Thank you for your prayers concerning my mission trip to Medellin, Colombia.
As you read the highlights of the trip below please keep in mind the following biblical truths:
- God is glorified when the gospel is shared regardless of whether people receive it or reject it.
- When someone repents and believes the gospel all the glory goes to God.
- I can report that over 320 people professed faith in Christ. Only God knows whether people did in fact repent and trust in Christ.
- No one is saved by saying the “sinner’s prayer.” People are saved if they repent and believe.
Saturday, Sept. 17 - A day of travel. On the flight I sat next to a Colombian man with whom I shared the gospel.
Sunday, Sept. 18 - We worshipped at a Colombian church.
Monday, Sept. 19 - I shared my testimony with three men in their 20’s. They were trying to figure out life. I shared the gospel. I asked them if they were ready to repent and trust in Christ. They said yes. The local person helped them communicate this to God in prayer, as they did with all who said they were ready to repent and believe.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 - I shared my testimony with a man who had a medical device on his throat to help him speak. He listened to my testimony and the gospel. I asked him if he was ready to repent and trust in Christ. He said yes.
Wednesday, Sept. 21 – I shared my testimony and the gospel with a woman going through difficult times. She listened to my testimony and the gospel. I asked her if she was ready to repent and trust in Christ. She said yes. She later told us that earlier that day she had prayed to God for help. She said God sent an American to share the gospel. She thanked us over and over for sharing hope with her.
Thursday, Sept. 22 – All of the pastors we worked with informed the gangs we would be doing evangelism. This served to protect us. I never felt unsafe. The pastor had me share my testimony with five gang members outside. It reeked of pot and they were drinking. We asked permission to share. I shared my testimony and got about half way through the gospel when a couple of them walked away. Yet, two stayed, listening very intently. I asked them if they were ready to repent and trust in Christ. They said yes. They thanked me sincerely, and we shook hands. They wanted Bibles, which we gave them.
A younger woman invited us into her home. I shared my testimony and the gospel. I asked her if she was ready to repent and trust in Christ. She said yes. Later that day we ran into her mother who attends the local church. She told us her daughter had called her crying and praising God that he had sent an American to share the gospel. She told her mom this was the first time she understood the gospel.
Friday, Sept. 23 – Friday was set aside for sightseeing. We all packed into a small van on a trip with a tour guide, a Colombian who spoke English. He heard us sharing the wonderful things God had done during the week. Later we took a boat ride. The gospel was shared, and he professed faith in Christ.
Saturday, Sept. 24 – A day of travel. I loved my time in Colombia, but I also dearly missed my wife and girls. On the plane I sat next to an African American gentleman. After some conversation, I asked how he believes a person gets to heaven. He gave a solid biblical answer. We had a wonderful Christian fellowship.
There were many, many more highlights as multiple people professed faith in Christ each day. As mentioned, our nine teams combined had over 320 profess faith in Christ.
I was so blessed to spend time with the missions team and my Columbian brothers and sisters in Christ. And I was so blessed to see our great, awesome and sovereign God at work.
Half of my trip was paid for through missions giving at LifePoint. So, you can see that missions dollars are being put to good use.
Thank you again for all of your prayers! If you have any other questions about the trip or have interest in a mission trip to Colombia please contact me.
Blessings,
Pastor Tony
