Sharing the Gospel at a Spanish speech tournament

ECA had the opportunity to send a couple students from each grade to a Spanish speech tournament held at a local k-12 school. Marlayna (and Elleazah) had the opportunity to go with the students to the school to compete. Many of the students had a sermon or devotional prepared to share with the other students in the room which they were competing against, as well as the judges who were ranking the presentations.  It was very encouraging to see the boldness in which the students presented, not only with public speaking, asking the group to pray prior to presenting, and then speaking God’s word without wavering.  These students used a speech completion as a platform in which to share God’s truth to their community. Praise God for such an opportunity to scatter the seeds of truth in this city.

Staff Retreat

This past weekend, we went on the all staff retreat to a ‘resort’ about an hour outside the city.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship, encouragement from the different speakers, and relaxation. Plus it was nice to just get out of the city, the noise, pollution, and daily grind of Bogota for just a couple days. We thank God for the opportunity to go on the retreat.

While on the retreat, we had taken a personality test and then discussed with some the people we work with about our tendencies (strengths, weaknesses) in hopes to improve unity and communication among the staff. Often times in a close, multi- cultural community such as ours (a Christian, American school culture within another culture) feelings are often hurt unintentionally. This was the first time the school board decided that everyone who worked at the school needed to go on this retreat together. With everyone present, the speakers spoke about Biblical methods of reconciliation to prevent disunity amongst the staff and for reconciliation to take place between staff members whose relationships have been fractured.  We also heard about the importance of encouragement rather than having a critical attitude, which was a great reminder for us. We often find it easier to point out what WE think is wrong rather than finding the good in others.

During the couple hours of free time we had, we walked the campus, played a little volleyball with some of the ECA staff and went swimming in the pool.  At first, Elleazah didn’t like the cold pool water, but once we sat still and let the shallow water around us heat up (due to our body heat), she enjoyed the water, which is a praise! Elleazah doesn’t have many opportunities to sit in water, we have a small shower at our apartment and her “tub” is the equivalent of a shallow sink.

The weekend was wonderful and relaxing.

Ministry Outreach

As we work with the Junior class, we have been able to talk with some of the students about the outreach ministry they had chosen to minister to throughout their high school years.  We have found that some of the students are excited about the ministry, and other are less than excited.  The ministry involves serving and loving on children in an orphanage with significant special health needs (as in some are unable to move, eat, or care for themselves without assistance.)

Two weeks ago, we were scheduled to serve at the orphanage but due to a miscommunication regarding transportation, we were unable to make it out to the orphanage.  So, we rescheduled for two weeks later (this weekend), only for the time to be canceled again.  I find it a little disappointing that we have yet to have a service project day and we are 6 weeks into the school year but realize God already knew the scheduling, it is not a surprise to Him, and His plan is perfect. Maybe God knew that we have had some rather busy weeks and now that we are not going to the orphanage this weekend, we may have a more relaxing weekend to be refreshed. Or, maybe He is giving us leaders an opportunity to have intentional conversations with those that are less enthusiastic about serving “those kids.” Sadly, some of the students are not wanting to go to the orphanage because it is too sad to see “those kids” who are not only unwanted but are outcasts due to their medical needs.  Some students say that they never have to interact with such needy and unresponsive kids during regular day because they are not out in society.  Such reasons to not go to the orphanage break my heart.  After all, Jesus spent significant time with those who were considered outcasts.

Please be praying for us as we continue to prepare to go to the orphanage and talk with the students, so that they will have ears to hear and hearts sensitive to the Holy Spirit and God’s love for “those kids.”

Progressive Dinner

As mentioned in a previous post, we have had some busy weekends.  The next two weekends are no exception.  But first,  I will go back share a little about last weekend.

The progressive dinner went well, praise God!  For appetizers, I had three girls help me prepare a starter food.  We took green platanos (plantines), shredded them, packed the shredded fruit into a golf ball sized sphere (flattened some of them) and then fried them.  We added a little salt and they were ready to eat, either dipping it into ketchup, mayo, or sprinkle with cheese.  They taste similar to hash browns. It was a simple but yummy treat.  Another great aspect of preparing this appetizer is that it gave us time to talk. As we shredded, packed and fried the fruit, I was able to talk with each of the girls, Laura, Natalie, and Camie. I learned a bit about their home life, school life, things they are excited about with the school year, and some of the struggles of being a junior.  From past experience, I have found some of the sweetest times of fellowship and discipleship have come in the kitchen.  I thank God for those times of encouragement and growth in my life and I pray that I may be used in a similar way (as Titus 2 explains).

After the rest of the Junior girls came over and inhaled our starter, we headed off to the main meal (pasta) with some amazing local fruit made into juice.  I love all the fruit here and variety of juice that can be made.  While talking with one of the girls about all the fruit for juice, she seemed rather impartial about the variety. I suppose it is something she has grown up with and doesn’t know much different compared to the idea of ‘seasonal fruit’ I am used to from the States.

Then we were off to dessert, we had a layered cake with pudding, ‘cool whip’,  ‘gram crackers’, and chocolate… very tasty.  I learned that Colombians have a sweet  tooth, but it is not for sweet, sweet things, only a soft, or mild sweet treat (sweet intensity of jell-o, or pudding). Plus, they always eat their dessert with a spoon.  We also started to discuss our end of the year service project, which is a long weekend we will take in May to “high- need” community to work in a school or orphanage.

Over all, the evening was a sweet time of fellowship as we kicked off the new school year!  Please continue to pray for us as we interact with this class and that discipleship will be fruitful.

