Breaking the Silence

Well as we are ending our time in Colombia, I wanted to share with you one of the biggest things God did on this trip. I believe that more than just sharing Jesus with the people of Colombia, we taught them how to have a voice. You see in Colombian society it is not okay to talk about things like sex, pornography, sexual abuse, etc. These things are kept secret. Also, in the Colombian church, struggles with sin are not talked about. Grace is not evident in most churches. If you mess up, they might kick you out, take you off any leadership and treat you as an outcast. This BREAKS my heart. The painted smiles on faces try to mask the real pain that is inside of these people. No one will talk, no one will care, and no one will give them grace and forgiveness. If this is how they are treated, how are they supposed to believe that God will forgive them and give them grace? Most don't. Most think that God could never forgive them and that God will condemn them like the churches do. But in the few short weeks we were here, I think the number one thing we taught was grace.

EVERYONE on our team shared stories of how messed up and jacked up we are, and how GOD forgives us and loves us, AND how we love and accept others through it. Also, we shared how we still struggle even though we are Christians, and how God still gives us grace every day and how the church gives us grace. Most of the time, when we were sharing, we felt like our words were falling on deaf ears, but then after we were done, people would come up and confess things they would have NEVER confessed to anyone, simply because we were being honest and open to them. Yesterday, for example, a girl came up to us after a purity seminar and confessed that when she was little she was molested by her uncle. This secret has been tearing her apart. She told her mom, but all her mom said was to forgive him. No one cared about how she felt. Her uncle would still come over sometimes, and her mom just told her to stay away from him. She felt like she had no voice. Her mom basically ignored it. But I could see God working on her heart as she shared. She was learning to break the chains satan has over her. We just loved her and told her she was not at fault, and prayed for her. This is just one story but their were hundreds of people breaking the chains of silence that satan had over them, but simply because someone was honest and transparent, she opened up to us. I think that is the greatest thing that I have had the privilege of being apart of, breaking the chains that silence & fear have over these people. Not only that, but we shared the grace, love and forgiveness that ONLY Jesus can give them. Nothing has been more powerful.

Today was our last night and we did an event at a church, with Unite. People were worshiping and going crazy and just declaring how great God is, but really what I saw were chains being broken, walls falling down, and a great roar of noise coming from the inside of the people. Freedom, and it was loud.

It's time to open up and break the chains of silence.

-Megan Kallenbach

Wednesday #2

Wednesday

July 28, 2010
Today we did a purity seminar for girls at a public school in Bogotá. A couple of us shared our hearts in front of 60 girls about areas in which we struggled and needed God’s help. It was an awesome experience for each of us to share (sharing is really helpful for us and helps us work through the pain as well.)

After we gave an option to come and share if they were struggling with an issue or problem and wanted to talk. We were so surprised; we made a prayer circle for each girl and took time to hear her stories. We couldn’t believe what we heard. We heard stories of pain and abuse whether it was from a family member or a boyfriend. All of our hearts were broken for these girls. They simply asked, “What should I do?” Although it was difficult God gave us wisdom to answer each girl.

One girl in particular really pushed us to meet and talk with her. We ended up hearing a story of great pain and sadness. She was raped when she was 7 and again when she was 9, had witnessed her boyfriend (who was a gang member) kill at least 8 people in front of her. Her story brought many of us to tears and encouraged us to deepen our faith.

Darren, our missionary leader, led the girl in the salvation prayer. She experienced the grace of God even in her pain. Our hearts were praying along with her and encouraging her as she was accepted into our family. It was a beautiful moment on Earth and in Heaven and we were so happy to be apart of it.

With red puffy eyes we went downstairs to eat and then come back for another purity seminar later. Stephanie led two girls to Christ.

We are so thankful for our second to last day of ministry. God is finishing this race in us and we are so happy to be a part of it.

prayer

pretty much every day we pray for tons of colombians, its just a small part of our ministry, but also a huge part of what we are doing here!

I HAVE NEW SISTERS!

Wow!
That is literally all that I can say! So this morning we prepared to go to a high school but last minute we found out our team would be smaller than we expected. We had three dramas but nobody to play Jesus and we were missing the main girl in one of our dramas. On the bus ride to the school, we had to improvise and our flexibility was put to the test! Kristin was awesome and learned a drama role that she had never done before and Jason stepped up and played the role of Jesus. At the females purity seminar, God moved mountains. I did my talk on self-image and after the seminar about twenty girls came up to me all wanting to talk. They told me that they were each struggling with either an eating disorder or some sort of self destruction. Sixteen of the girls had never spoken of their struggles before today but they let their walls fall down and a healing process has started in their lives. ALSO, I got to pray with six of the girls after their decision to dedicate their lives to Christ. Pray that God will continue watering the seeds that were planted today and that these girls will have a heart after his. This trip has been so incredible and I cannot believe that it is coming to a end so soon. We are coming home with new friendships, crazy faith, and so many stories!!

