The Redemption of Carrots

By Merlin M. | Volunteer

Let me begin by asking you to bear with me while I bring this illustration to life and forgive me if it’s too cheesy. A fellow volunteer, Luise and I work in the Ciudad Refugio kitchen on Monday mornings helping to prep and clean vegetables for cooking. This past Monday, there was a shipment of donation carrots that needed to be cut and cleaned to be cooked into a soup.  And while elbows deep in the prep process, we started a discussion on how these carrots symbolized our lives in some many ways.

Those of you living overseas have never encountered vegetables in such a state as these carrots; and would never think to use them for human consumption. Some of you may use them for a compost pile instead.  Upon inspection, the carrots were offensive to all your senses: sight, touch, and smell. We didn’t dare try to taste them in the raw form. But carefully, we began the process to peel and cut away the broken and flawed parts and saw that underneath all the bad there was good.  It just needed to be redeemed.  It needed someone who cared enough to endure the hardship of finding it.  What others would just throw away as trash and worthless did have some value; but it needed someone with eyes and a heart to see beyond the exterior to the hidden worth.  And spoiler alert, these carrots were made in a delicious and nutritious soup that fed many!

In many ways, this illustration reminds me of our mission here at Ciudad Refugio.  The men and women who come into the restoration program are just like the carrots-rotten on the outside but with God given worth that needs to be discovered and uncovered.  While many simply walk past these people or consider them a hopeless cause; time and time we have witnessed how with an investment of time and effort these former addicts bloom and transform into who they were created to be.   But this alteration process requires individuals who are patient, disciplined, and willing to invest of themselves to bring about a transformation in the lives of others.  And at Ciudad Refugio, we are blessed to have wonderful leaders and volunteers that day in and day out show the love of God and shine His light so that the men and women in the restoration process can have hope.

But can I be honest, it’s not just the men and women in the restoration program that’s the “bad carrot.” At the end of the day, this illustration also represents my life before Christ.  You see I was broken, lost, rotten and hopeless without His transformative sacrifice and love in my heart.  But He gave of His own life and died on the cross for my sins so that I could be redeemed.  And because of His investment, my life became whole and transformed into something of worth; just like the carrots were made into a hearty soup. Like it says in Romans 5:8-10 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

Would you take a moment to reflect on the love and grace of God that saved a “rotten carrot” like you and me? And if you get a chance, go eat a carrot; I hear it’s good for your eyes!

Order Your Home| Women’s Fellowship

By Merlin M. | Volunteer

While the world is following after Marie Kondo to teach them to organize their lives; Ciudad Refugio was blessed to have been taught by our very own Pastor Marilu on how to order our lives and homes.  The women’s fellowship of Ciudad Refugio met on Friday, February 22nd  for an inspiring and much needed class on the importance of organization and discipline.  A large group of 30 plus women from the church and community were able to meet and spend time in fellowship and learn from the Word of God.

Pastor Marilu taught a timely class catered towards women on the importance of having order and discipline in our lives.    In a very practical and thought out manner, Pastor Marilu stressed the fact that God is a God of order. From the planets to the existence of life, He has a process and structure to everything.   The same should be applicable in our lives as well.  She also highlighted how disorder can create chaos and effect all areas of life-family, marriage, work, social, and most of all spiritual. Some effects of disorder include: confusion with respect to priorities, anxiety and fatigue, conflict within the family,  and lack of time for God.  However, with order and organization the benefits include: spiritual growth, balance in priorities, good habits with discipline and constancy, improved health, and time for God.  Lastly, the women were able to listen to the personal testimony of Darling,  the sister of Pastor Marilu, about how she transformed her life by implementing processes to improve order and organization in her life.  Darling provided practical steps that helped her including something as simple as keeping track of tasks and schedules by using a journal.

One thing is certain, no matter what corner of the world you live- Life is and always will be chaotic.  But taking small and practical steps can bring a sense of order and discipline to your life.  This not only makes a world of difference in how you  live day to day but also to help provide growth in your walk with God and in relation to those around you.

