Finding Your Purpose in a Pandemic!

By : Murn J. | Volunteer

I first arrived at Ciudad Refugio in January as a member of a World Race team. We were supposed to spend two months in Colombia followed by two months in Ecuador and then Peru. Ever since I arrived here in Colombia, I have fallen completely in love with this foundation. I felt so at home and saw God working in ways that I had never seen before. As we were approaching our last few weeks here, I was almost praying that something would happen that would allow us to stay here for longer.

About two weeks before the quarantine began, I went paragliding with my team. As I was looking out over the beautiful city of Medellín, I prayed to God that He would give it to me and would one day bring me back here. And God reminded me of Luke 11: “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.”  So, I prayed: “Lord, will you bring me back here some day?”  And for the rest of that 20-minute flight while literally soaring above the city, it became a spiritual journey full of God’s promise. First, He showed me the birds of the sky and reminded me of how He provides for them. And then reminded me of Psalm 23, that He will lead me to green pastures and that He is my home.

The following Sunday my team received the heart-breaking news that we would all be flown home due to the Coronavirus crisis that was rapidly getting worse. The team was given short notice and flights had to be booked that very night. We were, however, given the option to not get on a return flight and to sign a contract that relieved the World Race organization of any responsibility for us. My team had 20 minutes to pray about it and make a decision. Throughout this whole evening, I felt so sure that I was not leaving. That my time as not yet finished in Colombia and that Ciudad Refugio was where I was meant to be.

So I began to ponder: What if I stayed? Even though I had no idea what it would look like, or if the foundation would even let me stay. I opened my bible – purposely not trying to open it on one of those conveniently encouraging chapters – and I was brought straight back to Luke 11. This was all the confirmation I needed.

Although far sooner than I had ever imagined, God was inviting me to stay in Colombia and to trust completely in Him like I never had before.  He promised me that He would provide for me and would lead me to green pastures. So, I told my team that I would not be getting on a flight. I had no idea where I would be living, how I would be serving, how long I would be staying, but I was filled with a complete confidence and a peace that this is where God wants me and that I would be safe.

Three months later, I’m still here! I have said goodbye to all my teammates. I have been welcomed with open arms by the foundation who have allowed me to stay on as a volunteer. God has provided me with a visa and with funds to allow me to stay for a year. I have found family and purpose in the work that I am doing. And I am SO HAPPY! I feel so honored to be here; that in the midst of all this craziness God would call me. I am in awe of how God would give me the desires He placed on my heart and allow me to serve in a place that really needs it. And that He would use my desire to go to South America, my Semesters journey, my love for Ciudad Refugio, to call me to Colombia for such a time as this. Praise God!

Open Doors and Open Hearts

By : Merlin M. | Volunteer

For more than two years, Ciudad Refugio has been praying and seeking ways to evangelize our immediate neighborhood, Prado Centro.  For those who aren’t aware, Prado Centro was once a wealthy and upper class neighborhood within Medellin.  It was even designated a historically protected section due to the traditional style of homes that make up the area.  However, over time many of the wealthy left the neighborhood and the homes themselves were bought by foundations or large organizations.  This gave way to an increase in violence, crime, and drug related activity. In fact, Ciudad Refugio is located on one of the most “criminally active” corners of our neighborhood. As a foundation, while we serve in other sections of our city, such as Manantiales and El Pomar; our hearts also longed for a way to minister and better serve within the neighborhood where we are planted.

True to His nature, God opened the doors of Prado Centro by shutting down everything else because of the COVID-19 quarantine. Due to the lock down, many families were in dire economic straits.  Most make their income by working informal jobs; they can be found on the street corners selling things such as gum, candies, food items, or cleaning the windows of cars.  Because the quarantine forced everyone to shelter in place, the source of income for such families were completely cut-off and many began to starve.  As a result, Ciudad Refugio began to mobilize and canvas the neighborhood to offer assistance and grocery bags.

In the past, the families of Prado Centro could best be described as friendly but reserved towards our advances.  Now, due to the fact many are desperate and out of options to help their families, the doors of the homes began to open.  Volunteers from the foundation were invited into the houses to introduce the ministry, visit with families, and most importantly pray with them.  And by doing so, our eyes were opened to how many in our neighborhood actually live.