Sunday afternoon in the park!

megan's first blog (:

I don't even know where to begin. This is my first time being able to get on here and write a blog. First, I want to say that this is the best opportunity that I have ever received in my life. I won't lie, I doubted myself being able to come at first, I thought it would be too hard to get the money or that I would get sick, but out of no where everything fell into place. It was unbelievable, then, time flew by like it was nothing and now we are almost through with our small journey. I am still in awe that I am even here right now, it's like a dream. God answered my prayers, I know he wanted me here, even if I get a little home sick or something comes up I just stop and think "I am changing someones life today, I can over come ANYTHING."
Everything here is amazing, I could probably type for days, and I more than likely will when I get home and make a thousands Tumblr Blogs. BUT, just to give you all a few details, God is moving so much here. People are being touched every day. I am stepping out of my shell so much. I am too happy to be here. I am realizing, that speaking is my thing, it's what I'm good at.
I went to a home for children who have AIDS, and it was so heart warming, I didn't think even once that they were any different than kids without AIDS. It made me see a lot and what I might want to do for a living, helping and caring for people.
We stayed in this beautiful home, on a farm. My goodness, I could probably just stay there for the rest of my life. The owners, were too kind to us and completely opened their hearts and arms for us and treated us like family. Yesterday was our last night staying there and we rocked it with the concert in the park we did. A whole group of young girls accepted Christ that night.
Today, we met the mayor. What a privilege, seriously. How awesome is God? I mean I am so blown away by everything. I am just falling more and more in love with Jesus Christ, which is great. I have only been with metro for less than a year and I am so pleased with this new life of mine that is giving me opportunities like this. I have been reading my bible more, praying more, this trip has really put me into place. Whoever reads this, Thank You. All of you have helped me through this and before this trip and before I even realized I wanted Christ to be this big part of my life. Obviously he knew this is where I was supposed to be, but you all helped so much! I miss you all!
sincerely, Megan Johnson!

Thank you Jesus for your presence with us.

July 23

In the morning we held the hands of so many AIDS infected children and our hearts broke for them. These children may have had parents and they may have been orphans. They were desperate for affection. Although they had AIDS, a disease that leaves them an outcast in society, they touched our hearts. Two of them had cerebal palsy as well.

One of the girls with cerebral palsy had more joy then I can express. She would love for you to hold her hands and smile at her. Each smile was a breath of fresh air to me, something that I feel is so hard for me to grasp. Each time she smiled I felt as if God reached down from heaven and filled me with joy. I loved every moment.

After that we went to a nursing home and it blessed us so much. During the program some of the elderly woman responded. Afterwards, they were so thankful for our presence that they couldn't stop kissing and hugging us. I was so blessed to love on so many elderly men and woman and see their hearts and see God's presence in their eyes. We prayed for so much healing afterwards for them. It seemed every second we turned to go another person wanted prayer.

After that we left to go back to the church for an "Alive on location." It was so special because we were working with a church in Subachoque. That night it was so much fun. The Colombians were going crazy in their worship. Many of them were jumping up and down to Tomalo (Take it All) and praising our great God. I was so surprised to see what God did. Our hearts were broken by the message and the truth in God's word. Every person on our team really got a touch from God and His beautiful grace. He really helped us with our struggles and taught us something beautiful.

When we got back to our host home we had a fun party for Kyle. We prayed for him and ate really good cake.

July 24

We went on a HUGE "WALK"(up a mountain). Our legs and feet were extremely tired but I was so happy to be a part of a team of encouragement and cheer. We went through the long, treacherous mountains of Subachoque. It was very hard but extremely beautiful. I was so thankful for this walk because we got to see a glimpse of God's beauty. In Colombia we've always been in the mountains but it was so cool to just take a hike to just look at the beauty.

Afterwards we split off to go to a concert and to a movie that we were running. What a great experience!

At the concert God's glory and majesty fell on our people. Sarah Gunter said, "I've never in my life felt the Holy Spirit more thick," and KOG said, "The Holy Spirit really moved through me there." It was so great to hear the awesome stories and things God did that night. It seemed that everyone got a taste of God's presence.

