A Practicum Experience

By : Michaela S. | Practicum Student

My name is Michaela and I’m a university student in Social Work from Sweden. I was interested in doing my semester of practice in Colombia and that led me to research and find Ciudad Refugio. The length of my practicum was for 20 weeks; I started in August and finished in December of 2019. During my time at Ciudad Refugio, there was another student from Germany doing here practicum there as well; it was a great to share this experience with someone from another part of the world.

When I first arrived, I was introduced to the different programs at Ciudad Refugio. This was a good chance to get an impression of the work, processes, and methods of the foundation. This included work with kids (English Club, Homework Club, Homeschool, Ciudad De Los Niños,  and the Youth Group), working with women in the restoration program (meetings in the evening for different activities and outings),  Agua Panela, working in the neighborhood of Manantiales and the activities with families there. It was also a good opportunity to meet all the volunteers in the foundation and see their work responsibilities in the various programs. Later,  I continued to work with different activities but started to focus more on the women in the restoration program.

Here are some of the highlights of my practicum time at Ciudad Refugio:

Agua Panela:

Every Wednesday night after the church service we went to a street in the city where there are many people using drugs. We brought Agua panela and bread to distribute and we walked around in groups trying to talk to the people we met. For me it was interesting to be a part of this work and I can recall one interaction that really impacted me. My group and I met a woman from Venezuela who was sitting on the street and she was selling cigarettes and sweets. We talked to her for a long time and in the end we prayed for her. She had been separated from her family and had a 2-year-old daughter. A few weeks later when we were on the street again, she came to me and asked if I recognized her, which I did. She held her daughter in her arms and told me she got another job. This was a direct answer to our prayers! We could see the light in the darkness.

Manantiales:

Every Saturday we were in Manantiales and had activities for around 200 children. When the children first arrive, they receive yogurt and then we have a gathering with all of them and we sing and dance together. Following, we seperate them into different age groups to teach them from the bible and then play some activity or game. I was with the youngest age group: 3-5-year-olds.  Though at times it was challenging dealing with so many young kids; overall it was a fun experience and many of the children stole my heart.

Youth camp:

One week in October the students had vacation from school so we were able to organize a camp for the youth in Manantiales from Thursday to Saturday.  The event included teenagers from Manantiales (those we meet every Saturday and that sometimes accompany us to the organization and sleep over from Saturday to Sunday), teenagers from the youth group in the church and teenagers from the English club we run in a local high school.  It was a lovely mix of youth who attended!

During these days we had various activities that the leaders had prepared. The theme for the whole camp was “Quién Seré?” – “Who will I be?” The other social work student and I prepared a workshop about setting goals for the future since it is very common for young people to follow the paths and examples they see in their surroundings. In  the neighborhood of Manantiales  following the usual pattern means drugs, dropping out of school, being in a relationship and having children at a very young age. Therefore, it was important that they were given the freedom to dream and think outside those paths. It was incredible to see them be hopeful and share their dreams about becoming a professional football player, studying at the university and more. We also spent a lot of time on games and other activities. And their favorite activity was definitely- the pool! Although we did not have the best weather, it was cold and rainy, they spent as much time as they could in the pool! I really enjoyed spending time and sharing with the youth!

Women:

Outside of my work, I focused mainly on  the women in the rehabilitation program with the other social work student. We met the women three times a week for activities and their outing on Fridays. During our time together with the women we taught based on what we learned in our studies of Social Work, or we came up with other group activities for topics like goals, perspectives, communication skills, reflections etc. The women were always open to share the time and to do the tasks that we gave to them. Although the work with the women was always changing because there were women leaving and new coming, I really enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know them. We also had a tradition to celebrate birthdays together and it was always an enjoyable event for all of us! The hardest thing when I was going to go back home was to say goodbye to the women. They made a big impression on me and I have learned so much from them and by working with them.

Overall, I had a great time in Ciudad Refugio and my time in the foundation helped me in my professional career and in my personal life. I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had to be part of the foundation.

Thank you!

 

In the News!

