Bienvenidos a Colombia!

Just a quick post to let you know we made it to Bogota! Every person and piece of luggage is accounted for! Praise the Lord! 

We've checked in to the hotel, and the kind staff is preparing dinner for us since nothing was served on the plane (to our surprise).

We're tired and hungry but happy to be here! Thank you for praying. Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

The Team & Prayer Requests

One of the coolest things about our team is that it flies the banner of discipleship. Of the 17 people in our group, 11 of them are parents traveling with one or more of their children! Parents are to be the primary discplemakers of their kids, and how better to teach them than by following the instruction laid out in Deutronomy 6.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Check out this video from Callie Budlong that highlights her experience serving in Colombia with her dad, Keith.

As we are in the final, exciting days of packing and preparation, please begin praying for each team member by name:

BJ & Sarah Berryhill

Keith Budlong and daughter Callie

Michael & Julie Hogue

Coburn Howell and son Coby

Jana Johnson

Rick Learned and daughters Claire and Kate

David & Trish Peel and children Collin and Megan

Elizabeth Walters

PRAYER REQUESTS:

1. Final plans and preparations

2. Health of the team

3. For our families that will stay behind

4. Safety in travel and for all luggage to make it to our final destination 

5. For Gospel sharing opportunites

We will be adding to this list, so be sure to check back.

And finally, for many who are traveling with us, this is their second or third time (or more!) to be going to Colombia. Watch this video to see the faces that continue to draw them back time and time again.

 

To learn more about La Aljaba and Orphanos, the ministry that partners with them, visit www.orphanos.org/laaljabacolombia. 

Why Serve098?

Let’s break it down.

WHY…

In 9 days...

A team of 17 people are going to board a plane and fly a couple thousand (gulp!) miles south to Leticia, Colombia, South America.

In 9 days...

My husband and I are going to leave behind our two daughters who are 8 months and not quite 3 years. The very thought of this causes a tightness in my chest and a lump in my throat. I assure you I will be a basket case when it comes time to say our goodbyes. I've never left them overnight before. Don’t judge me…just someone, please, pack some Kleenex in your carry-on!

In 9 days...

I’ll give up the comforts of my own home, my country, and my language and sweat like a pig in a climate with, oh I don’t know, about 1000% humidity (Ok, maybe about 90ish%...but at that rate, it might as well be 1000.)

And I ask myself, “why?”

"Why am I leaving my girls?"

"Why did I just vaccinate myself against diseases that I thought only existed on a 6” floppy disk computer game of the Oregon Trail? (Typhoid fever…seriously, yall?!)"

"Why am I using up all of my vacation days from work, spending money from my own pocket, and raising support to cover the difference?"

Because of this…

Because I am a sinner (Rom 3:23).
Because my sin separated me from God (Is. 59:2).
Because the cost for my sin was death (Rom 6:23).
Because while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me (Rom 5:8).
Because, as a follower of Christ, I have an obligation to go (Matt. 28:18-20).


And because of him... 

And her...

  

And her...

And dozens more just like them! These children matter! They matter to the God of the Universe who so creatively designed each one of them in His image. They are special. They matter to Him...so they matter to me and to my team.

"And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belong the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." Mark 10:13-16

SERVE098…

What does that even mean? In Memphis there is a phrase we’ve embraced, “Choose901” (901 being the area code for this region). Rather than tear down, complain, and contribute to the negativity that seems to circulate our city, the idea is to promote, encourage, and edify her by choosing to participate in and support local businesses, events, communities, etc. So, get on board. Memphis has a lot to offer!

The Next Gen (student) ministry at our church has taken Choose901 a step further by participating in local mission projects that continue the movement of edifying Memphis, and they have adopted the slogan Serve901. They are following Jesus’ example laid out in Mark 10:45,

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

One of the measures our church uses to determine if we are fulfilling our Mission says, “I am taking the Gospel to the nations.” Now enters 098, the area code for Leticia, Colombia, South America. More specifically, we are partnering directly with La Aljaba, a children’s home that cares for approximately 75 abandoned or needy kids ages 5-17.

Our time at La Aljaba will consist of loving, encouraging, teaching, and discipling kids as well as some construction around their property. We will use this blog as a means to document stories, memories, pictures, and progress as well as update friends and family on our well-being (hi, mom!)

SO NOW WHAT?

Share this link with your friends and check back here for updates, prayer requests, praises, and the like. While I’ll be writing the blog, there will be thoughts, photos, and stories from everyone on the team. Thank you for loving, encouraging, and supporting us as we go!

9 days folks…

In 9 days...

Our little team of 17 will never be the same.