Bogotá, Colombia 2010
March 26 - April 2

 “I am lost and undone, for I have seen the King.”

      •  12 Team Members
      •  3-Day Youth Conference: Extreme Fire III
      •  Regional Evangelism
      •  Ministering in Churches
      •  Sharing at a Foundation

You can never get to Bogotá before 9:00 PM, no matter how early you leave Michigan.  It had been nearly two years since we did the first Extreme Fire for Iglesia Cristiana de Colombia with Senior Pastor John Romick.  To be honest, since recovering from a parasitic infestation I contracted in Cambodia, I felt like a rider who had fallen off her horse.  Could I really ride once again with my God on this journey?

The team and I arrived at the brand new dorms in Pastor John’s church building late Friday night.  Just two years earlier, this plot of land was nothing but a scrubby lot.  It was now evident that we were walking on holy ground.  I could not keep the tears from falling; I was overwhelmed with the realization that we were surrounded by the fruit of the untold many who had gone before us.  Once the first sunrise arrived and I saw everything in the fresh light of day, I was again taken aback by this magnificent building.  Pastor John's vision for the continent of South America had never been more evident to me.

Our first two days were crammed with setup, rehearsing, unpacking, organizing, inviting, street drama, cleaning, lighting, preaching, constructing, and decorating.  I had the honor of preaching in Pastor John’s church, and two other team members took small teams to other affiliate churches.  Between the three of us preaching on Sunday morning, we witnessed over 77 salvations and over 100 recommitments.  This was only day two!

On Monday morning, we kicked off the youth conference.  We were informed that many students were there for the first time and a salvation call was encouraged.  The altar was once again filled.  Each morning we spoke about relationships and every session was uniquely powerful.  The evenings included diverse Christian bands who ministered powerfully through music.  Ear plugs were encouraged due to the intense spiritual worship…ja-ja-ja!

The first night we spoke about breaking out of the box.  The team set the stage with an incredible drama.  Once again, the altar was filled with young people receiving salvation.  From there, we all made a dramatic jump out of our own personal, self-imposed boxes.  As I jumped off the stage, there was an outbreak of the Holy Spirit. 

On Tuesday evening, the team opened up with a dramatic painting drama that left the crowd breathless with the face of Jesus.  I ministered on the absolute necessity of the Holy Spirit to live this life He has called us to.  An invitation was given to receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit and throngs of students stepped forward without hesitation.

On the final evening, the youth were able to hear their very own John David minister a message that paralleled the movie 300.  After we were challenged with his inspiring message, we chanted, sang, danced, and declared that it’s our turn to shine.  We were born for such a time as this.  Here we are, God, shake our nations!  (lyrics from "The Anthem" by Jake Hamilton)

Our time in Bogotá was far from completed.  From the youth conference, we travelled to two different cities where we did street evangelism and invited people to an evening service where we shared the Word of God through song, drama, and preaching.  We also had the privilege of ministering at a foundation whose focus is on young men who are trying to overcome addictions.  What a precious afternoon that was!!  Oh, how we were all touched through the love that was heavy upon that place!  To top off the trip, we participated in Pastor John’s Good Friday service; it truly was the sprinkles on top of an already sweet adventure.

As always, time in Colombia slips through our hands like sand.  Each day holds a new perspective of God, and a new friend is found at every turn.  We are never ready to leave and find that while we came to pour ourselves out, our hearts have only been more filled.  We count it an honor to be given the opportunity to serve alongside so many precious people; our lives are richer because of their presence!

Gripped with His purpose,
Jodie