FBA Colombia Team 2019

Monday morning, we traveled two hours up the mountain from Bucaramanga to the little community called Berlin. While the views up the mountain were beautiful, the road was one curve after another! At 10,500 feet is the Samaritan Purse refuge in Berlin. Until we arrived, we did not know if or how many Venezuelan’s would be there.  This sign is right next to the front door of the refuge. It shows the path from the border city called Cucuta to Bucaramanga. The refuge is at the top of the mountain range and it is much colder there than anywhere else along the way! We were surprised to find about 60 Venezuelan immigrants at the shelter. We were given an opportunity to do our “Emotions” skit and everyone present applauded and were encouraged by God’s Word! Before we left, there were another 30 or 40 who arrived at the shelter.  On the way back down the mountain, we had the opportunity to share some of the warm clothes and shoes with some young Venezuelan

Our team was so blessed by the warm welcome and hospitality of the First Baptist Church of Bucaramanga!  We had a great morning worshipping together with this church, spending time in prayer and  growing together in God’s Word.  The Pastor and his wife both recently had birthdays so, after church we participated in a time of celebration for the pastor and his family.  Complete with a live band singing “Happy Birthday” and many other songs of celebration for this special family in this church! Later on Sunday, we were able to go through all of the clothing, shoes and supplies we brought for the church’s “Touch of Life” outreach ministry that will go to Venezuelan immigrants and others from the community in the days ahead!  Our Sunday ended with a dinner of empanadas and cheese...and time in God’s Word. We are so thankful for the day the Lord has given us today! And thank you for your prayers as we go to the Samaritan Purse Refuge tomorrow! 

As they say, better late than never! Such was the case for our arrival at 10:17 PM in Bucaramanga. But we were all in good spirits and were greeted by our new friends. The van driver and his helper did a great job of loading our luggage!  After a good night's sleep, we had a great breakfast at the hotel followed by our first team devotion time. Out time together in God's Word is the best way to start each day! We then had the opportunity to visit First Baptist Church of Bucaramanga and have a time of orientation with our new ministry partners. Thank you for praying as we adjust to being on the field and begin our week!

We arrived in Bogota safe and sound and with a long layover, we had plenty of time to take our first team "selfie" in Colombia! Then it was time for lunch!    And coffee of course!  Thank you for praying as we continue our journey to Bucaramanga! 

Excited and thankful to be headed to the field today! We checked in and made it through TSA with no problems...PTL! Thank you for praying as we travel! 

Day - by - Day Schedule in Colombia The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.   (Proverbs 16:9) September 27        Depart from Atlanta at 7:33 AM; Arrive in Miami at 9:35 AM 27        Depart Miami at 10:50 AM; Arrive in Bogota at 1:35 PM 27        Depart Bogota at 9:17 PM; Arrive in Bucaramanga at 10:15 PM; 27        PM - C heck in hotel, get a good night’s sleep. 😊 28         R&R day; AM - Local tourist market, PM; El Cerro El Santisimo Park 29        Church in AM; Prep for ministry week; visit historic town Giron, in PM 30         Ministry Day at Samaritan’s Purse Refuge for Venezuelan Immigrants in Berlin 9/31-10/3         9 AM - Noon – Serve Venezuelans who come to FBC Bucaramanga for clothes, showers, etc., provide encouragement, prayer and devotional.                            Noon: Lunch/Rest                                        2-6 PM – Evening meeting at church (5 PM) for group from commun

Venezuela Snapshot – September15, 2019 A brief overview of events impacting Venezuela in the past two weeks T he Mixed Migration Centre released a report earlier this month which finds that most people now leaving Venezuela are poor , often with medical conditions and other vulnerabilities. Recent introduction of stricter immigration requirements by several countries in the region means more Venezuelans relying on smugglers to cross borders irregularly . Lack of legal status obstructs access to many services and to work opportunities, exposing them to an increased risk of exploitation. Currently nothing indicates the exodus from Venezuela will ease any time soon , making essential long-term planning by countries receiving them. Madrid has become the ma