H7 Story: Colombia Mission Trip Recap
On January 13, 2026, sixteen Americans departed the U.S. for Colombia to continue ministry alongside our partners in Bogotá. This trip brought together Longview Ranch Interns and FCC members from all three campuses.
FCC attendees included:
Afton: Jonathan Bowlin, Lucas Chapman, Michael Schubert, Mark Liebert, Nathan Dickerson
Greeneville: Porter Lewis
South Greene: Brennan Lyon, Simon Johnson, Sadie Dangerfield, Grant Radank, Bob Radank, Matthew Nasekos, Isaac Nasekos, and James Nasekos
Because our partnership with Colombia has become such a meaningful part of our church life, we want to share a detailed account of each day of the trip.
January 13 – Travel Day
After flight delays and long layovers, the team arrived in Bogotá around 10:00 p.m. From the airport, they traveled approximately two hours into the Andes Mountains to the camp, located at nearly 6,000 feet elevation. It was a very late night, but hearts were full of anticipation.
FCC attendees included:
Afton: Jonathan Bowlin, Lucas Chapman, Michael Schubert, Mark Liebert, Nathan Dickerson
Greeneville: Porter Lewis
South Greene: Brennan Lyon, Simon Johnson, Sadie Dangerfield, Grant Radank, Bob Radank, Matthew Nasekos, Isaac Nasekos, and James Nasekos
Because our partnership with Colombia has become such a meaningful part of our church life, we want to share a detailed account of each day of the trip.
January 13 – Travel Day
After flight delays and long layovers, the team arrived in Bogotá around 10:00 p.m. From the airport, they traveled approximately two hours into the Andes Mountains to the camp, located at nearly 6,000 feet elevation. It was a very late night, but hearts were full of anticipation.
Kids Camp
Thirty-three children attended the camp. The Longview team, along with several young Colombian adults, taught lessons on Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Each day included games, songs, skits, and other fun activities.
Despite the chilly mountain air and 60-degree “spring-like” weather, the kids even braved the icy pool! One mother shared that she saw the love of Christ clearly demonstrated through the team—especially in the way her children were showered with hugs and genuine affection.
Thirty-three children attended the camp. The Longview team, along with several young Colombian adults, taught lessons on Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Each day included games, songs, skits, and other fun activities.
Despite the chilly mountain air and 60-degree “spring-like” weather, the kids even braved the icy pool! One mother shared that she saw the love of Christ clearly demonstrated through the team—especially in the way her children were showered with hugs and genuine affection.
Theological Training
Thirty Colombian church workers and leaders participated in the theological training, representing six different churches and organizations. The training focused on two main themes: interpreting and teaching Scripture and biblical leadership.
Mark Liebert and Bob Radank delivered four lectures on interpreting and teaching the Bible, drawing from preaching and teaching resources such as Scott’s In Awe of Your Words.
Mark Liebert, Bob Radank, Michael Schubert, and Colombian pastor Diego Camargo presented twelve lectures on biblical leadership, based on Paul David Tripp’s book Lead. Each participant received a Spanish copy of the book to take home.
Throughout the sessions, participants were encouraged to ask questions and share openly.
One especially powerful moment followed a lecture on vulnerability and confession in leadership. A Colombian pastor stood and shared his testimony. He explained that he was raised as a Marxist and taught that Americans were arrogant and evil—useful only because of their money. Though he had rejected Marxism after coming to Christ, he realized he had continued to harbor deep resentment toward Americans.
Overcome with conviction, he wept openly and publicly asked the Americans present to forgive him for the hatred he had carried for most of his life. It was a profound moment of reconciliation and a living example of the truths being taught. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and many later said it was the most meaningful moment of the entire training. God’s Word truly does the work.
Some attendees were indigenous church leaders from northern Colombia who speak both their native language and Spanish. Last year, several of them recorded the lectures, returned to their villages, translated the material, and taught their people. This year, even more attended. Notably, their people received a translation of the Bible in their native language just last year, and several new churches have since been planted. Many of these pastors are new believers themselves.
When asked about needs, one pastor shared that their congregation currently meets outdoors under a large tree. Simple wooden beams would provide shade from intense heat and protection from heavy rains, which often force them to cancel services due to mud.
Throughout the week, the mission team served approximately seven pounds of coffee. Fresh pots were always available—along with snacks—to fuel long days and late-night sessions.
Thirty Colombian church workers and leaders participated in the theological training, representing six different churches and organizations. The training focused on two main themes: interpreting and teaching Scripture and biblical leadership.
Mark Liebert and Bob Radank delivered four lectures on interpreting and teaching the Bible, drawing from preaching and teaching resources such as Scott’s In Awe of Your Words.
Mark Liebert, Bob Radank, Michael Schubert, and Colombian pastor Diego Camargo presented twelve lectures on biblical leadership, based on Paul David Tripp’s book Lead. Each participant received a Spanish copy of the book to take home.
Throughout the sessions, participants were encouraged to ask questions and share openly.
One especially powerful moment followed a lecture on vulnerability and confession in leadership. A Colombian pastor stood and shared his testimony. He explained that he was raised as a Marxist and taught that Americans were arrogant and evil—useful only because of their money. Though he had rejected Marxism after coming to Christ, he realized he had continued to harbor deep resentment toward Americans.
Overcome with conviction, he wept openly and publicly asked the Americans present to forgive him for the hatred he had carried for most of his life. It was a profound moment of reconciliation and a living example of the truths being taught. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, and many later said it was the most meaningful moment of the entire training. God’s Word truly does the work.
Some attendees were indigenous church leaders from northern Colombia who speak both their native language and Spanish. Last year, several of them recorded the lectures, returned to their villages, translated the material, and taught their people. This year, even more attended. Notably, their people received a translation of the Bible in their native language just last year, and several new churches have since been planted. Many of these pastors are new believers themselves.