Meeting Discipleship Students

We have met the students we will be discipling this year! We have had our first small group with the 11^th graders (Steve with the boys, Marlayna with the girls). It was more of an introduction and an overview of the year.  The students were receptive to the book study and prayer meetings we have proposed.  The girls even have their first out- of- school activity planned: a progressive dinner! Yummm!  What student doesn’t like food and fellowship! If you make food, they will come, right?! However, I do not plan on making any food, in fact, my plan is to learn from the girls on how to make Colombian appetizers. So, the plan for the evening is to have the 11^th grade girls split into three groups, each group lead by a different leader. Each group is responsible for a different part of the meal: appetizer, main entre, and dessert! Once the meal is to begin, the girls will all come to my home where my group will serve the appetizer, then we will walk to the next leader’s home (across the street) for the main entre and more fellowship, lastly, we walk a few blocks to the third home for the dessert!  So stay tuned to hear how the evening turned out! 

We also had our first Student Spiritual Leadership Team meeting (SSLT), which is the group of high school students who are systematically and experientially learning how to develop disciple-makers. Again, it was very introductory, setting a base of expectations for the year.  We also set up times in with our student, who we will be meeting one- on- one to pray and discuss matters of need.  The students we meet with are going to be, in turn, meeting with and discipling an underclassman. Please be praying for us and these relationships, specifically that we will connect with the students and spur each other on toward love and good deeds!

Living in a Cultural Catholic country.

We just finished reading a book called Holy Ground by Chris Castaldo, which explains the Catholic faith, different “types” of Catholics (cultural, traditional, and evangelical), and how to talk with Catholics about Jesus and our faith. Building relationships is a key point in this book. The book was an excellent read and very applicable to us in this culture because there are many cultural Catholics.  In fact, it was so relevant to us that in one of our morning meeting, for spiritual / professional development, the Chaplin at the school led a meeting on cultural sensitivity. It was interesting to hear how some of the Colombian believers (whom some are former Catholics) choose to live their life in this cultural Catholic country.  For instance, is it acceptable during worship to bless yourself with the cross symbol (touching the forehead, chest, shoulder, shoulder), or to raise your hands while singing? How about during free time, what types of movies are acceptable to watch, music to listen to, or drink any/ certain types of alcohol? What types of clothes are appropriate for swimming? How about body piercing or tattoo? The Colombian Christians are very conservative.  We, personally, are rather conservative as well, though the American staff here has a broad spectrum.  These issues caused us to really consider how we, as Americans, will be viewed and judged by the local people based on our outward appearance or actions. We are called to live in the world, but not of the world; we are to be a light to the lost. We are also called to be respectful of our brothers and sisters in Christ and their convictions as we interact with them and not do anything that would cause them to stumble. So this also leads us consider all the more our choices in our daily life. Our desire is to live above reproach, which is a challenge we received from the meeting, so that the light of Christ will be made evident through our relationships with students, staff, and the community at large.

Building Relationships and Routines.

Building Relationships.

While we were in Prado with a family from the school, the two students indicated the desire to learn to swing dance.  We mentioned that we had learned to swing dance during our college years and would be open to teach them some of the basics steps.  We set up a time for them to invite their friends over to our place to learn the basic steps.  Six students came, some were graduates of ECA, and the others were current students at ECA. We spent two and a half hours with them, teaching the basic steps with some turns.  In between the dance instruction, we also sat and talked as we ate popcorn and drank Kool-Aid (which we had brought with us from the states- a treat for the students!). It was fun evening getting to know some of the students outside the school setting. They enjoyed their time as well and asked to come back and continue to practice. We said, “Sure!” We are looking for every opportunity in which we can build natural relationships with the youth in hopes to encourage and foster spiritual growth with our heavenly Father.

Getting into a routine

The school year has started for El Camino, and we are trying to get into a routine: Steve wakes up at 5:30am, out the door at 6:12 to catch the school van at 6:25am (also true for Marlayna and Elleazah if they need to be at the school early in the morning).  Steve arrives at school at about 6:40 and begins his days… he will share more about his days in a future post. Meanwhile, Elleazah and Marlayna begin their day at home, which is a bit different every day. But two days a week, they need to shop for produce at the local market where there is a different store front for the different types of product.  On one particular day, Marlayna was planning on making tacos for dinner. So, it is off to the market for ingredients, plus a few additional items. Marlayna and Elleazah have their shopping routine. First they stop and buy fruits and vegetables.  We also like to try a new fruit with each shopping day. The workers are starting to recognize Marlayna and Elleazah, after all how many “gringos” (Americans) come with a baby strapped in a Bjorn carrier to shop?  The workers love to see Elleazah and give her special attention as they coo at her. Communication can be difficult due to the language barrier, but Marlayna tries her best at Spanish to hopefully build a relationship with the employees. After the fruits and veggies, they head to the panadaria for some fresh bread rolls that are often eaten for breakfast (something to quickly grab and go) as well as for dinner. Next is meat from the butcher, and then to bargain a price for some avocados from a guy selling them from a cart on the street (always interesting with such little Spanish knowledge).  With the shopping routine complete, the tortillas were missing for the meal that night.  Not knowing where to purchase the tortillas, Marlayna and Elleazah started to window shop. When a store looked like it could have tortillas, they would poke their head in, look around for a moment, and with as much confidence that could be mustered, Marlayna would ask in her broken Spanish, while using hand movements as if playing a game of charades, to ask if they had tortillas.   Responses ranged from a confused look to one lady pulling out lady’s razor for shaving, thinking that was what was needed. Ohhhh… eventually Marlayna spotted a bag of tortillas hanging in a store. Later Marlayna learned the correct pronunciation for “tortillas.” First problem was that the first “T” sound was not hard and clear, plus the “ll” makes more of a “j” sound here in Colombia, not a “ya” sound that we have learned.  Lost in pronunciation. It was our first good giggle (being offered the razors), and I’m sure it will not be our last laugh as we learn and grow in this new culture.