The trip to Colombia was intense, busy, and tiring. The 11-day trip included nine days in Colombia (seven full days plus partial days at the beginning and end of the trip). Roberto and I preached every night for seven consecutive nights, visiting four different congregations. The people are hungering and thirsting for the word of God–the sessions each evening included two sermons as we both preached and taught, and people lingered afterward to ask questions, visit, and share the special opportunities for fellowship.
I also had the privilege of preaching on Sunday morning–there were about 160 adults present plus the children. Along the way, we spent about 20 hours during the week in presenting classes and Bible studies.
The desire and commitment of the Christians is impressive. After our late Monday evening arrival and extended conversation over a late dinner of chicken and fried bananas (with pan de bono–a delicious cheese bread), the next morning 8 members of a local congregations arrived at the house at 7:00 AM for Bible study. We studied until noon–sharing bread and coffee as we studied without breaks. (The majority of those present had to take off work to participate in the study.) A preacher and his wife, along with two other preachers, traveled 12 hours by bus from southern Colombia and northern Ecuador to be with us on Thursday through Sunday. I studied through Titus with them, along we were unable to finish the book in the time we had available. Another brother traveled from Bogota to share in the studies and find refreshment in the preaching and teaching.
I will include a more detailed report in my October newsletter which should be available and linked from the front page of the website by the last week of September. This report will give a detailed account of activities along with reflections concerning the need and opportunities for leadership training in Latin America.