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

To Become as Children

Sarah Z. | Short-term volunteer

The past few weeks of being in Medellin, Colombia, I have had the incredible opportunity of being a part of the ministry pouring into the children at the City of Refuge. I took part in putting together songs, games, activities, skits (including a puppet show), Bible teachings, and memory verses for each gathering. The children’s programs are on Thursdays and Saturdays from 3-5pm. Prior to the programs each day, we took a couple of hours and went knocking door-to-door in the neighborhoods around us to invite the parents and their children. Despite the mid-day heat and the language barrier (thankful for the great translators that always came with us), it was always such a joy and pleasure to be able to meet and talk with the local families who reside in the nearby communities. It was amazing to see how accepting and open the people we encountered were when taking some of their time to speak with them.

Week after week, witnessing to these children has become a blessing in my life. Seeing them come from a life where they don’t have much, yet they still carry so much joy and laughter, brings me so much gratitude in my own life.

I am often reminded of how God has called us believers to become as children, that is, to be humble, simple, innocent, constantly seeking guidance, and turning to the Father in time of need. Jesus says in Matthew 18:3, “Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

Worship Without Borders

Jen | Short-term volunteer 

This month, I have experienced some of the most powerful worship I have ever witnessed. Our team has such a great gift of worship; we were able to share that gift countless times with many we ministered with- the people at the foundation, the people in the church congregation, and the people in the local community. We have led worship in both English and Spanish, but despite any limitations due to the language barrier, the people’s hearts were so on fire for the Lord that it was always obvious that the Holy Spirit was present . Two of the congregation’s favorite songs were “Cardenas Romper” and “Gracia Sublime”. Whenever we got to share those songs,  I watched as everyone in the room boasted in the incredible freedom that the Lord has given them through this amazing opportunity given to them due to the work of Ciudad Refugio.

Personally, I believe that worship is the most powerful way to connect with the Father; but it is also a powerful tool to reach out to community, and I was able to see that here this whole month. No matter who the people were, what they believed, whether they were singing, dancing, playing an instrument or simply praying, the Holy Spirit was moving in incredible ways during worship this month.

It was such an honor to connect with these people by worshipping with them in their native language and feeling God break chains and shed light and love in the dark places. It has been truly amazing.

A Reason to Leave Everything

Caleb| Short-term volunteer 

Every Sunday for the past eleven or so years, I have had the pleasure of teaching young children about Jesus. Every week I would prepare a small group lesson or memorize a drama script to present it to the children on Sunday morning.  While I loved my time with the children from my home church, watching as God changed their lives and the lives of their families, I had always craved for more. I joined the World Race with a hope to move past a script, and instead reach the unreached. That was exactly what I had the opportunity to do through a ministry called Manantiales.

 

About twenty from our team arrived in the beaten-down impoverished displacement village of Manantiales, fully armed with bags of coloring books, colored pencils, and other trinkets for the children of the community. Our purpose in being there that day was to go house to house delivering these care packages to families who have been involved with the program City of Refuge offered every Saturday. However, we were able to do much more than that.  I was discouraged at first as I didn’t see my impact in being there. My whole group was simply following the leader from City of Refuge passing people along the way. Something in me didn’t feel right. On one particular street, our whole group stopped as our translators went to speak with a family further down the path. While waiting, a couple of us noticed a little girl and boy playing outside their house. We walked up to them, handed them some coloring utensils, and watched as their faces lit up. The mother noticed us from inside their house, and we all started talking. We were there for so long that the rest of the group left without us! We prayed over them and invited the family to check out the program.

 

As we continued on our way and walked through a tight alleyway, we were greeted by a hoard of happy young faces wanting to play! Many of them were not already involved in the foundation’s program, nor had ever heard the name of Jesus before! Naturally (me being the child I am inside), I jumped right in to play with them. I saw as the boys walked away just a little bit taller after being told that they were strong; I watched young girls blush after we told them they were beautiful. We walked for what felt like miles with kids hanging all around. It. Was. Glorious.

 

We had invited the kids and their families to come to  the children’s program happening that next Saturday. We were able to see 280 kids come out to that event! If we didn’t go that day, how many kids would have continued their lives never hearing the Gospel? How many people are living their lives separated from God, simply because no one will go out and tell them that He made a way for them to have a relationship with Him?

