Hello everyone, this is Samuel Tobar. I think that the entire Santa Marta team would agree that today was a challenging day, filled with service in the middle of rough conditions. However, throughout the challenges, I can personally say that I saw God working in the community we were serving and in myself.
We spent the day working in a public school located in a vulnerable neighborhood. We quickly met a challenging climate to work in and big changes in the plans we had made over the last month or so. To top it all off, the others and I were nervous to work with children, especially the older teens. I found myself praying on the morning bus ride for God to let me see Him as He has throughout this mission trip. I really desired for the kids and teens to open their hearts and for them to be willing to cooperate with what we had worked hard to set up. I was amazed at the extent of God’s answer to this prayer.
The entire day we were met with hospitality and a welcoming nature like I’ve rarely seen before. Even though they didn’t have much, the people were willing to share what they have and support us in any way possible. The little kids were excited to learn and have fun. I was moved by the excitement of the kids when it came to prayer and learning about Christ. Even the older teens, who I was really nervous about working with, surprised me with how they were willing to cooperate with the activities and to listen when we were trying to teach or share something. In the moments where I felt unsure of how we would accomplish things, such as bond and interact with the older students, I would see God opening doors and opportunities to make the most out of serving. We were also able to bless 15 families with packages of food.
Samuel Siza (10th) and Vale Aristizabal (9th) were able to share a testimony along with a message about salvation and Christ. I pray that the kids and teens were able to take home these messages and let them positively impact their walks with Christ. We would appreciate prayers for the vulnerable communities in Santa Marta, that they may find Christ in the middle of hard times.
The team is exhausted from today’s heat and hard work, so hopefully we’ll be able to rest tonight and give our all tomorrow in the final day of service.
– Samuel Tobar