When asked about needs, one pastor shared that their congregation currently meets outdoors under a large tree. Simple wooden beams would provide shade from intense heat and protection from heavy rains, which often force them to cancel services due to mud.
Throughout the week, the mission team served approximately seven pounds of coffee. Fresh pots were always available—along with snacks—to fuel long days and late-night sessions.
January 18 – La Barca Church
The team attended worship at the newly established La Barca Church in Bogotá, a congregation FCC partners with to help Colombians find and follow Jesus.
Bob Radank preached from Ephesians 4:1–16, introducing the 7 Habits with an emphasis on “Serve on the Team.”
Following the service, Bob Radank, Mark Liebert, Matthew Nasekos, and retiring Pastor Omar formally ordained Diego Camargo as pastor of La Barca Church. This joyful moment marked the culmination of years of prayer and faithful labor and was witnessed by approximately 90 people. It was a privilege to publicly affirm God’s work in Diego’s life.
The day concluded with a shared meal of chicken and rice with the church family.
The team attended worship at the newly established La Barca Church in Bogotá, a congregation FCC partners with to help Colombians find and follow Jesus.
Bob Radank preached from Ephesians 4:1–16, introducing the 7 Habits with an emphasis on “Serve on the Team.”
Following the service, Bob Radank, Mark Liebert, Matthew Nasekos, and retiring Pastor Omar formally ordained Diego Camargo as pastor of La Barca Church. This joyful moment marked the culmination of years of prayer and faithful labor and was witnessed by approximately 90 people. It was a privilege to publicly affirm God’s work in Diego’s life.
The day concluded with a shared meal of chicken and rice with the church family.
January 19 – Outreach in “Panama” & Mi Casa Church
The team traveled to an impoverished mountain community called Panama, located about an hour outside Bogotá at nearly 10,000 feet elevation. This marked the fifth visit to the area, and many familiar faces welcomed the team.
One single mother shared that her daughter has ongoing health issues and that her refrigerator was completely empty when the team arrived. With tears, she described learning to trust God daily. When the team arrived with food, she saw it as clear evidence of God’s provision. She also expressed a desire to become more involved at La Barca Church, even though she has no transportation for the 45-minute journey. She is trusting God to make a way.
Another single mother described carrying her young son—who was born with crooked legs—down the mountain to reach the nearest bus for medical appointments. She shared how her faith has been growing and asked for prayer that her sons would come to know Christ.
At another home, a mother prepared empanadas for her family. After receiving groceries and Scripture encouragement, she shared that God was calling her to make difficult life changes in obedience to Him. She credited the team’s faithfulness as encouragement to walk in obedience.
That afternoon, the team traveled to the second most dangerous district in Bogotá to serve alongside Mi Casa Church, led by Pastor Jorge. Each week, this church opens its doors to serve the homeless in their neighborhood. The mission team joined them in various roles:
Clothing distribution: Each person received a full set of clothes, chosen with care and dignity.
The team traveled to an impoverished mountain community called Panama, located about an hour outside Bogotá at nearly 10,000 feet elevation. This marked the fifth visit to the area, and many familiar faces welcomed the team.
One single mother shared that her daughter has ongoing health issues and that her refrigerator was completely empty when the team arrived. With tears, she described learning to trust God daily. When the team arrived with food, she saw it as clear evidence of God’s provision. She also expressed a desire to become more involved at La Barca Church, even though she has no transportation for the 45-minute journey. She is trusting God to make a way.
Another single mother described carrying her young son—who was born with crooked legs—down the mountain to reach the nearest bus for medical appointments. She shared how her faith has been growing and asked for prayer that her sons would come to know Christ.
At another home, a mother prepared empanadas for her family. After receiving groceries and Scripture encouragement, she shared that God was calling her to make difficult life changes in obedience to Him. She credited the team’s faithfulness as encouragement to walk in obedience.
That afternoon, the team traveled to the second most dangerous district in Bogotá to serve alongside Mi Casa Church, led by Pastor Jorge. Each week, this church opens its doors to serve the homeless in their neighborhood. The mission team joined them in various roles:
Clothing distribution: Each person received a full set of clothes, chosen with care and dignity.
- Haircuts: Team members quickly learned basic haircutting skills and served many individuals.
- Showers: Some people received their first shower in months.
- Meal service: Up to 175 meals are prepared weekly and served efficiently with love.
- Medical, hair, and nail care: Trained church members provided medical attention, while women and children received grooming care.
January 20 – Homeward Bound
The team returned home with full hearts and a renewed desire to serve Jesus.
Reflections from the Team
Quotes from those we served:
The team returned home with full hearts and a renewed desire to serve Jesus.
Reflections from the Team
- Brennan Lyon: “Looking forward, there are so many opportunities in Colombia for further Gospel work. Would you pray with me that God would open doors to take the Gospel where it hasn’t yet gone?”
- Bob Radank: “Americans are so spoiled. We know little of true need. Seeing real need in Colombia gives proper perspective and deep gratitude for all God has given.”
- Mark Liebert: “Partnering with our brothers and sisters in Colombia is a powerful model of effective church planting—equipping local leaders who faithfully serve their own people.”
- Matthew Nasekos: “I’m thankful to be part of a church committed to helping people find and follow Jesus both locally and globally. These trips grow God’s people and reach the lost.”
Quotes from those we served:
- “The church once brought hurt, but God now uses it to bring healing.”
- “Please come to our village and teach us God’s Word.”
- “We have no church. Will you help us?”
- “My faith is strengthened because you came back.”
- “I prayed for food—and you showed up.”
- “These kids have never received this many hugs.”
- “Please come back.”
- “We will teach others what you taught us.”