We discovered most live in homes that are called, “inquilinatos.” The inquilinatos can best be described as large homes that houses 20-30 families; with each family renting a room within the house.  Many of those who live within these homes are Venezuelan refugees who receive little or no assistance from the government.  We found many within these homes to be young single mothers or pregnant women as well.

Our hearts were moved by the faces and souls we saw that were suffering.  So we began to distribute food on a weekly basis and invited them to come to the foundation building so they can be better acquainted with us as a ministry. It is truly amazing that after years of trying, God used the most unlikely situation of a world-wide pandemic, to answer our prayers. But once again, it shows us how God can use any circumstance to bring glory to His name! 

Having our eyes opened to the need around us, we are in the process of planning and gathering resources for new ways to serve and meet the need.  To that end, Ciudad Refugio is working on opportunities to assist the pregnant and single mothers that live in many of the inquiliatos.  Please pray for us as we desire the blessing and heart of God to live out His mandate from James 1:27 on what true religion is: “Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil.” (CEV)

We understand for many of you, these are uncertain times. We pray that you may be encouraged by this testimony how even in the darkest of nights, the light of God can still shine through.  Press On! Keep believing! We truly serve a prayer answering God!

 

¡Seamos La Iglesia!|Una Actualización de Ciudad Refugio

Por : Pastor Douglas

En los días en que vivimos, estoy agradecido de ser parte del cuerpo de Cristo y   por el privilegio de ser su luz y paz para el mundo atribulado que nos rodea. Al igual que la mayoría de los países de todo el mundo, Colombia lleva más de un mes en cierre de emergencia. Las fronteras, las escuelas y los negocios están cerrados y en cuarentena. El distanciamiento social, el lavado de manos y la ropa protectora se han convertido en la tendencia del día. Las calles están vacías y la gente se está volviendo insular, recurriendo a la tecnología como un medio para conectarse con las noticias del mundo y para relacionarse entre sí.

Como organización sin fines de lucro con énfasis en ayuda de emergencia, Ciudad Refugio tiene permiso para circular por la ciudad con el propósito de alimentar y proporcionar refugio. Estamos agradecidos por este permiso porque en Colombia, como en gran parte del mundo en vía de desarrollo, es probable que muchos más mueran por los efectos resultantes de la pobreza, la violencia y el hambre que por el mismo virus. Para los interesados, estamos haciendo nuestra parte para respetar, cumplir y promover las pautas y requisitos de salud a medida que hacemos nuestro trabajo humanitario.

Gracias a las personas y organizaciones que han elegido específicamente asociarse con nosotros en esta temporada. Dios es muy fiel. Durante la primera semana de la cuarentena cuando comenzamos a recibir llamadas de personas que necesitaban ayuda, también comenzamos a recibir donaciones de alimentos, bebidas, comestibles y recursos financieros. Hemos experimentado la mano abierta de la provisión de Dios y su deseo de cuidar a los pobres y vulnerables. Desde la primera semana de cuarentena, hemos podido alimentar semanalmente a más de 700 personas y proporcionar alimentos a más de 250 familias semanalmente. Con lo poco que tenemos, estamos comprometidos a llegar a las comunidades colombianas y venezolanas sin la ayuda de otras formas de servicio y apoyo; creemos que esto refleja el corazón de Dios. Pasamos días enteros escalando montañas para llegar a hogares hechos de losas de madera con pisos de tierra, hogares sin agua corriente ni electricidad. Y a medida que hemos salido en fe, hemos visto milagros. No puedes exceder a Dios en generosidad

Estamos bendecidos con trabajadores dedicados, dispuestos a servir en la primera línea a pesar del riesgo. Estamos comprometidos a ayudar a administrar alimentos a los necesitados durante los próximos 3-6 meses (según lo permita Dios) para proporcionar ayuda crítica a las familias que luchan por reconstruir después de la cuarentena. Humildemente pedimos su apoyo.

