This was my third trip to the Colombian island community of Bocachica. Proyecto Libertad is the mission based there. I have enjoyed each trip there, but this trip was special. It was special because the Lord solidified His calling in my life. I feel like a part of Proyecto Libertad and want to support it in prayer, financially, and through going and serving as He leads. I know that going every year may not be possible, but as He leads I will go. The Lord has called me to and gifted me with the gifts of service and helps. When I’m in Bocachica, I get to stretch those gifts in new ways. It is not easy to adapt with the climate, cultural and other differences, but the Lord is gracious and it happens quickly. I do however need to learn more Spanish.
Our team of 20, from Antioch Community Church, arrived safely and had a very fruitful week (thanks in no small part to your prayers and support)! We had five full days of work. We built 3 latrines and poured 4 concrete floors for families in the community. We also worked digging holes for columns that will support a wall. This will be around new property that the mission has acquired. During the evenings, we had a family and marriage conference for the people of the community. There was a great turnout and the people asked a lot of good questions. Many in the community are Christians but many are very shallow in their walk with Jesus. We hope and pray the conference along the continuing influence of the staff of Proyecto Libertad will help to deepen their walk. We also helped at the Mission’s weekly cell group (church) service. One of our team spoke and it made an impact. The children of the community are beautiful, fun and love to be with you. We had several opportunities to do crafts with them, teach, and just play with the kids.
I had a great time and was in good health for most of the trip (I was sick for a day). But this trip was good because the Lord moved me past the feelings of excitement and joy that usually happen on a trip. He really challenged me in many ways. One of the biggest I have already mentioned, the call to serve and support the mission.
I want to thank-you so much for your prayers and financial support. Your faithfulness was used by the Lord to help me go and to support the work there. Know that the Lord used you. He can do anything He needs to accomplish His will. But it is a joy for Him when you faithfully join Him in the work. That brings Him glory! If you would like to know more about the work going on in Bocachica please contact me. I would love to share more about it and help you connect directly with them. Who knows the Lord may have you go and work or support the work there. I’ve listed a couple of links below to websites. If you have access please check them out. Again thanks so much for your faithful support!
In Christ,
Geoff Gentry
My website blog about the trip(a more detailed account of each day):
http://web.mac.com/geoffgentry/Geoff_Gentrys_Journal/Colombia_2010
All the photos from my trip (only a few made it on the blog):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ggentry11/sets/72157623632344917/
Proyecto Libertad’s Website (please support them in the work):
Thank you for sharing, Jeff! What a blessing to hear and see what God did on this trip and I’m so glad for you that you felt God’s presence and heard from Him. He’s so good.
I looked at all your pictures. Thank you for blessing me.