“Vision and Gift of Presence” Colombia 2024
We invite you to join us on a “Vision and Gift of Presence” mission trip to Colombia in late May and early June 2024. Colombia is a country inhabited by warm and wonderful people often living in desperate circumstances. This trip is divided into two one-week sessions, with the first week visiting the coastal cities of Cartagena and Barranquilla, and the second visiting Bogota and nearby areas. During both weeks we will visit and work with various institutions and facilities that support individuals, families, and children. You will have the opportunity to develop friendships and build relationships with many of these people; truly a two-way blessing! You will visit schools, a community development center, and a basic skills training facility. You will participate in school and home visits which will allow you to see and understand the conditions from which these beautiful children come. During week two (in Bogota), you will visit a children’s home and an orphanage. These trips are intentionally designed to help participants begin to see needs existing in a variety of situations and environments. It is then for the Holy Spirit to direct and convict each participant individually.
Trip Costs and Air Travel:
The total cost for the trip, excluding airfare, is currently estimated at $1,250/person/week, which includes meals, lodging, and transportation while in Colombia. Airfare from Bush International Airport in Houston (IAH) to Bogota (BOG) is at the participant’s expense. Currently, United Airlines flights are listed to cost $1,000-$1,500. Participants may also choose to fly Spirit Airlines, connecting through Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, as these fares are usually lower. The recommended direct United flight is #207, leaving on Saturday afternoons June 3rd and 10th. Flight time is about 5 hours. The recommended return is United flight #206, the red-eye flight departing Bogota on Sunday morning June 11th and 18th. The recommended Spirit flight through Orlando leaves IAH early in the morning on June 3rd and 10th with a scheduled arrival in the early afternoon. The return leaves early afternoon from BOG and arrives at IAH in the early evening on June 10th and 17th. Please note fares and schedules are subject to change, so participants are encouraged to check fares and book early. You will need a passport!
Trip Objectives:
There are multiple objectives for this trip, largely dependent upon one’s previous experience on the mission field in Colombia:
Introduce new American missionaries to the foreign mission field. This is the “vision” part of the experience, where participants are introduced to new experiences, see and understand other people’s needs, and have the opportunity to interact with people from other countries and cultures.
Allow veterans to renew their passion for Colombian missions and reestablish relationships with residents, staff, and associates living and working in Colombia.
Serve as ambassadors of the United States, but more importantly, of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people we meet. This is, in part, the “gift of presence” aspect, coming not as superiors but as humble equals seeking to help, not hurt.
Interact and work with Colombians from various churches and institutions to further the objective of aiding families, children, and at-risk youth to assimilate and become functioning members of Colombian society.
Maintain relationships with various institutions, foundations, and churches.
A contingent of participants will also provide Christian apologetics training for students of Conviventia’s God is Love schools before they graduate from secondary school.
While the trip is cosponsored and supported by Conviventia, we work closely with and will introduce you to these other foundations:
- Nina Maria
- Asociacion Hogar Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn Home)
- Lifeline Children’s Services.
We also anticipate visiting another orphanage/children’s home near Bogota.
This trip is open to participation by any interested person. We would love for you to join us and hope you prayerfully consider this opportunity.
For additional information you may contact:
Dave Beach
(618) 980-5965
limestoneridge.landcattle@gmail.com
Curt Marusik
(713) 320-6547
crmarusi@gmail.com