"You therefore, my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Hello Everyone! First in behalf of the Canaan Community in Latin America and the United States we wish you all Happy Thanksgiving! We pray that the Lord will cover you and guide you in all things this year and the next. These last two months have been a whirlwind for us as the Lord opened doors for ministry throughout the Southern part of Colombia close to the Amazons.
The region is called the Llanos Orientales in the state of Meta, cowboy country but also a red zone where the guerrillas have been operating and devastating towns. It was a divine appointment as Ray and Florence Concepcion, my adoptive parents asked Vivian and I to be their translators in this 4 day campaign. Our first stop was Villavicencio, the capital of Meta. We arrived at the Air Force base and after about an hour were ushered into a bus to take us to the city. It was a mixture of feelings for me, there was excitement but at the same time apprehension. It was our first time in these parts precisely because of security reasons. But this really was not my concern, we knew that God had brought us there and it was time for us to be there, I was concerned about what God really wanted me to do and what exactly was His purpose. With fear and trembling I prayed for His Holy Spirit to simply lead us. What followed next was 4 days of miracles and incredible manifestations of God through the body of Christ. This continued on for the next couple more weeks. I felt I was living the book of ACTS all over again.
My body was tired and Vivian, my wife got sick but somehow the Holy Spirit equipped us to keep going. We met with pastors who had gone through what I considered hell to be there. They love their people and are working with close to no resources yet are building healthy communities. The mayor of one of the towns we visited personally picked us up and spent time with us. He had shared of the problems they are going through. This particular town is being overrun by drug dealers and the Mayor was genuinely concerned for the youth. I shared with him that the only solution to this kind of problem is a change of hearts and a transformation of the culture. The only one who can do such a thing is Jesus. What I saw were towns devastated either by drug dealers or by the guerrillas that hearts are hardened and most of them are simply trying to survive. I saw the government reaching out for help, because they could see the problem they are facing needs a God size miracle.
My most memorable moments were the towns of San Juan and Lejanias. Both towns were devastated by the guerrillas. Terrorists came and burned down some houses and closed down churches. Pastors who did not leave right away were killed and the police who put up a fight were all burned alive in a tunnel. Yet I saw two very lively churches in defiance to fear giving hope to these towns. I noticed also that the majority of the people in the church were young folks. My heart was overwhelmed with admiration of what God is doing in the hearts of these young people. I saw teen agers praying, ministering and leading in these towns.
In Lejanias particularly, I met a family of missionaries who came from the northern part of Colombia. The Lord spoke to them to leave their home and go to the town of Lejanias to reopen the church. They brought their two boys who are now 18 and 21 years old. At that time many did not understand their decision, they were called crazy and irresponsible for putting their kids in this situation. It was a time when many pastors did not even want to go to Lejanias but one thing is for sure they heard from God. What Vivian and I witnessed was a miracle of God. We ministered to this couple and their 18 year old son who stayed on to help. The majority of the congregation were children, one particular 10 year old spoke up and affirmed these missionaries saying to them that he did not have anyone and he was alone but these missionaries became parents for him and taught him how to love Jesus and have a deep understanding of Him. I saw at this moment that Vivian and I were sent there by God to refresh these valiant missionaries and pastors. We were sent to encourage these valiant children and teen agers to fight the good fight of faith. In turn God had placed in Vivian and I a fire that will never quench and a drive right now to bring the good news to those who are hurting and heartbroken even more so.
One last thing, at one moment during the long drive to Lejanias on an isolated road a man came out into the middle of the road dressed like a guerrilla. My heart began palpitating fast and I said to myself, "this is it, we will either die or get kidnapped." Vivian was sleeping in the back and I thought of her, a sense of helplessness. But at that moment when I thought my biggest fear was coming about, I surrendered to the Lord and made myself ready to face Him at last. At that moment all fears left me and a peace came about me. Abandoning myself to Christ like I have never felt before. Then the man waved us off. I breathed a sigh of relief. Whether he was simply a farmer or a guerrilla, I will never know but one thing is for sure at that moment the Lord spoke to me, "I want you to live this way from now on, as if today will be your last and warn people of My coming."
