Woah! Wrapping up the first ministry week here in Medellin and I am just blown away at what God is already doing. Since my last blog, we have safely arrived in Colombia and getting settled into the place where we will be for 60 days!
Our ministry partner for the next two months is Ciudad Refugio here in Medellin, Colombia. They are a multifaceted ministry here that is really a pillar of light and hope in this community. They serve children, youth, the homeless, and so many more in the different types of work that go on.
This week has been so amazing and there have been some really intense emotions at times too. It is really hard going somewhere and connecting to people who do not speak the same language. On the flip side, it is also really beautiful to see people come together worshiping God together in different languages.
Every Saturday night there is a youth group that is put on. It is mostly made up of the youth that Ciudad picks up on the weekends and stays here at the foundation. These are youth from the surrounding communities that come here to build godly relationships and be poured into EVERY WEEKEND! Last night during the youth group our main contact Rebekah was teaching a lesson. She requested that two of us share our testimonies with the group.
Another squadmate and I shared our testimonies with the youth. This is the second time I have shared my testimony amongst my squad and there was an overwhelming sense of calm that came before sharing. Usually, I get super nervous and was not sure that mine would be super relatable to the people that I was sharing it with. Of course, God knew that it would resonate and spark the lesson we all received.
She spoke about the woman at the well. Someone who was full of shame and guilt that Jesus saw, talked to and touched. As we were reading the story, I was overcome with so many emotions. There have been so many times that I felt my sin was too great for God. That there was no way that He, someone so holy and righteous, would love someone like me. This story in the bible and the parallels I feel with my testimony of breaking the chains of shame are real.
The moment that Jesus told her that He was the Messiah she ran to tell everyone. We are all called to share the message of Jesus like this so that others may also experience God in a real moment to run and tell their people.
Today, I want to encourage you to share that bit of your story. To bring to light the parts you see as unredeemable or unlovable. These are often the areas that God uses the most to impact so many others. You are not alone. Let us all look like that woman at the well and run and tell everyone the hope and love that Jesus brings.
So excited to hear about this journey you are on and to see the woman you are becoming. Praying that God will keep you safe and healthy and that you will continue to be bold in sharing your testimony. Love you Alex.
Wow Alex I am so proud of you for stepping up and having the courage to share your story! I am so sad I missed it but I know the Lord was glorified through your openness and boldness! I am so thankful for your willingness to be used by Him in so many scenarios this week and I know he is going to continue using you in ways that may surprise you!!
We are so proud to be you aunt and uncle and your dad would be too! I am doing a study on Let go and let God. That is what I feel you have done and it is giving me encouragement to do so too. I pray for you and your group every night and ask for you to be safe and fruitful. God bless you and I look forward to your next posting.