The first one I talked to was Zach Bewley - the pastor's son. We met him before his grade 11 year and we were there to see him graduate. We saw him change from an unsure, shy, and almost fearful boy into a confident, gracious, intelligent man. (Keep growing, Buddy.) I refer to him as one of my kids, sometimes. Jared and I always talk about the youth group from Colombia as "our kids". They will always have a special place in our hearts. I hope that they saw Jesus in us. And I hope that somehow by knowing us, they want to know their Creator more. It's been a year since we left and I still feel the pain in my heart as fresh and and as new as if it was yesterday. But I know I should be thankful for that, because that's how I know it was real. I know that I will always think of them and pray for them. They were (and I'm sure still are) so beautiful to us.
The second person I talked to was my friend, Alexandra Sinisterra. She and her husband accepted Christ shortly after we arrived. Their story is so awesome. I'll have to write about it sometime. Jared and I watched them grow from the newborniest of Christians into growing Christians who were walking with Jesus. They didn't know hardly anything, except what the Catholic schools and church had taught them (a lot of it was lies). They were so hungry and curious. I remember crying as God revealed truths about Who He Is through scripture to them in our young adult Bible studies on Wednesday nights. Those were some of the most amazing experiences I have ever had - to see them become enlightened only through the Holy Spirit. Incredible. Memories of those times will always be some of my favorite - memories about how awesome and mighty God is. He took lies and darkness and brought them into light and life and truth and peace. God strengthened them and blessed them, even though that culture is not very friendly to protestants, especially those converted from Catholicism. Their lives were such an encouragement to us. Such beautiful people and such a beautiful work of God.
The third person I talked to was my best friend, Ellen Gill. She and her husband are missionaries in Colombia. Well, "were". They are moving next week to Florida to work with the International Missions Board media center there. She was such a blessing to me, I know that I'd have to write several books about her just to scratch the surface. (Thank you, Ellen.) She called to me as I was coming out of the darkness. She helped me to know that I am lovable and that I am loved. God used her (and a few others) to heal my heart. Such an amazing blessing - a blessing that, thankfully, I still have! Only my husband has been a better friend. I never thought I'd have that kind of friend. (Thank you, Ellen.) And thank you, Jesus, for your immeasurably great gifts!
Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing gifts.
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