At the movie we watched a funny Christian comedian. This event had the purpose of encourging and building up families in the community. Although we couldn't understand what the commedian was saying, since it was in Spanish, we all got to share one liners about things that have hurt us in our families. God really came on us as we talked. I was so surprised to see God touch our hearts by just sharing the pain and then the healing of Christ.

July 25

Each team split up into different churches to run church services. It was so cool, KOG, Miguel, and Megan each got to preach from their heart. Each one of these churches got a taste of our heart for God.

The churches each had a sincere heart for God. It was amazing to me to be a part of such a movement in Colombia in a little local church. As we worshiped and preached and loved we each were touched by the Colombians who did the same for us. Each one of us could feel the heart and presence of a Colombian worshiper and are brought to such a place with God.

All of these little local churches are really going after Jesus and reaching their towns. I am so thankful for the encouragement they bring to our team and our hearts.

We love Colombia!

written by amber (:

Nursing Home Drama

More pictures for you all :)

This is from today when we left subachoque! The family that owned this house was so nice to us. even though we are loud, messy americans.

This is the sticky drama, but Joe broke the chair while doing it! But as they say the show must go on! They finished the drama but we were all laughing the whole time!

We are putting a little love in it and giving back massages. Our chain was like 10 people long!

KOG Blog 3

School in Subachoque

Arrival in Subachoque

ketchup mixed with mayo?

New pictures!

Hello family and friends. I know you may have been worried because we have not updated in while, but we do not have internet here. We are now in subachoque. It is so beautiful here. We are staying in a HUGE house (picture is below) and it is on a farm. As I am typing this I can hear animals outside making noise! haha! The last few days have been good. Here are some pictures for you all. I will post more too :) Love you all!

This is some delicious soup they made for us!

It was Kaitlyn's birthday and her host family had a party for her. We also celebrated it with cake earlier in the day. Yesterday was Kyle's birthday and we got a cake for him too, I don't have those pictures yet, but I'll post them when I do!

This is the house we are staying at in subachoque! It is on a farm and it is so beautiful! Everyone is enjoying the beautiful mountains!

Kog blog #2

We Miss You

Dear Family, Friends, & Metro Family,

Although we are 3,000 miles away from home and it is a busy frenzy doing the Lord's work and serving our fellow brothers and sisters, WE MISS YOU!!!

HEY MOM, I LOVE YOU! - Adam Dorband

Jason & Laura Baker sending a shout of love out to their families. All is well here. Sending our love. - Jason & Laura

I love Colombia! Sorry family I'm staying here. =] Love you all! Adios. - Kristin Fletcher

Mommy, Daddy, Olivia, Sarah, & Molly, it is beautiful here. Everything is rather new and unexplainable in a great way! I miss you... Happy Late Birthday Ea! Dad you were right... I should have taken Spanish. - Katie Anne Ledl

Dear Mommy, Jamie, Sam, & Baby D(ave), I miss you all. God is doing HUGE things and I cannot wait to tell you all about it. P.S. I may come home with some Colombian kids! - Stephanie Andrew

Dad, Mom, Rachel, Robert, Johnny, Theresa, Robbie, J III, & David. I miss you all! Love you guys! - Sarah Saenz

Dearest Andrew, you are the handsomest manliest man alive. Everyone misses you. Specially me =]! I God You. (Hunny-buns, sweetie-poo, lovey-dove... added by Katie, but Selena was thinking it =]) - Selena Protic

Mom, Dad, & Family, I miss you all so much, but God is doing awesome things here. I love you all! - Kaitlyn Rekuta

Mom, Dad, & David - Colombia is so much fun! I miss you! I cannot wait to come home and share stories. With LOVE. - Vikki Killoran

Hey Mom, Dad, & Family, I love Colombia so much. God is moving more than anyone could possibly imagine! I miss & love you! -Don Ayers

Mom, Dad, & Family, I miss you lots and I love you! God is doing awesome things in Colombia! - Melissa Martin

Hey Mom, I can't wait to see you when I get home. Hopefully I come back a new daughter and you will be kicking butt in the Biggest Loser! =] I love you times infinity, plus one! - Phyllis Maierle

Hola Faj-ah, Aunt Patty, & Family! I miss you guys so much! Can't wait to see you at the airport. I love you all, God is doing so much dude. Love always. - Clara Fritz

Hey Mom, Dad, Cassie, & Alysha - I love and miss you guys. Colombia has been amazing. My first meal was fish-head soup. LOL. - Danny Tackett

Hey Family! Guess what?! I am safe and I am teaching the son of my host family to play guitar; it's awesome. THANK YOU FOR SPANISH CLASS. Love - Emily Ferguson