Faithful in the Little

By : Merlin M. | Volunteer

Ciudad Refugio was given a unique opportunity this school year to facilitate an English Club for students at a local high school.  Teams of volunteers would walk to the Intitución Tulio Ospina every Wednesday and Friday afternoons to conduct activities and promote English language skills among the students.  To be honest, the walk to the school was an easy downhill trek but the return trip was a tiring uphill climb.  It definitely burned off calories from a few of the sweets we can get from our bakery! We started this program in February of this year and initially it was a hit among the students.  At the start, we were regularly getting about 10 students each session but as time went on, the numbers started to dwindle. And naturally, we as volunteers were a bit discouraged by this.

But we noticed that the faithful few that would come were really invested.  And we began to do what our primary goal was: Build relationships! The students who initially were shy to even talk in to us in Spanish, began to open up to us about their lives, struggles, and dreams.  So while playing games and having conversations, the seeds of friendship began to bloom. We also began to invite the students to the foundation for our youth group and other youth related events.  And by the grace of God, a few began to come! Currently, we have a few students that come on Saturday night to the youth group at the foundation.  And some even come for the Sunday service at the church as well.

Last Wednesday was the last English club for this school year.  And we hosted a party for them at the foundation.  We played games with them like Mafia and ate snacks together.  It was amazing to see how much the students have grown since the program began.  They were at ease conversing in English and we are truly grateful to have played a small part in accomplishing this.  At the party, we also gave the students handmade Christmas cards.  Afterwards, one of the students wrote on social media that the English club was the best part of the school year for her! That made all of our hearts so full of joy to know that the little we did meant so much for her! And that we were able to make a difference in her life.

Personally, the experience with the English club has been a roller coaster ride.  I was initially disappointed  when the number of students started to dwindle as the months passed.  But I was so encouraged to see how God was building relationships and how if I am faithful in the little He will bless it and multiply it! So can I encourage you to do the same? In your job, in your responsibilities, in your service to God-Be Faithful.  Though you may not see it, know that God is faithful to bring 30, 60, and 100 fold fruit from the seeds that you plant today!

All We Hoped For and More!

By : Team Seattle | Short- Term Volunteers

Our time at Ciudad Refugio was incredible! For many people on our team this was our first mission trip and going in, we had very little idea of what to expect. We went in simply hoping to serve, to grow in our faith and to see God reveal himself to us in mighty ways. During our time at Ciudad Refugio we experienced all that we hoped for and more.

The guys on our team were able to live with the men in the program and participate along side them in their day to day activities. We helped with a work project each morning and went to Bible study in the afternoon. We spent a lot of time with the men with activities such as: playing chess or soccer, talking about our faith, hearing testimonies, and simply building genuine friendships. This experience was very rewarding and being able to encourage the men in the program in their faith was so fulfilling and helped us to grow in our own as well.

The women on our team were able to spend a lot of time with the women in the program. We helped in the kitchen in the mornings doing whatever was needed, which often times cleaning or helping with the food donations. We were able to go to Bible study with the women in the afternoon as well. Sometimes we went to Manantiales during the week to help with homework club or another women’s bible study. The friendships we developed with the women in the program and the kids in Manantiales are near and dear to our hearts. We will never forget all the incredible people we got to know and we will constantly keep them in our prayers.

As a team we helped each Saturday at the children’s program in Manantiales and the one in the foundation. We also had the opportunity to help with the youth group on Saturday nights. We always had a great time playing with the crazy kiddos during children’s ministry and later hanging out with the youth group. We were very sad to say goodbye to many of the youth because we became very close to them over the course of our two months at the foundation.

We highly recommend this ministry to anyone who wants to grow in their faith and do something outside of their comfort zone. Ciudad Refugio does so much good in Medellín and loves people so well. Everyone who works in the foundation has an incredible heart for Jesus and their immense faith brings a spirit of peace and comfort in the difficult and heavy moments of the ministry. People at Cuidad Refugio treated us like family and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve there. Overall, the meaningful, life bringing relationships we made in the foundation helped to make our short two months in Medellín a huge moment of change and growth in our lives.

God bless,

Team Seattle

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.

Focusing on the Few

By Merlin M. | Volunteer

This year Ciudad Refugio has been working under the mandate to evangelize where God has placed us and to disciple those who God has placed in our path.  Miraculously, the Lord has been opening unbelievable doors for us to accomplish this goal.  One amazing opportunity is to lead an English club at a local high school.  Read our previous post about this (HERE). Volunteers from the foundation go to the school two times per week on Wednesday and Friday afternoons to engage the students and encourage them to speak in English.

