Update from our Missionaries
Here’s an update from the Isaza’s
THANK YOU, FRIENDS!
Thank you for joining us in prayer each month as we come before God to celebrate the good and bring before him the difficult and complex circumstances of life and ministry. This past month has been filled with a certain level of anxiety and sadness as Colombia has experienced an increase in Covid infections and deaths, hospitals have been on red alert, 3-day quarantines have been enforced every weekend, with nightly curfews and restrictions on what days we can go out to do things like grocery shop. In the midst of this, there has also been social unrest in the country in response to different legislation being proposed that would negatively affect the poor, working, and middle classes. While many protests have been peaceful, violence has also broken out and it's heartbreaking.
In light of this, we pretty much have been staying put and haven't left our house except for an occasional walk or trip to the grocery store. Our boys once again have transitioned gracefully to online learning and we love to see the creative projects they get to work on that give them a break from the computer screen.
So once again we ask you to join us in prayer, for our family, our team, the Covenant Church of Colombia, and the country of Colombia. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Philippians 4:6
Prayer Requests
PRAYER REQUESTS AND PRAISES
Pray for Colombia as it is in the third wave of the pandemic with an increase of new cases of COVID and deaths. Many cities, such as Medellin, have experienced strict restrictions during the month of April, which will most likely continue in May. Pray for the hospital workers and for the hospitals, which are full to capacity. Pray for wisdom for national and local leaders.
Praise God that 41 lay leaders from around the country are participating in the certificate course in Children's Ministry that began in April. Students participated in two modules, connecting online over the course of 3 weekends. Praise God for this opportunity through the Biblical Seminary of Colombia and for the desire of these participants to be equipped to minister with children.
Praise God for the opportunity to participate in two national gatherings during the month of April, one hosted by the National Youth Association and the other by Women's Ministries of the Covenant in Colombia. Together with the youth we worshipped, played interactive games and were challenged to be disciples who disciple others. During the time with the women we received training and tools to confront domestic violence and abuse in our context. The need is great in this area and we pray that the church will continue to live into its call to minister wholistically to the vulnerable.
Pray for Julio who will be teaching 4 different classes the month of May online. These classes are part of the certificate programs that is forming over 200 leaders in Old and New Testament and Biblical Interpretation.
Pray for the leaders of Be Peace Make Peace project who will be meeting once a week during the month of May to receive training (virtual) on conflict transformation. Julio will be teaching these sessions, so pray for him as he prepares and facilitates the teaching and discussion.
Pray for our family as we will be traveling to Minnesota to spend some time with family and engage in some self-care. We are grateful that our kids will have opportunity to be with grandma and grandpa (who had to cancel a trip here) and get a change of scenery after another month of being home-bound. Pray for safety and health.
Praise God for the donations that have come in for the "Equipping Leaders through Theological Training project." Thank you to those individuals and churches who have partnered with us in this project!
A highlight this month was that Julio was able to spend a few days with his parents, who have both been vaccinated. It was a significant time of conversation, being present, and working the land with his dad who grows corn and rice. We praise God that this visit was possible.