As I was playing with the kids in the streets of the slums of this village, sharing the Gospel with them, I thought to myself, “This is why I left everything I’ve ever known to follow Jesus. This is the life I want.”    

 

 

Ciudad Refugio on the Move in the Local Community

By Rebekah S. | Staff

“As an NGO we want to work inside our walls offering a refuge, a place of healing, hope and restoration for those in need.  As a church we want to live outside our walls reaching the lost and affecting human need in the name of Christ.  Let’s strive to be both a refuge and a lighthouse.”   – Pastor Douglas Calvano, Ciudad Refugio.

In the months of November and December of 2018, Casa de Refugio launched an initiative encouraging the local church and community to invest funds towards feeding hungry families in Manantiales, Colombia’s second largest camp of displaced persons.  As a result, in January we were able to deliver food boxes and school supplies to 200 needy families.

In addition, we received a group of 44 youth who came to partner with us as a church in local community outreach.  Together with these passionate youth, we were able to impact 350 kids from public schools as well as nearly 300 children from local communities.  We also facilitated live music and evangelistic events in El Refugio, the Ciudad Refugio bakery and cafe, and local city parks.

We are excited to be a part of what Jesus is up to in our community, and we pray He continues to teach and guide us as we share His light.

 

Coming to Medellin

By Julia R. | Long term volunteer

In elementary school I remember my teacher passing out small notecards and asking us all to jot down what our dream profession would be as adults. I remember looking down at the paper, fiddling with my pencil, and scanning the classroom full of young faces scribbling away with ease. I thought for a while, and not genuinely comprehending what I wrote, I copied, “missionary” between bright blue lines.

I had the privilege of being introduced to Jesus at a young age. I was taught that there existed a God who created the world, and this God loved the world that he created. My spirit came alive at the concept, and by the time I could spell my own name, I decided that this was a God I would pursue knowing. This pure view of God became adulterated with wrong teaching and difficult life experiences, and my desire to simply know him became slowly replaced with a burden of performing, as would a flawless piece of machinery. Yet even in the midst of my misconceptions and worthless striving, God was pursuing me. When I was 16, at a turning point in my life, He met me.  

During my senior year of high school, as I neared college application deadlines, God reminded me of that commitment I had made to him a couple years prior: a promise that my life would be His; if He would be willing to lead, then I would follow. The institution, Summit International School of Ministry would not leave my mind for the life of me. I grew up attending the official church of this ministry school, Times Square Church, and I had vowed to myself and everyone I was able to communicate to that I would not be “one of those people who go to Summit.” Yet, I couldn’t deny the unshakeable drawing I had to the place. I applied, only to ease my conscious. I prayed to receive a rejection letter, but to my dismay, I was accepted. Sensing the leading of God, I prepared myself to go, and to let go of my own idea of my future. The summer before that first fall semester, everything I had done to prepare myself financially for Summit fell through my fingers. As August approached, I had no plan for how I would pay my tuition, and I was unable to make more money. As a type of confirmation that this was indeed the leading of God, I incidentally received a donation that covered all of my needs for that upcoming semester. Each semester would prove the same; I would be in need, and in some unbelievable way, I would be provided for.  

During my second year, I needed to make a decision as to what my next step after Summit would be. My entire worldview of life had drastically changed through the biblical teaching at Summit; I didn’t think in the same way as I did prior to coming. I cared much less about social stigmas or people’s opinion on my life decisions; I solely wanted to know Jesus. As I began praying about my next step, the idea of taking on an internship became more and more attractive. Reigniting that childhood passion, God had begun putting foreign missions heavily on my heart, and I felt God calling me into missions work. As part of a work-study program, I had spent some time tutoring a handful of foreign students, helping them with the English language. Writing had long been a passion of mine, but it was through this job in which I discovered that teaching English was something I loved doing. My inclination towards missions and my desire to teach English seemed to go hand-in-hand, and I had an idea of the general area of what I was looking to go into post-graduation.  