This program began in March of this year with a lot of engagement and enthusiasm.  As a volunteer from the foundation, I even wondered if we would be able to manage the number of interested kids! However, as time and the months went on, the number of students who regularly attended began to diminish little by little.  This could be due to a number of factors: Many students have said they forget about the timing of the club.  Others are engaged in so many other projects and activities and find it hard to make time for this.  And most of all, we are talking about teenagers here.  Their interest and attention spans are so limited; so, it may be that they just simply lost interest.

I can speak on behalf of all the volunteers (Special Shout-out to the amazing team: Julia, Maria, Tim, Joshua, Luise, and Yeyson) that we do try each week to make the club as fun, entertaining, and educational as possible.  Initially, as a volunteer it was deeply discouraging to see the number of students drop as the weeks went on. But an amazing thing happened.  I began to notice that as the attendance declined; the students that did come were more engaged and comfortable to speak English. We were able to talk to them on a deeper level as well; more than just the superficial.  We would have discussion on their families, strengths, weaknesses, hopes and dreams.

Last week on Friday we only had two students in the class.  But it was personally one of my favorite sessions of the club.  During the meeting, we were able to discuss about our influences, our dreams, and what happens when we die.  My fellow volunteer and I were able to share about our faith and the hope we have for eternity.  The most miraculous part of all of this for me personally was that I was able to share the Gospel in the language I am most comfortable in-English! Though looking at the number of students might have been a reason for feeling disappointed; the nature of the conversation and how the kids opened up to us, was something that only God could have orchestrated.

The events regarding the English Club reminded me about the story of Gideon from Judges 7 and how God narrowed down the available men to fight until it was the select group He desired.  Therefore, I am learning that the nature of God is more orientated towards quality and not quantity.  So, that means we’ll keep working and reaching out to these students; regardless of the number.  Because building relationships and creating personal connection is the model that Christ has taught us to follow. And if we can speak life and the truth of the Gospel into the heart of one student, that alone would be worth it.   At the end of the day, as it says in I Corinthians 15:58: “ So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”  (NLT)

Can I encourage you be fruitful for God where ever He has placed you? Don’t be discouraged playing the numbers game but pray that God provides a fruitful harvest for your efforts!

The True Heart of Ministry| Mission in Manatiales

By Ashira D. | Children’s Ministry Worker and Youth Team Member

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend six days in Manatiales and minister to the people in that neighborhood.  Manatiales is a place in Medellin where the internally displaced in Colombia have formed a community. Ciudad Refugio partnered with students from Christ for the Nations to conduct a week long program designed to be able to reach women, children and the families in this area. The first two days were spent packaging bags of food and distributed to families in the neighborhood.  For the remaining days, we conducted a VBS type program for kids of all ages. Through songs, games, lessons and crafts we taught the children about creation, the fall of man, and the story of David and Goliath.

Overall, it was an incredibly fun time.  I got to meet new people from all over South America and we had amazing times of worship as well.  However, there were some difficult moments as well. The first day of the VBS program was one of the hardest days I have experienced since I began working in in children’s ministry. The group of teachers I was working with, for the most part,  had never worked with kids before and had no idea what to expect. And on the other hand, the kids were full of energy and so excited to be there and wouldn’t sit still or listen to anything any of the teachers were saying. Of course, they are kids and that is to be expected. The activities that we planned couldn’t keep their attention enough for them to want to participate and I got more and more frustrated with them. But after we finished the kids program that day, a couple of the children came up to me to give me a hug and to ask what time we would start the next day. Even though, that didn’t erase the hours of frustration it did make it worth it.

The following days were much better and the children seemed to really enjoy everything that we were doing. I had fun watching puppet shows, making bracelets and a lot of other activities. There were still some moments when I was tired and I felt like giving up but there were others when I could look down at smiling faces and feel like what we were doing was making a difference.