By Merlin M. | Volunteer

Recently, Ciudad Refugio has been creating quite a stir in the local media here in Colombia.  We have been honored to have been featured on two different new media outlets in the past week. And earlier this summer, Pastor Douglas was asked to share at a BiteTalk here in Medellin about how to care for and best assist the poor all around us.

Please check out the links below to learn more:

Noticias Caracol

Ciudad Refugio was featured on the Noticias Caracol nightly news.  Program graduates were able to share of the impact of the ministry on their lives.  Also, the homeless shelter and bakery projects were featured as part of the news report. The report ended with our hopes for expansion with the new building project that we plan to begin in the upcoming months.

Q’hubo

Ciudad Refugio was featured in a newspaper article in Q’hubo on Thursday, August 22nd, titled:  “The angels of the homeless”.  The article shared of the history of the ministry and how it began with Pastors Douglas and Marilu sharing agua panela and bread on the street.  It also spoke of the testimony of volunteers such as Luis Tapasco, who is a program graduate and current leader for the men’s program.  Lastly, the article shared of how the foundation is home for many volunteers from all around the world and how everyone works and functions as one big family.

 

BiteTalk Medellin 

In July, Pastor Douglas was asked to share at a BiteTalk in Medellin.  This event was structured similarly to the more widely known Ted Talks.  Pastor Douglas spoke on the topic of how best to help the poor while balancing our good intentions and what is ultimately best for them long term.  He emphasized how the church must find the right formula to save souls but also save lives as well.  Three key points Pastor Douglas stressed upon was how the church can transform the lives of the needy around us by offering: relief for immediate needs, restoration, and development.  We should be a voice for those who don’t have a voice and treat them with dignity and respect.  And most of all, we must work to not build dependency but elevation from their current status.

 

We are truly grateful for every opportunity to share who we are and what we do.  We pray that each time we are featured that the name of Jesus will be lifted up and that lives are impacted for the Kingdom of God.

The Freedom of Grace – Program Graduate Testimony

By Viviana L. and Merlin M. | Volunteer

We are so proud and honored to share the story of Vivana Valladales Londoño.  She is a graduate of the women’s restoration program and is now in the period of transition.  Viviana is a true example of the transformative power of God and a testament of how Ciudad Refugio offers the hope of Christ to the hurting, lost and broken. This is her story:

I was born in Medellin to a loving family that included my mother, father, and two sisters. My fondest memory from childhood was spending time with my father and how he always sat with me on his knees. My mother was a Christian and raised me in the ways of God.  From a young age, I felt a connection to Christ and no matter the situation I always went to Him first. And up to the age of 15 years old, I was a model student and daughter.

However, when I turned 16, my life took a turn for the worse.  It all began when I started a new friendship with people from my neighborhood that were not in my circle of friends from school. I began to sneak out at night to drink beer with them and started living a secret life that my parents knew nothing about.  I remember my first encounter with trying cocaine was when my older cousin offered it to me.  He was a dealer and would provide me drugs whenever I asked or needed them.  For about five years I lived a double life and hid my addiction from my family; I would use drugs but always felt I could control and manage it.  That changed one day when my mother went through my bag and found drugs inside. She confronted me with what she found. Afterwards, I saw no reason to hide my drug use and I began to use more openly and frequently.  But along with my increased drug use, I became more depressed and hopeless.  Day and night, I would drink alcohol and use drugs to numb what I was truly feeling inside.  I can honestly say that everything in my life changed for the worse after I started using drugs. Things escalated to where my mother could no longer put up with my bad habits and eventually kicked me out of the house.  At this point, I wanted to die and felt so utterly alone in the world.

To find a place to belong and to continue my drug habit I joined a gang on the recommendation of my cousin.  I mainly just needed access to drugs and this was a means to that end.  But to be truly initiated into the gang, I had to prove my worth and toughness. I was required to fight, transport drugs and even carry a pistol.  In a period of one year, I remember I had to fight three times.  But I felt brave and invincible and always justified my actions because it granted me access to the drugs I needed to survive.

