended with a visit to Florida.  Harry was able to attend the 80th birthday party for his parents and the Lord opened the door to meet with churches to share their heart and vision for the ministry.  On October 31st, Harry and Pastor Douglas returned back home to Medellin.  They looked rested and seemed ready to get back in the swing of things in terms of serving and ministry.  They were also so thankful for the leaders at Ciudad Refugio that ensured everything ran smoothly and without any hiccups in their absence.  Praise God for the exceptional and truly incomparable volunteers and staff that serve here!

They are thankful to God for all the opportunities and doors that the Lord opened on this trip.  It truly was the season of miracles and  they wait with expectation as the seeds of faith that were planted in the hearts of many to support the work of Ciudad Refugio take root and begins to grow.

I Checked into the Drug Rehab Program

By Morgan F. |World Race Team Member

I’ll admit I have a huge problem with drugs.

I honestly was blinded of my problem until now. Personally I never had any experience with drugs prior to arriving in Medellín, Colombia.

My sheltered bubble was popped. My eyes were opened and what I saw absolutely broke my heart. I was introduced to the haunting control drugs can hold on someone’s life.

The drugs themselves did not influence me directly. What appalled me most was witnessing the power and damage drugs cause in people’s lives. It’s sickening. It’s disturbing. It’s sad.

The problem is drugs!

Let me tell you about my problem with drugs.

Drugs rip people of their freedom.

Drugs contaminate people’s minds with lies.

Drugs numb people from pain and emotions, even the good ones.

Drugs control a person’s mind, body, and decisions.

Drugs tear apart families.

Drugs ruin dreams.

Let’s start looking at the drugs as the evil and the drug users as people just like you and I; people who are worthy of being loved, people with families, people with stories, people with dreams, people who have made mistakes, and people who need to be forgiven.

The problem is not drug users. Hate the sin not the sinner!

The moment my perspective changed was the moment I entered the women’s drug rehabilitation program. Not because I received healing and freedom from my addiction but because God broke my heart over the effects drug addiction had on His daughters. Living alongside these amazing women gave me so much life and deepened my faith.

The testimonies the women shared were filled with agony, loss, mistakes, shame, and guilt. I would go even as far as to say drugs ruin lives but these women showed me otherwise. Without Jesus that’s where the story might end but because of his power to change hearts and break the chains of addiction, these women were offered a better path for their lives through his steadfast love and grace. These women tell stories about attempting to break their addiction on their own strength but the stories always ended back at drugs. Ciudad Refugio invited these women into the foundation and opened a space asking God to heal the brokenness of addiction by giving them hope in an relentless source, Jesus Christ.

It’s completely evident that God is working through Ciudad Refugio and in the lives of these beautiful women. Despite abandoning their old lifestyles, missing their families and battling lies from the enemy, these ladies show incredible bravery and strength. I am encouraged by the healing God has already done and the faith that these women have in the midst of their trials. I left the program with a better understanding of God’s character and his love for his children. Please pray for the women in the program!

God bless Ciudad Refugio and the work that this ministry is doing for the Kingdom of God!

Wait! This Isn’t Africa!

By Merlin M. | Short Term Volunteer

An old saying goes, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get!” Well, it has certainly proved true for me and my call to serve with Ciudad Refugio.  You see, I have always felt that my purpose was to someday serve as a missionary in Africa! And the Lord and I had an understanding (or so I thought) that in five years after I had achieved all my career and life goals; I would selflessly give up my cushy job and comfortable life to go slave away for the Lord under the hot African sun.  But it turns out though it was my plan; it clearly wasn’t God’s.  And as you might have gathered by now, the Lord sent me to Colombia, not Africa.

My connection with Ciudad Refugio began in November of 2017.  I came with an awesome team (GONDOLA for life!) from Times Square Church for a ten-day, short-term missions trip.  To be honest, my life and work were super busy before departing that I was in no way spiritually ready to serve and minister.  In fact, I contemplated many times to just cancel and not go at all. But that all changed the Sunday before I left. My pastor prayed for me and said the following: “May this trip be life-changing and forever alter the course of your life!” And after that prayer, something softened in my heart and I found my sense of dread was replaced with a sense of expectation.

When I arrived at Ciudad Refugio, I was blown away by how the ministry was serving in transforming lives and providing hope. What opened my eyes the most was how they selflessly ministered to those who society so often overlooks and discards as broken.  But through their efforts, they refine and redeem a sense of loss with the hope that only Christ provides.  Moreover,  the sheer scope of all they did with the resources they had, absolutely blew me away. And gently, I felt the Lord start to speak to my heart and ask two things of me:

1. Am I willing to come back and serve in Colombia?
2. Am I willing to return not just for 10 days but longer?

Meanwhile, I was actively trying to ignore the gentle whispers as “crazy talk” or my heart’s response to the need I saw around me. But still, the whispers persisted and continued to resound in my heart. So naturally, I began to have in-depth conversations with God which consisted of me trying to teach God geography (“Remember, you said Africa and Lord, this is Colombia. I think you have the wrong continent. Now, did you mean the Congo or Cameroon?” ) and of me trying to push my five year career plan with some benefits (How about instead of me going to Colombia I will faithfully institute a 20-30% tithing habit?)

While on the trip, I told some of my team members of what the Lord was speaking and they were so supportive and in many ways not surprised by what the Lord was speaking to me.  I, on the other hand, wanted to pull a Jonah and run anywhere other than where God was leading. But my resistance began to melt when I heard the sermon preached by a visiting minister the second Sunday of my trip.  He asked the following questions: “What if God destroyed all you know and hold dear for the salvation of just one soul? Are you ready to surrender to God’s will no matter the cost?” These questions pierced my heart and forced me to take a long reflective look at myself and how much I am willing to listen, obey, and surrender! It’s easy to sing on a Sunday morning, ” I have decided to follow Jesus” but am I actually willing to actually live it out; no matter the cost? The Lord broke my will and replaced it with His perfect will for me!

A few days later, I left Colombia with the gentle assurance that one day I would return and that it would be sooner than later. And true to His promise, that’s exactly what happened. Less than a year after my short term trip to Colombia, I am now back and serving for three months with Ciudad Refugio!

So I would encourage all of you who are reading this: Trust God with your life because as it says in Isaiah 55:8-9:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

And as the Lord is teaching me, He always knows best and plans the best adventures for your life. Stayed tuned for more updates from my time and adventures at Ciudad Refugio!