My team is currently working with an amazing organization called Ciudad Refugio in Medellín, Colombia. We have been here over a month and it’s been wonderful to see how the Lord is working in the lives of those here in Colombia and at this Foundation.
There are several different ministries happening here at the Foundation. There are men and women’s recovery programs. We host children and youth on the weekends, providing them with hot meals, lodging, and programs. There is church every Sunday on the first floor. We do house visits and park evangelism. We do elderly home visits and English classes.
On Wednesday nights we venture to a street (The Bronx) with heavy drug usage and homelessness. This street is full of hopelessness and brokenness. Everyone on this street is either selling drugs or using drugs. The heaviness is all around. This ministry is called Agua Panela.
We walk down this street and speak with people, asking if they need prayer, telling them about the Foundation. We hand out papers that have information on the Foundation and sometimes put them in their pocket so they can read it when they are sober. We provide bread and a drink called Agua Panela. People line up to get a hot drink and some bread.
We leave the street feeling heavy and thoughtful. We continue praying for those we’ve met and pray they make the walk to the Foundation to seek help.
We have had the privilege of working with some really beautiful people here. I have met so many people over the past month and a half that have been through so much. To see how the Lord has transformed lives here in a city full of hurt, has been incredible. He is bringing light to the darkness in this city.
As we continue our ministry here, I would love your prayers for the city of Medellín. Even though my team is leaving soon, there is still so much that God wants to do. Please pray that people from the Bronx will have the courage to seek recovery. Pray that children in the neighborhood will come to stay on the weekends and hear the Word of the Lord. Pray that those who don’t have homes will seek refuge here. More than anything, pray that the people of Medellín will find refuge in our Creator.
Thank you for sharing Katy ! I have a lump in my throat ! Many thoughts and prayers for you and your team ??????
Hey Katy,
So glad you are enjoying yourself through ministry to others. I understand your sadness when you come upon the conditions you mentioned. They aren’t just spotty but in a lot of the country. What will make you even more sad is when you come home to your own country and see the waste and attitude of our people. They have no idea what poor really is. Poor here is way above what they in Columbia can imagine. But in the end the measure of poor spiritually is the same. For that I do grieve, for many are lost no matter how much they have.
I pray that your team is doing well and staying healthy. Praise the Lord that God is our Protector, Provider and is a good, good God.
Hope we get to talk with you when you get home.
Miss Peggy
Love reading your updates. Praying for you, Katy, and for all these requests mentioned. Love you!
Katy, praying for you and everyone you encounter. Love reading your updates, so keep em coming 🙂 Miss you
Katy, I’m so glad you and your team have had extra time to be there. Ciudad Refugio sounds like an incredible ministry. Thank you for all you’ve accomplished in participation. Love you.
You’re doing such an amazing job Katy. In heartbreaking circumstances. I join in prayer for the child and broken people of this hurting city.