Going home on weekends, I came to realize that if I were to make a decision that wasn’t approved of at home, I would have to suffer great consequences. God began to show me areas that were unhealthy in my household, and he began to heal me through separating his character from some of the wrong things I had been through. I started to sense God’s leading me out of my house, and into something new, but I wasn’t exactly sure into what yet. One thing was evident, that if I wanted to be able to be free to move as I knew God was leading me, I needed to separate from devoting myself towards primarily pleasing the people I cared a lot about (like family), and instead devote myself to pleasing God primarily. Meaning, if God led me to do something that wasn’t approved by my parents, I had to realize that my life was not lived for them, but for Him first.   

After class one afternoon, I plopped myself down in the fold-out chair parallel to the office desk of Pastor Ryan Seaborn (a guidance counselor of types at Summit). The weeks prior my mind had been at odds with itself, sensing the call of God yet wrestling with how to reconcile faith with practicality. I explained my frustrations with him, and my aspirations for the future. As I anxiously went through detail by detail, Pastor Ryan nodded and remained almost irritatingly calm. Once I finally stopped to take a breath, Pastor Ryan turned towards his desktop, pulled up a video, and rotated the screen towards me. He then told me that recently an internship opportunity overseas opened up in a church organization called City of Refuge; the internship would be concentrated in the foundation’s school, teaching English as a second language. I sat there dumbfounded, as I couldn’t have described a more perfect position if I had wanted to. Then he pressed play. I fell in love with the ministry’s heart and vision; it was almost exactly what God had been pressing on my own heart for months. I remember immediately holding myself back from attaching myself to the idea of coming to Medellin; it seemed absolutely impossible. Yet, how could I want to be anywhere else?

The next couple weeks, I prayed and thought on Medellin constantly. I felt as though God was calling me into the impossible, to take a step out into the unknown, but I feared. Even after every way God had revealed his unchanging, faithful character to me, after he had proven his presence in my life over and over again, something in me was scared. Another opportunity had become available to me; an internship that would have been much more comfortable, much more doable, and much more financially beneficial. Yet, I felt that in this season of my life God wasn’t calling me to independence, or into a sensical, prosperous progression in life, but rather, into an absolute dependence on him. That is not to say that having money or working in a secular field is disbelief in God, but in that moment I knew that God was calling me out of my comfort. So, I moved forward with taking on the internship.  

Things didn’t become very easy following that decision. There was some conflict in my house, and I decided to go to live with my sister. My plans didn’t pan out exactly as I had originally hoped; my arrival in Medellin was a couple months after my initial intention, but through it all, God was in control. I am able to understand more now how perfectly he prepares us and orchestrates the seasons of our lives. He is a good Father, and He knows what He’s doing. It’s easy to serve God when you’re emotionally well and life is smooth; but it is in the strain, and difficulties that we are able to understand him in a deeper, more intimate way. If it weren’t for my wounds, I wouldn’t know personally that my God is a Healer. If it weren’t for my lack, I wouldn’t trust in him as my Provider. God cares for us, and sometimes in his caring for us he allows us to be without some momentary pleasures so that we can gain a more eternal truth.  

Every one of my needs have been provided for. Not only financially, but my soul has been cared for. I went through a lot of emotional strain during that year leading up to my coming to Medellin, as God had begun healing and reconciliation in many areas, and it didn’t come without pain. Yet, when I was feeling the sting of loss, when I felt the most unworthy, when I was in the lowest possible state, God continued to meet me. He did not approach me expecting me to be more put together, less of a mess, or more spiritual during my difficulties. He met me, and whispered to me his love; he convicted me, but drew me closer in my repentance; he reopened some wounds that had healed wrongly, and piece by piece he sewed me back together. As he is continuing to do so. I am not here in Medellin because I am some super-Christian extremist who has a natural desire to do good in and of myself. I am here by the grace of God, aware of how absolutely degenerate I am without my Savior. I am trusting him to continuing being in my life who he has been for eternity, and his faithfulness can be the same for you if you decide to trust in it. Depend on him. With money, without money; if you have a family, or if you don’t; no matter what your circumstance is, realize your need for him, and find the most satisfying joy by placing every ounce of hope you can muster into his hands. There is no safer place.

 

 

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.