The month of February has been one of the most opportunity-filled months since coming to Colombia. God continues to fill me with His Spirit and make me more aware of His presence and work in my life. I am excited for what God will do in and through me and for the surprises He continues to give. God has chosen to extend His grace and favor upon me to empower me to make a difference for Him.
PE and ECA Update
PE classes continue to go well. It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the third quarter. I am currently teaching the 5th-12th grade girls soccer, the 3rd-4th graders American football, and the 2nd graders Ultimate. The middle and high school soccer tournaments during lunches have been the highlight of this quarter. I am definitely getting a lot of practice officiating soccer games. It’s been fun for the guys’ staff team to play against the guys in high school. We are currently 2-2-1 and are in 3rd place out of five teams. The top two teams will play for the championship in each tournament. The school just finished building the third floor, so everyone is excited about using the new rooms and classrooms. ECA also just started accepting new teachers for next school year.
Divine Appointments
God has given several amazing divine appointments during the past several months. One in particular happened about three weeks ago as I was coming home from church. As I was standing in line to put money on my bus card, a guy asked if he could use my card to get through. He then started talking to me in English and he said it was so nice to actually have a conversation with a gringo because most don’t want to talk. He said he a bit of a hangover from the night before. I told him I wanted to learn Spanish so that I can have deeper conversations with others and share Christ and the gospel. As we talked a bit longer, he asked me what the message was that I wanted to share. I then shared the gospel (some in Spanish, some in English) with him. He told me the things I was telling him were so different than what he’s heard all his life. He said he felt a peace in his heart as I talked to him and that he felt like he wanted to cry. He told me now he had a decision to make. I have not seen him since that day, but I know it was no coincidence. It was certainly a surprise I didn’t see coming that day.
Open Doors
I have recently had some really cool opportunities here in Bogotá. One highlight was attending the high school retreat recently as a small group leader for 11th grade. I was chosen to be the lead-off speaker for the retreat. I got to share my testimony, what God has been doing in my life, and challenge the students in their walk with Him. God did some amazing things during our last small group discussion as the Holy Spirit was changing hearts and bringing repentance. I feel an even better connection with the students now. Last month I also got to speak in staff chapel about some stories God is working in my life. A few days ago I got to be the guest English speaker for an English class at a Jewish church. I was asked a lot of questions and even asked questions to help the people practice their English skills. Another awesome experience has been playing in a soccer tournament for churches in Bogotá. I have been attending a Spanish church part-time called City Harvest. It has been great to play with other guys from the church and just have some experience playing soccer at a nice facility. Our team is now 1-1 in the tournament.
Growing in Faith
Through all of these awesome experiences I am growing a ton in my faith and trust in the Lord. I know who I am in Christ and who God is. Because I belong to Christ I am completely forgiven and free. There is no condemnation. I am free to fail and take risks. I can be bold and confident because the Almighty God dwells inside of me. I have nothing to fear, so I can speak Truth and be obedient. All things are possible for him who believes.
God can definitely use a gringo to transform Colombia and Latin America, and I am expecting Him to do so. As I go places, I can feel God’s presence and protection surrounding me. The End Times area quickly coming upon us as we can see from the many different events and persecutions around the world. The time of harvest is now. I love the passage in Matthew 10 where Jesus sends out His disciples with authority to preach, raise the dead, heal the sick, etc. I want to be a part of this. I am excited to see how God continues to use me to bring others to Him.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
En Cristo,
Jonathan
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor isn’t in vain.” – 1 Cor. 15:58
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; don’t be scared or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
PE and ECA Update
PE classes continue to go well. It’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in the third quarter. I am currently teaching the 5th-12th grade girls soccer, the 3rd-4th graders American football, and the 2nd graders Ultimate. The middle and high school soccer tournaments during lunches have been the highlight of this quarter. I am definitely getting a lot of practice officiating soccer games. It’s been fun for the guys’ staff team to play against the guys in high school. We are currently 2-2-1 and are in 3rd place out of five teams. The top two teams will play for the championship in each tournament. The school just finished building the third floor, so everyone is excited about using the new rooms and classrooms. ECA also just started accepting new teachers for next school year.
Divine Appointments
God has given several amazing divine appointments during the past several months. One in particular happened about three weeks ago as I was coming home from church. As I was standing in line to put money on my bus card, a guy asked if he could use my card to get through. He then started talking to me in English and he said it was so nice to actually have a conversation with a gringo because most don’t want to talk. He said he a bit of a hangover from the night before. I told him I wanted to learn Spanish so that I can have deeper conversations with others and share Christ and the gospel. As we talked a bit longer, he asked me what the message was that I wanted to share. I then shared the gospel (some in Spanish, some in English) with him. He told me the things I was telling him were so different than what he’s heard all his life. He said he felt a peace in his heart as I talked to him and that he felt like he wanted to cry. He told me now he had a decision to make. I have not seen him since that day, but I know it was no coincidence. It was certainly a surprise I didn’t see coming that day.
Open Doors
I have recently had some really cool opportunities here in Bogotá. One highlight was attending the high school retreat recently as a small group leader for 11th grade. I was chosen to be the lead-off speaker for the retreat. I got to share my testimony, what God has been doing in my life, and challenge the students in their walk with Him. God did some amazing things during our last small group discussion as the Holy Spirit was changing hearts and bringing repentance. I feel an even better connection with the students now. Last month I also got to speak in staff chapel about some stories God is working in my life. A few days ago I got to be the guest English speaker for an English class at a Jewish church. I was asked a lot of questions and even asked questions to help the people practice their English skills. Another awesome experience has been playing in a soccer tournament for churches in Bogotá. I have been attending a Spanish church part-time called City Harvest. It has been great to play with other guys from the church and just have some experience playing soccer at a nice facility. Our team is now 1-1 in the tournament.
Growing in Faith
Through all of these awesome experiences I am growing a ton in my faith and trust in the Lord. I know who I am in Christ and who God is. Because I belong to Christ I am completely forgiven and free. There is no condemnation. I am free to fail and take risks. I can be bold and confident because the Almighty God dwells inside of me. I have nothing to fear, so I can speak Truth and be obedient. All things are possible for him who believes.
God can definitely use a gringo to transform Colombia and Latin America, and I am expecting Him to do so. As I go places, I can feel God’s presence and protection surrounding me. The End Times area quickly coming upon us as we can see from the many different events and persecutions around the world. The time of harvest is now. I love the passage in Matthew 10 where Jesus sends out His disciples with authority to preach, raise the dead, heal the sick, etc. I want to be a part of this. I am excited to see how God continues to use me to bring others to Him.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
En Cristo,
Jonathan
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor isn’t in vain.” – 1 Cor. 15:58
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous; don’t be scared or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9