After about four years with the gang; my life changed once again.  One day, I was required to transport some drugs to sell in a neighboring town.  But while the transaction was taking place a dispute arose about the price of the drugs.  The buyers became violent and killed a member of my gang.  I had to retaliate in self-defense and was forced to do the unthinkable.  The police were called and we all ran once they arrived.  I tried to flee but I had consumed drugs before this encounter and was very high.  Because I was not in my right mind, I couldn’t escape and was apprehended by the authorities.  Once I was arrested, I was charged with crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion.  Without a second thought, the judge condemned me to 18 years behind bars.

To spend 18 years behind bars was the same as a life sentence for me.  At this point, I had two young kids and was essentially a single mom.  My lawyer tried to convince the judge to reduce my sentence or set me free for the sake of my kids.  But the judge was adamant that I was a danger to society and should remain incarcerated. I was completely hopeless and felt such anger in my heart towards God.  Even though I had hit rock bottom,  my heart remained very hard and I would often fight with the other inmates.  All appeals for my freedom were rejected by the judge and there was no hope for me.

But God had mercy on me.  After two years behind bars, one day I received a message from my lawyer that I had been conditionally released on house arrest.  The same judge that condemned me to 18 years behind bars miraculously granted me my freedom after just two years.  There was no other way to describe my early release other than a miracle of God; no other human explanation can ever be given.  But even after being released, my addiction and abuse of drugs continued; and I lived this way for two years after being granted my freedom.   I would still leave my home to buy drugs and go to unsafe places with my neighbors and friends. Through all this, my mother was crying out for me but nothing in my life was more important to me than using drugs.

My lowest point came on a Monday morning when I felt so depressed, hopeless, and alone that I decided to commit suicide. My kids no longer lived with me and I felt that I had let everyone in my life down.  There was no longer a reason for me to keep living if this was all life had to offer me.  However, before taking my own life I began to walk with no real destination in mind.  By the grace of God, my walk brought me to the street corner where the foundation is. I stopped and read the name “Ciudad Refugio” (City of Refuge) and I heard a voice in my heart encouraging me to go and talk to the people inside.  Without second-guessing or questioning myself, I went in and spoke to someone who explained what Ciudad Refugio was.  So, I began the restoration process that day itself and Ciudad Refugio welcomed me with the clothes on my back and just the way I was; broken, sick, and a shell of the person I am today.  Once I met the leadership and the team at the foundation, especially Doña Nena, I realized that I was no longer alone. I truly believe that God’s power and freedom in my life are what motivated me to not return to drugs. Over time, God began to break down my cold and hard heart and replaced it with one dependent on Him.  And I transformed from a tough and cold woman to someone who smiled and embraced those around me with love and humility.

I cannot explain God and what He has done for me.  He loved me when I was unlovable.  His grace found me at my lowest and freed me from the person that I was.  I know I would have been dead without God’s intervention in my life.  I love Him so much for all that He has done for me. Ciudad Refugio has taught me so much.  I learned here that God is my restorer and that He opens doors in our lives.  I feel privileged because God always opened His arms to receive me; even when I had strayed away from Him and was in jail. I have begun to understand that the love of God is greater than the heavens and that with God by my side all the other things just fade away.  In fact, my favorite verse is Ezekiel 36:26: “ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”  I have become a new creation in Christ and He has given me a new heart and life.  This transformation didn’t just effect me but my family as well.  My parents were strengthened by the change in my life and my kids are now happy and proud of how I’ve changed and become a better mother to them.

As for the future, I have such hope.  After completing my time of transition, in three months I will marry a man who has been faithful and with me through it all. I want to find stable work but more than anything else I long with my life to serve God and to be useful for Him along with my family.

This is my story and I hope it can offer light to many people. I want to share about my life to show that there is freedom for those enslaved to drugs and to offer an example of the miracle of God.  I want to end by offering advice to anyone who is in the same shoes as I was.  The world destroys you and has nothing to offer you.  In the end, you will be alone.  But Jesus is the only way, truth, and life.  God longs to be your friend and confidante.  He will never leave or forsake you.  With Him is life, and life eternal.  All you need to do is surrender everything you have to His hands. If God can offer  the freedom of His grace to someone like me, He can definitely do the same for you as well.