Metro Family & my Family, You are all beautiful and God is doing so much through us. Thank you so much for your prayers. I love you. - Amber Lange

Hola me Amigos, keep praying for the team we love you and wish you were all here! Love - Rissa Hildebrandt

Hey Mom & Dad & Miguel! I am having a great time! it's amazing here, I love it. - Rosie Martinez

Mom, Dad, Tyler, Stephanie (ha ha), and all family, I love you so much. Thank you for your support and prayers. I miss you. XOXOXO. - Rebecca Lindsay

Hey Mom, Dad, Brandon, & Collette - I miss you guys! Colombia is great and we are doing great things! I love you. - Thomas Barnes

Metro Family & Family, I love you so much! God id changing so many lives here. Gracias for all the support! =] - Emily Belleman

Hey! I am still alive. I am having loads of fun. I love you all! My Mom's cooking is still better than Colombian food. - Aaron Gibson

Dear Katie, Levi, & Judah, all the Colombians miss you and wish you were here with us. BUT I miss you the most because I think you're the hottest. - Adam Dorband

FAMILY & FRIENDS - If your loved one did not "shout out" to you. Know that they are busy doing the Lord's work and the miss you terribly. KEEP PRAYING.

This trip is not in vain. =]

July 20 2010

Dear friends and family,
This is Selena once again (: Tonight is our last night in Suba, and I cannot imagine leaving these people with whom i have somehow had such a bond with in these past few days. It is like we have known them for so long - my host brother is truly a brother to me in my heart, and my new friends have a friendship with me that is deep, not like the average 5 day friendship.
I am writing to tell a story which has been deeply imprinted on my heart. Yesterday when the day started I was honestly a little down, but God moved so beautifully and I was truly blown away. There is a Colombian who has been with us a lot named Santiago. The first day I met him, he wanted to play guitar with me. He can sing beautifully - in English, while playing guitar which he just learned a month ago. As we have been getting to know him this week, his joy in the Lord has been so deeply evident. Yesterday he was sitting at my table during lunch. Earlier this week he had went to spend time with his family, so I asked them how they were doing. He was slightly hesitant, but he began to tell me a little bit of his story. His mom had thyroid cancer for a few years of his life. It was very difficult for their family and I imagine very trying for their faith. She went into remission for a few years. Sunday was his mom's birthday, and Monday she found out the cancer is back. As I am writing this, the words are difficult to find... I cannot imagine his pain. It was beautiful that despite the language barrier, the God within me could provide a listening ear to this hurting brother. We spoke for awhile about his family - how strong his family was through this, but how it was very hard for them. We spoke of the deep questions which broke his heart, but we also spoke of the wonderful faith he possesses. He told me he likes to sing to God when he is crying. He told me that he and his mom like to sing "I'm trading my sorrows for the joy of the Lord". For me this story was especially close to my heart because my boyfriend Andrew's mom had cancer for years. I cannot imagine the pain it caused their family - i can only see a glimpse. And also, I was born with a thyroid which was not fully formed. This part of me that I am supposed to have which I don't is what is causing such pain and hurt in the life of this family.
As a team, we laid hands on him and prayed for him and his family. The team was so very moved by his story. While we were praying, we felt with him, we questioned with him, we cried with him, and we trusted God with him. I could not explain how beautiful this time was - our team was united and deeply moved and overcome by the presence of God in the deepest of pain. After we were finished praying with him, Santiago wanted to worship - I played guitar and sang as many members of the team proclaimed who God is in our pain. So many of us were moved by this time - I honestly am trying so hard to put it to words but I cannot do justice. To see such faith amidst such ... the word pain does not do justice.... it is beautiful.
If you have made it this far into reading my blog, could you please join us in prayer for Santiago and his family? Pray for the healing of his mom, Maula. Pray for strength in this time of weakness. Pray for his faith to grow and stretch and continue. Pray that in the deepest of his questions, he would find the presence of God.
Thank you so so very much for your prayers. I want to write so much more but I have to go to the celebration service for our team (:

Bringing Jesus to public schools!

Matrix drama

Photos! Colombians like pictures (but so do we haha)

Adam's hair style is very popular here, we found 2 kids with the same style haha!

The puppet drama at Exito

The crowd watching at EXITO!

Hey Pastor J we found Zachary in Colombia! Haha not really but a look alike :)

Here we are at the park doing the You are Worthy dance! The rain held off so we could still do our presentation :)

After the womens purity seminar, several women came up for prayer. Here is Melissa praying with one of the women.