H7 Story: Colombia Mission Trip, Part 2
Where do you begin when trying to recap a mission trip to Colombia with 22 people? Next Gen/Student Director, Travis Chapman, tried to summarize this life-changing trip when he said: “I loved watching these students and young adults serve sacrificially together, encouraging each other, and representing the gospel and FCC well. No one whined. No one argued. Everyone engaged. Watching this group be FOR Colombia and FOR each other was beautiful. I could not have asked for a better group of leaders either.”
No one whined? Seriously, that might be deserving of its own article! But, alas, while this is a good summary, each person on the trip is obviously unique. And the stories they share are as unique as they are. And so, in compiling all the reflections and emotions from various members of this group, it quickly became apparent that …
We needed more than one article to share it all. Last week was the ladies with Part I. Today we move over to the men for Part II.
We needed more than one article to share it all. Last week was the ladies with Part I. Today we move over to the men for Part II.
Tyler Brinegar
One thing that captivated me was the faithfulness of those serving in Colombia. For many of the locals we served alongside with, we had never met before, yet we bonded like family because of our unity in the gospel. One interaction I was blessed by was sitting with Oscar as we awaited our breakfast and fellowshipping over God’s word—discussing how we are one body, the Church, and each of us are His temple. It enlightens me to just how vast the scope of God’s purpose is for our lives, to be lights and ambassadors of Christ for the world.
One thing that captivated me was the faithfulness of those serving in Colombia. For many of the locals we served alongside with, we had never met before, yet we bonded like family because of our unity in the gospel. One interaction I was blessed by was sitting with Oscar as we awaited our breakfast and fellowshipping over God’s word—discussing how we are one body, the Church, and each of us are His temple. It enlightens me to just how vast the scope of God’s purpose is for our lives, to be lights and ambassadors of Christ for the world.
Benjie Morgan
This trip was something else entirely. I came in expecting to be touched by the people there and their genuine want for the Word of God, but I drastically underestimated how much it would affect me. The first couple of days in Soacha were such a joy.
The first day, I got the opportunity to serve the younger kids at the school, and they were just so excited to be able to hear from us, and I was excited to be there with them. The worship we did beforehand was so encouraging. Seeing all of the children cheering when one of the songs came on was really awesome.
The second day I helped to take down some walls in preparation for building a space for a church to meet. It was really fulfilling to be able to contribute to something that could potentially impact the community in a major way.
The next day, we went to a different school with a lot of younger kids. These kids were so proud to be able to show us their worship songs and the Bible verses they had memorized. I had a blast with them, doing things like playing musical chairs and teaching them a dance to a Forrest Frank song. I also had the opportunity to help make lunch, which allowed me a great chance to connect with some of team members like Camila and Diego.
On Friday, I helped with the ministry in Maria Paz. The genuine interest and love for the Gospel demonstrated by some of the most under-served people in a more dangerous part of the city really was awesome to see. It was a great opportunity to help people and to learn what it means to be a servant.
On Saturday and Sunday, we helped run a camp, and many of the kids were close to our age. They were a blast to hang out with, and we were able to connect with them so genuinely and so quickly that I found myself wishing we could stay and do a longer camp for them. We played all sorts of games during meal and free times and did our best to conversate despite the language barrier. They taught us a little Spanish and we taught them a little English.
On Monday, we evangelized in a park, which was a challenging experience, especially when trying to navigate the language barrier. However, many of the people we talked to were open to conversation and even shared their own faith experience with us. One lady my group had the chance to talk to was very encouraged by our efforts and thanked us for what we were doing. Going in, I knew that many wouldn't hear what we were trying to say, but all that mattered was the one person who would. But in the end, it was a lot more than one person who heard what we had to say.
All in all, this trip was life-changing. It was such a great opportunity to witness such genuine faith in people despite the conditions in which they were living. The teacher in Soacha and her husband, Oscar, were such an inspiration because of their faith and dedication to the Lord and to the children they were serving. It was amazing to be able to work with such amazing people such as Camila, Diego, Angelica, Dianna, and so many more. They really showed what it meant to live for the Lord, no matter where they were or what they were doing.