 

Una Experiencia de Aguapanela

Por Merlin M. | Voluntaria

Todos los miércoles por la noche es un momento especial para Ciudad Refugio porque, sin falta, es el día del Aguapanela. Para aquellos de ustedes que no lo conocen, Aguapanela es el ministerio donde creyentes locales y voluntarios de la iglesia salen cada semana (llueva o truene) para repartir pan y una dulce bebida caliente en las calles. En muchos sentidos, consideraría al Aguapanela como el motor del ministerio aquí. De hecho, Ciudad Refugio comenzó porque el Pastor Douglas fue obediente a la voz de Dios y salió a ministrar en las calles solo; y comenzó la obra de Dios, un alma a la vez. Afortunadamente, hoy en día no salimos solos sino en grupos. Mientras que el pastor Douglas era un hombre solo que iluminaba con la luz de Dios en una oscuridad total y absoluta, en estos días somos un ejército que trae la esperanza que solo Cristo puede ofrecer a las almas que viven y usan drogas en las calles.

Quería compartir mi perspectiva como trabajadora al interior de la fundación en cuanto a lo que significa servir con Aguapanela y para dar una idea de lo que encontramos. Antes de salir cada semana, el equiposiempre se reúne para orar juntos. Le pedimos a Dios que nos guíe y nos dirija a las personas que más lo necesitan y cada semana Él siempre responde nuestras oraciones. Luego, nos subimos a los vehículos para conducir al área donde ministramos. Esta semana pudimos meter a 13 personas en un miniván, sin desperdiciar ningún espacio. ¡Solo eso es un milagro en sí mismo!

La calle donde tiene lugar el ministerio del Aguapanela es oscura tanto en el sentido físico como espiritual. No hay luces en la calle para iluminar el camino. Hombres, mujeres y animales simplemente caminan sin rumbo, y muchos usan y venden drogas abiertamente. La mayoría son como zombis y no están en su sano juicio. No puedo explicarlo en mejores términos que decir que es como caminar directamente al mismo infierno; la desesperación y la desesperanza juntas en una pequeña calle. Debes tener cuidado donde pisas porque solo hay montones y montones de personas sentadas o de pie con sus cosas. Otros están caminando en un frenesí, pero sin ningún lugar a donde ir. Aquí hay una energía que solo he encontrado en esta calle. No lo había experimentado en ningún otro lugar.

Antes de comenzar a ministrar, todos se reúnen y oran una vez más. Entonces los voluntarios tienen dos opciones para lo que pueden hacer. Puede quedarse y pasar el pan y la bebida, o salir en grupos para hablar con la gente. Esta noche en particular, fui con un grupo de cuatro mujeres y enseguida vimos a una mujer a la cual llamaré Jo, sentada sola al borde de la calle. Nos acercamos a Jo y comenzamos una conversación con ella. Comenzamos simplemente presentándonos y compartiendo información sobre nuestras vidas. La clave aquí es establecer una conexión con la persona y no solo arrojarle un tratado y alejarse. Jo comenzó a abrirse poco a poco y compartió un pasado doloroso de abusos que la llevaron a comenzar a consumir drogas. Lo más desgarrador que compartió fue cómo deseaba morir a causa de la soledad que la abrumaba día tras día. Nuestro grupo compartió todo lo que pudimos sobre la esperanza que Cristo puede traer. Finalmente oramos con Jo, la abrazamos y le recordamos que no está sola. Por la gracia de Dios, pudimos pasar unos buenos 30-45 minutos con Jo y conversar realmente para construir una conexión con ella. La animamos a buscar ayuda cuando estuviera lista. Como todos los que conocemos en la calle, ella prometió venir a la fundación a la mañana siguiente porque quería una vida libre de drogas. (Alerta de información: Jo no ha venido… ¡todavía!)

