"Divine" Smoke....hmm, in Colombia?

I'm not talking about anything illegal...this was ALL from the LORD! For Saturday, we had planned a traditional Colombian lunch for our Volunteer Team...Moto de Queso! Two of our friends were cooking outside in the outdoor "kitchen"...if you can even call it that! The smoke from the wood fire was FLOWING into the living room area where about 50 women (& a few men!) were participating in a flip-flop decoration workshop. Our eyes were watering...to the point of crying! We decided we couldn't take it any more! The only problem was that we had a group of leaders and youth outside in the patio for a sports evangelism workshop! There was no where else to go! We asked the guys if they would "find another location" so that the women could stop "crying!" haha! They went outside in search for a new location to teach...and found a woman who was willing to open up her home. After the session, she asked if they would come back...and start a house church IN her home! Wow! The smoke caused the 2nd team to make a contact with someone who's heart was definitely open to the gospel! We call that "Divine" Smoke! What a Blessing! Our Volunteer Team from Slidell flew home this morning....but they will be back! We are so excited to have formed a strategic partnership with their home church. What a blessing to have a body of believers who desire to work along side us in the ministry the Lord has called us to in Colombia. They came with servant hearts and a willingness to be flexible...and made their time with us such a blessing! They not only blessed our IMB team, but also the Colombian Leaders! We are looking forward to their return!...and to keeping up with them throughout the year! :)

This is my little buddy...he's at every craft workshop we have! I get to love on him while his mommy learns new craft ideas & how to use crafts to share Christ!

The two older girls were baptized after one of our leadership sessions. We don't always have abundant sources of fresh, or can I say even "clean" water to use. These girls were baptized in a half-filled tank of water. Little Marie wanted to be baptized with her sisters. She has accepted Christ but was so scared to be "dunked." Most Colombians can't swim and are often scared when thinking about being submerged in it! Please pray the Lord takes away their fears!