The team was also amazing. Of course, we were constantly joking around and ragging on each other, but we also were looking out for each other. Everyone was doing their best to make sure everyone else was serving the best they could. We had so many conversationa about faith, ranging anywhere from the common truths of the Gospel to the nitty gritty theological details present in the passages we read for our daily devotions. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from each other in a way that I haven't been able to before.
Lastly (and most importantly), it was evident the power that Jesus has and has demonstrated in Colombia. There were so many people dedicated to working for their communities in order to share the light of Christ with those who may not have seen it before or otherwise. Jesus is alive and is moving, and it's not hard to see as long as you're willing to look.
This trip was something else entirely. I came in expecting to be touched by the people there and their genuine want for the Word of God, but I drastically underestimated how much it would affect me. The first couple of days in Soacha were such a joy.
The first day, I got the opportunity to serve the younger kids at the school, and they were just so excited to be able to hear from us, and I was excited to be there with them. The worship we did beforehand was so encouraging. Seeing all of the children cheering when one of the songs came on was really awesome.
The second day I helped to take down some walls in preparation for building a space for a church to meet. It was really fulfilling to be able to contribute to something that could potentially impact the community in a major way.
The next day, we went to a different school with a lot of younger kids. These kids were so proud to be able to show us their worship songs and the Bible verses they had memorized. I had a blast with them, doing things like playing musical chairs and teaching them a dance to a Forrest Frank song. I also had the opportunity to help make lunch, which allowed me a great chance to connect with some of team members like Camila and Diego.
On Friday, I helped with the ministry in Maria Paz. The genuine interest and love for the Gospel demonstrated by some of the most under-served people in a more dangerous part of the city really was awesome to see. It was a great opportunity to help people and to learn what it means to be a servant.
On Saturday and Sunday, we helped run a camp, and many of the kids were close to our age. They were a blast to hang out with, and we were able to connect with them so genuinely and so quickly that I found myself wishing we could stay and do a longer camp for them. We played all sorts of games during meal and free times and did our best to conversate despite the language barrier. They taught us a little Spanish and we taught them a little English.
On Monday, we evangelized in a park, which was a challenging experience, especially when trying to navigate the language barrier. However, many of the people we talked to were open to conversation and even shared their own faith experience with us. One lady my group had the chance to talk to was very encouraged by our efforts and thanked us for what we were doing. Going in, I knew that many wouldn't hear what we were trying to say, but all that mattered was the one person who would. But in the end, it was a lot more than one person who heard what we had to say.
All in all, this trip was life-changing. It was such a great opportunity to witness such genuine faith in people despite the conditions in which they were living. The teacher in Soacha and her husband, Oscar, were such an inspiration because of their faith and dedication to the Lord and to the children they were serving. It was amazing to be able to work with such amazing people such as Camila, Diego, Angelica, Dianna, and so many more. They really showed what it meant to live for the Lord, no matter where they were or what they were doing.
The team was also amazing. Of course, we were constantly joking around and ragging on each other, but we also were looking out for each other. Everyone was doing their best to make sure everyone else was serving the best they could. We had so many conversationa about faith, ranging anywhere from the common truths of the Gospel to the nitty gritty theological details present in the passages we read for our daily devotions. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from each other in a way that I haven't been able to before.
Lastly (and most importantly), it was evident the power that Jesus has and has demonstrated in Colombia. There were so many people dedicated to working for their communities in order to share the light of Christ with those who may not have seen it before or otherwise. Jesus is alive and is moving, and it's not hard to see as long as you're willing to look.