After serving for a week in Manantiales I have learned an important lesson.  My ability to serve and help others should never be dependent on how I am feeling, on the people around me or the recognition I receive. This may seem very basic to you and, in my head, I know this to be true.  But in the actual day to day ministry and in doing things I’ll catch myself thinking that ministry or the things I do only has value if it makes a difference. Especially in working with children, I may never see the direct fruit of what I do and kids will not always come up to me and give me a hug or to say thank you. But even when I think nothing is working and that there is no point to what I’m doing, I have to make a decision to serve God and others to the best of my ability no matter what my surroundings are. I can’t live waiting or expecting results because I’ll be disappointed most of the time. However, when those special moments come, they will come when I least expect it, not when I’m depending or conditioning my service on them.

Misiones Manantiales

By Juan A. | Christ for the Nations Volunteer

La pasada semana del Domingo 14 al Domingo 21 de Abril, durante las festividades de semana santa, un grupo de alrededor 60 misioneros de Estados Unidos, Brasil, Ecuador, Curaçao, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, entre otros, nos unimos en una misión de esperanza para una comunidad extremadamente vulnerable y de escasos recursos ubicada en el departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Se trata de la comunidad llamada “Manantiales”, la cual es considerada como el segundo asentamiento más grande del país, la que a su vez sufre una gran problemática social y económica debido a la falta de planificación por ser una invasión de territorio que fue creciendo desmedidamente desde hace algunos años atrás.

El instituto bíblico Cristo para las Naciones, la fundación Ciudad Refugio y el programa Amaneceres unieron fuerzas, pasión y recursos para llevar el mensaje y amor de Cristo Jesús a este sector. Durante toda esa semana se desarrollaron diversas actividades deportivas, recreativas, musicales y espirituales para que cada asistente los cuales principalmente eran niños, tuvieran una experiencia extraordinaria y se llevaran en sus corazones el conocimiento del amor de Dios.

Fue muy hermoso sentir el sincero abrazo de cada niño y sus radiantes sonrisas, ver el brillo esperanzador en sus ojos, y ver además que durante esas jornadas ellos se desconectaban completamente de una realidad muy dura que les ha tocado vivir, para conectarse con la paz, amor y alegría que provienen de Dios. La pregunta frecuente en cada chico era: “¿Cuándo vienen de nuevo?”, la cual quedó grabada en el corazón de cada misionero. Pedimos a Dios que ese anhelo de los niños de Manantiales de tener tiempos diferentes, escuchar cosas diferentes y sentirse amados, se convierta en combustible para cada uno de los voluntarios de dicha misión y abocarse con mayor frecuencia a esta población con tantas carencias.

Gracias al apoyo de algunos patrocinadores y al esfuerzo de todo el equipo, se lograron entregar refrigerios cada día, algunos mercados, ropa, zapatos, entre otros, no solo a los niños sino también a muchas madres residentes del barrio.

Oramos para que Dios mande obreros para su obra y que la semilla que fue sembrada en cada corazón de frutos a su tiempo. Estamos felices de poder decir: ¡Misión cumplida!

“Y es necesario que el evangelio sea predicado antes a todas las naciones”. Marcos 13:10

A Place to Call Home

By Alexis B. | Volunteer  with WCSC Missions
The first time I visited Medellin and Ciudad Refugio was in the summer of 2018. I was warned that Colombia was a dangerous place and that I should be careful. I came with a mindset that I would be treated poorly by the people and was ready to watch my back every where I went.  Honestly, I was prepared for the worst. However, I experienced the opposite when I arrived to Colombia. I was welcomed with open arms and received many warm smiles and greetings from the community. I felt the presence of the Lord and knew it was a place where God was moving. And it was clear to me in the first few minutes here that the people of Medellin have hearts full of faith.
This year, I returned to Medellin to bring chiropractic once again to its people. The trust and respect that my team and I received everyday was overwhelming. Women would hand to us their young babies and trust us to care for them; children came running to us with an interest in what we are doing and always left full of joy.
I am so thankful to the City of Refuge for truly showing me and my team the true nature of the community of Medellin.  In my time here,  I have seen some of  the most beautiful parts of the city as well as some of the most heartbreaking. But regardless of where I’ve been one things has been constant, I have the felt the presence and the power of God.
I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to bring the healing power of chiropractic to the community here. The people of Medellin deserve the best care that they can receive and I fully intend to return to this place that I can now call my second home.