El equipo tiene una regla estricta y ágil de que cuando se hayan distribuido todos los alimentos y no queden más, todos los voluntarios deben regresar a los vehículos y prepararse para partir. El grupo se reúne una vez más y ora por cada persona que nos encontramos. Compartimos los nombres de cada individuo y los presentamos en oración antes de regresar a casa. Como lo llama Rebekah desde la fundación: “Esperamos dejar gotas de gracia como parte del trabajo que hacemos”.

Aguapanela es el área de miniserio más difícil y cruda que he conocido. Pero cada vez que voy, recuerdo que mi vida debe ser una luz que brille en medio de la oscuridad. ¿Qué razón hay de encender una vela en una habitación que ya es brillante? Como dice la letra de la canción “Poderoso para salvar“: “En la tierra, Tu luz brillará…”. ¿Puedo animarte a brillar en la oscuridad, en las áreas de tu ciudad y pueblo donde muchos viven con dolor y desesperanza? Ofrece esperanza y simplemente con tus acciones demuestra el amor de Cristo. ¡Porque eso es lo que está más cerca del corazón de Dios y es lo que todos hemos sido llamados a hacer!

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!

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

En Sus Sonrisas

Por Mateo | Voluntario en el ministerio de aguapanela

Mi experiencia al servir en el ministerio de aguapanela ha impactado profundamente mi corazón. He aprendido que todos, cada uno de los hombres y mujeres que viven en la calle y usan drogas, están buscando amor. Algunos podrían encontrar ofensiva a esta población, pero no lo son, y están genuinamente abiertos a recibir el auténtico amor de Cristo.

Una noche, mientras distribuíamos aguapanela con pan, un hombre de la calle se acercó y pidió orar por nosotros. Esto me sorprendió y me hizo muy feliz. Nosotros pensábamos que íbamos a ministrar, pero aquí este hombre vino a ministrarnos. Se acercó a nosotros deseando orar por nosotros y luego lo hizo. Cuando oró por nosotros, hizo una oración muy especial a Jesús, simplemente diciendo: “Gracias Jesús porque a través de sus sonrisas puedo ver Tu rostro. Dios gracias porque hoy es el mejor día de mi vida. Muchas personas vienen aquí para bendecirnos, pero yo nunca tengo la oportunidad de bendecir a nadie, pero hoy lo hago”.

Cuando escuché estas palabras, pensé “Guau. ¡Cómo se reveló Dios a través de la oración de este hombre!” Para mí, el ministerio de aguapanela ha sido espectacular y algo que nunca antes había experimentado en mi caminar cristiano. Y sigo sirviendo, determinado a seguir sonriendo y sirviendo a aquellos que encontramos con el amor más genuino posible.

“Nadie tiene mayor amor que este, que uno ponga su vida por sus amigos.” Juan 15:13 (RVR1960)

The Witness of Redemption

By Brendan Filmer | Summer Intern & Student @ Summit Int’l School of Ministry 

Over the last three months I have been witness to the incredible transformative power of Jesus Christ in the lives of some of the most destitute and broken people. Seeing first hand the utter devastation of homelessness in Medellin was initially very confronting and thought provoking. Surrounded by people smoking cocaine, rubbish covering the roads and putrid smells, I would often question how people could live in such conditions. As time progressed however, the Lord began to open my eyes to see these people as He sees them; broken souls that are in need of Him. The cross of Jesus Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit are all that these men and women truly need.

To be able to be a part of the work that God is doing here by carrying this message of redemption to people in the streets, has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying things that I have ever experienced. Contrasting the people in the street with the men in the City of Refuge program, is truly a testament of the faithfulness of God. From a life a pain to a life of joy. From a life of destruction due to drugs, to a life of growth and restitution through the Word of God.

If you want to see first hand the transformative power and faithfulness of an Almighty God, if you desire to learn His heart and you truly want to make a difference with your life, I strongly recommend that you pray and consider visiting the foundation here in Medellin, Colombia. I believe God can change your life forever through this experience!