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| FEBRUARY 2005 | ||||
| Newsletters top | ||||
| Real Problems Real Heroes | The Best Christmas Ever | Presidents Desk | ||
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| Dear Partners of Missions... | |||
As a young tenderfoot Boy Scout on weekend patrol, my scoutmaster would ask
us, “Who’d like to be a hero?” Every boy wants to be a hero; so many hands
would go up. Then he would choose someone to fetch water or pick up
firewood. The life of a hero is not always glamorous, for sure. But
 Beth and I were
not looking for glamor when we joined the short-term team to Cartagena,
Colombia this Christmas. It was the perfect time of the year to carry the
Gospel message to a developing nation. Given the nature of our ministry,
going at Christmas made it that much more meaningful for all of us, too.As you read the other reports in this ACTION newsletter about our work in the shantytown of Villa Hermosa, realize that only a few members of our team had the ability to speak any Spanish at all. Even so, the CinA Churches opened their arms wide to welcome us and provided excellent interpreters to help us “gringos” along. The terrible living conditions in the village of Villa Hermosa were staggering. Dirt roads that flood and turn to gooey mush when it rains; homes that were no more than shacks with earth floors and no plumbing; children playing in open sewers; deep poverty everywhere that holds and presses people down. Our medical and evangelism efforts were effective and appreciated, but there remains so much more to do. |
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| Our project to build an adequate medical clinic and provide facilities for church and school will be key elements in pulling this community out of despair. Furthermore, as people are transformed by Christ, He impacts their lives in many positive ways. The many decisions for Christ from our team’s evangelistic efforts were added to the Christian outreach already underway by CinA Colombia. Now the follow-up and continuing discipleship will help build the spiritual fiber of the community. | |||
| These local team members are the "real heroes" providing comfort and aid to the needy, week in and week out. At the head of this undertaking are CinA field leader, Diego Llerena, and Doctor Mercedes Gardela who carry the vision and the heavy leadership role. Dr. Mercedes has formed a team of volunteers who work tirelessly to keep her small clinic, preschool and discipleship classes going. | |||
| So the "real heroes" are not the North American team members who gave ten days of ministry, but our Colombian brothers and sisters who are engaged full-time in sacrificing their lives for the people of Villa Hermosa. | |||
| As you plan the course of your life in 2005, can you find room for places like Villa Hermosa? Even though you may not go in person, you can team up with these “real heroes” by responding generously to the financial needs. | |||
| May God open the windows of heaven and bless you throughout this wonderful New Year! | |||
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| David W. Konold | |||
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| Real Problems Real Heroes | The Best Christmas Ever | Presidents Desk | ||
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