David Bowlin, Next Steps & Young Adults Director
Upon arriving, I was struck by the need for a church in Soacha, and the ways I see God working, and the seeds being planted. The team there was passionate toward this end, and I was excited to see how we could help, as our team was also eager to serve! One of my biggest fears is that we wouldn’t be a help. That we would show up as strangers to be babysat, and only be a burden to the people of Colombia. This wasn’t the case. While there was much effort put in on both sides, the blessing of our trip was very mutual, and I truly think we were a help. We encouraged church planters, raised public awareness that it’s starting, shared the gospel with strangers, loved on children, built a playground, tore down walls, preached sermons, lead worship, conducted games, taught worship song movements, and much more. I now have a much greater understanding of what God is doing outside the States, and a grown heart to be involved. As much as I was struck with a heart for the church there, I was reminded of the great work I have the honor of engaging in each and every day at home. Oh what a great God we serve, who works great things in many places. Who brings salvation to sinners across the world! May His Kingdom be our focus today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
Upon arriving, I was struck by the need for a church in Soacha, and the ways I see God working, and the seeds being planted. The team there was passionate toward this end, and I was excited to see how we could help, as our team was also eager to serve! One of my biggest fears is that we wouldn’t be a help. That we would show up as strangers to be babysat, and only be a burden to the people of Colombia. This wasn’t the case. While there was much effort put in on both sides, the blessing of our trip was very mutual, and I truly think we were a help. We encouraged church planters, raised public awareness that it’s starting, shared the gospel with strangers, loved on children, built a playground, tore down walls, preached sermons, lead worship, conducted games, taught worship song movements, and much more. I now have a much greater understanding of what God is doing outside the States, and a grown heart to be involved. As much as I was struck with a heart for the church there, I was reminded of the great work I have the honor of engaging in each and every day at home. Oh what a great God we serve, who works great things in many places. Who brings salvation to sinners across the world! May His Kingdom be our focus today, tomorrow, and forevermore.
Tommy Staggs, Afton Campus Pastor
The best part of the trip for me was watching our group serve. I was so encouraged by the level of engagement and effort our team displayed. Most of the time, when you take a group of teenagers on a trip, even student leaders, you’ll hear some complaints — but on this trip, no matter the circumstances, I didn’t hear a single one. One night, dinner ended up being three hours late, and our students were out in the rain handing out food to the homeless. Not one asked when we were going to eat — they just served and smiled. It was unbelievable, and I loved serving alongside them.
Going in, I expected to see material poverty (and we certainly did), but what surprised me most was the spiritual poverty — a deep hunger for faithful, biblical teaching, both among church leaders and people on the street. It made me so grateful for the depth of teaching and discipleship we have at FCC, which prepared us to engage that need. I saw God use our team not just to meet physical needs, but to encourage and spiritually feed those we served.
There are so many stories I could share, but one stands out: during a community outreach in the park, the language barrier made conversation challenging and intimidating. Yet as I looked across the park, I saw our students, one group after another, praying with new friends — arms around each other, tears in many eyes. It was a beautiful picture of how God works through us even when we feel weak or out of our comfort zones. That day reminded us all to trust not in our own ability, but in God’s power to use us.
The best part of the trip for me was watching our group serve. I was so encouraged by the level of engagement and effort our team displayed. Most of the time, when you take a group of teenagers on a trip, even student leaders, you’ll hear some complaints — but on this trip, no matter the circumstances, I didn’t hear a single one. One night, dinner ended up being three hours late, and our students were out in the rain handing out food to the homeless. Not one asked when we were going to eat — they just served and smiled. It was unbelievable, and I loved serving alongside them.
Going in, I expected to see material poverty (and we certainly did), but what surprised me most was the spiritual poverty — a deep hunger for faithful, biblical teaching, both among church leaders and people on the street. It made me so grateful for the depth of teaching and discipleship we have at FCC, which prepared us to engage that need. I saw God use our team not just to meet physical needs, but to encourage and spiritually feed those we served.
There are so many stories I could share, but one stands out: during a community outreach in the park, the language barrier made conversation challenging and intimidating. Yet as I looked across the park, I saw our students, one group after another, praying with new friends — arms around each other, tears in many eyes. It was a beautiful picture of how God works through us even when we feel weak or out of our comfort zones. That day reminded us all to trust not in our own ability, but in God’s power to use us.