For the last 5 weeks Katherine and I have been overseas with Voice of the Martyrs for the purpose of producing yet another Underground Reality DVD; this time in Colombia. Most of you would already be aware of this as you have been praying for us and have received updates while we’ve been away.
The support we have received from FNC and SWAC has really encouraged us as we’ve been away. You have joined with churches and families around the world in praying for this project and for the team as we were in one of the most violent and dangerous countries in the world. We cannot wait to share the many stories of God’s providence and answered prayer as we journeyed through Colombia. This was God’s trip, it was his story that we documenting and we could not have done it without his blessing, guidance and protection. So, thankyou so much for partnering with us and remembering us. The trip truly was all the more of a success because of our prayer support.
From the outside, we are really only aware of the bad things that are happening in Colombia: the violence, the drugs, the corruption, the oppression. This is the reality in Colombia, and it is heartbreaking.
What we didn’t expect was to see how powerfully God is working in this place. We saw a different side to this country that the world has given up on. We saw God working through his people to transform individual lives and slowly bring peace and justice to Colombia. And how often do we see that it is in these unexpected places that God chooses to work; in the weakest places, the most despised places. It pleases God to transform the unlovely into the glorious, as it shows his power and sovereignty so clearly.
We heard it said that Colombia is ‘magic and tragic‘. This phrase says it all. It is such a beautiful country, the people are among the most hospitable and friendly in the world, and yet it has been torn apart by violence and oppression for the last 40 years.
It is into the tragedy of Colombia that God is sending his people. They give up everything to take the gospel to the armed groups who have wreaked terror on the country and its people for too many years. These are people who we, perhaps, don’t think deserve the grace of God. Would you risk your life to share the love of God with someone who has killed your whole family?
This is what blew my mind from the trip: that people are giving up everything, and risking their lives to take the gospel to their enemies.
And I struggle to take it to my non-Christian friend next door…
There are many stories and testimonies to share. This is but a very brief overview of some of the things God is doing in the beautiful country of Colombia. Stay tuned for more, and please engage with Katherine and I about the trip. Ask us questions, invtie us over for a meal. We would love to share more!

1 Response
Josh Maule
March 4, 2008 at 10:39
1It sounds like the trip was very perspective changing. I already have been challenged even from the few snippets I heard from you Brad on Sunday. It definitely sounds like a great doco will come out of it.
“These are people who we, perhaps, don’t think deserve the grace of God” is perhaps the most confronting thing you write here. Despite knowing that God chooses to save sinners, even murders and rapists, I think all of us are sometimes unsure if this is just, or right, or fair.
“It’s OK for God to save a sinner like me, but a sinner like that.. well I don’t know if that sits well,” – we think.
If nothing else this gives us cause to consider the great news of the gospel. That it isn’t fair sinners are saved. But at the same time that it is fair because the Perfect Holy Lamb was slain in our place…
Reminds me of that song we sing:
The mystery of the cross,
I cannot comprehend,
The agonies of Calvery.
You the perfect Holy One,
Crushed your Son.
Who drank the bitter cup,
reserved for me.
What a great message. And what great news you guys bring back that many Colombians are trusting it.
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