In June my team got to be part of a startup ministry called ‘The Bronx’. We would go the morning after Agua Panela (where we passed out this drink and bread to people) to do followup ministry. We walked around the same street with Agua Panela in thermoses and talked to people. It is a very different atmosphere in the morning. Several people are still high, but some are suffering the aftermath. They’re depressed, crying, feeling sick. It’s a rough scene. 

My team is done with our work at Ciudad Refugio, but God is still working in every life on this street. During our few months working with this ministry, we met some really beautiful people with heartbreaking stories. 

Here are some specific people you can be praying for: 

• Juan Pablo: A 14 year old boy who was in tears when speaking to us. He couldn’t stop hugging us. Every time, he promises to walk to the Foundation for recovery. Every morning he doesn’t show up. But we’re hopeful he will some day. 
• Carolina: A woman in her 30s who came to the street after a bad breakup. 
• Juan: An elder man, trying to give us gifts. 
• Rut: A woman who took drugs right in front of us. Feels a lot of shame for her position in life. 
• Junior: A 12 year boy who acts as a runner for men who sell drugs on the streets. Not interested in coming to the Foundation for recovery. Smiles the sweetest smile ever when someone says his name. 

As we walked through the street, I got emotional seeing each and every one that is struggling in that crowded place. I can see the faces of the people I know from the Foundation. They were once in the same hopeless place. They were broken, lost, and struggling. All they needed was a little hope and a little motivation. God worked a miracle in their life. 

Getting to know people at the Foundation who have gone through the recovery process, now healthy & living their lives for the Lord, is encouraging. God is working things out, even when I can’t see it. I won’t be able to see everything He is doing. I am encouraged hearing several stories of recovery and restoration. I know He has so much more for the people living and using in Medellín. 

Please pray that the Lord will shift the hearts of those on the street into seeking refuge and recovery. Pray that these people don’t give up hope, that something radical happens in their lives. The Lord is an incredible Father who doesn't give up on His children. Pray these beautiful people understand that.