The project in Colombia is very special. Its working closely with the pastors pictured on the side. The ultimate goal is to purchase a place for them to have there church meetings and have a childrens program that will teach them and therefore draw there parents so we are able to make a lasting change in childrens lives. The problem, we have seen, is with the parents. We cannot pretend to help children, if at home violence & incorrect treatment is continuing. And the only way to do this is to expose parents to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. We believe He is the only one that can make a change. We are simply an instrument that will help to bring this truth and lasting change.

In November 07' we delivered a computer with a dvd player and movies to reach children with a positive message. We have clothed them, clothed there children. We thank those that have grasp the vision for Colombia and have allowed us to reach this 2nd country. The clothing that there children are wearing in this picture was donated by Zujey and Armando of Dallas, TX.,

Pastor Jairo ( > ) & his wife Milena, there children David & Ana Maria., have in there hands the movie "Facing the Giants" which was a big hit for adults and children in this area. In December Roberto y Mariel Diaz of Miami donated the computer & we installed the dvd player and it has been a tremonsdous impact on this entire town. Families in this area of Colombia are afraid to assist a Christian church. Folks are mistreated and gossip runs. Gossip in Latin America is strong. Everyone has an eye on you. The violence in this country is something we as Americans aren't used to. This culture is also well aware of who is new in town, or visiting. Also the monopoly of churches, the control of larger congregations over towns are amazing. This part of Colombia which is the state called "Boyaca" is known for beating pastors. Pastor Jairo has himself been chased by others, rocks have been thrown at him. Local witchcraft lords have tried to harm him with there rituals. We have seen these things face to face and have experienced them also. Our mission here is not as easy as in Dominican Republic.
All these events affects the lives of children. Pastor Jairo works a field of about 6000 sq ft., of a fruit called "Mora" they have thorns and we have spent an entire day with them picking these fruits. This is how he sustains his family. The monthly income is approx., less then $10. a month. They are so poor that there children drink milk from a cow. The milk is donated by there grandparents. Every morning at 5am he walks 1 hr round trip to feed his children when they wake up. Why everyday at 5am, that's when they milk the cow and the milk has to be fresh.

Saboya, which is the name of this town, is 20 minutes from the city of Chiquinquira. Chiquinquira is 1 1/2 hr from Tunja which is the capital of Boyaca and Tunja is 2 hrs from Bogota. The avg temp here is 60 during the day in the summer time, when its not raining, which it does rain often. It is very cold here at night, hot water is not common because there is no water heater. Therefore the shower is freezing! To give you an idea of our commitment, in our 4 trips to Colombia, we have rented a room with a 3 inch mattress laying on the floor and sharing the bathroom with a family of 6. At the cost of $55. a month.

We have traveled here in May 06' then Dec. 06', & Dec. 07' we have established a wonderful relationship with them and have seen growth/fruit in there work and in ours.

The reason we work with local pastors is because we are just beginning as a ministry and in order for us to be affective by training the locals to be an extention of us, we must have trust. The best way is to travel and spend time with them. Which we have with the two local pastors we work in Colombia and Dominican Republic. (click here for D.R)

Of course always in prayer and direction is how we only make a move or a decision. We believe God is more intelligent then we are and He can see things we can't.

What is needed?

1) To purchase a motorcyle for them and a church/home building.
Its a terrible feeling to know you don't own anything. This family doesn't know what it is to have there own home, there own church building w/out rent. Also, not everyone has a car. Till this day, they don't know how to drive a car, because the mayority of people in Latin America never have the resources to purchase a car. Therefore replacing the Pastors motorcycle will help them do what they need to do to help us and for them to continue there own vision/mission statement.

2) Helping them monthly..

3) The motorcycle cost (2,500,000. pesos that's $1,500. in US Dollars )
Its the only way to reach families, youth and children. The geography here is all country. And its all mountains and valleys of rough roads. We have traveled with him in his old motorcycle, which no longer functions, to visit families are far as 2 hrs 1/2 walking! Mud, rocks, rain, dogs chasing you.

Where do they rent to live? - here.

The cooking is with leña (wood)

The old motorcycle, no longer working

There children and the porch of there home.

The kitchen inside.

Jan 2008
There is great news, the childrens program is growing!

January 6, 2008
My wife and I with them (far right)

Watching movies with them
They have never seen movies, or much less a movie theater, this is as close as they will get.
Thank youRoberto Diaz y Mariel diaz for the donation!

Showing the movie "The Passion of Christ"
We donated the movie to the pastors in our 2007 trip.
He took that movie to homes that have never seen it.
In Jan 2008 My wife and I visited with them this same home. It was the longest, toughest walk of my entire life.
2 hrs scaling a mountain to reach these families!

..::: Videos :::..

VIDEOS

Videos de Colombia

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