The joke of the day is...on me!

I’m sorry I haven’t blogged in so long folks, I got kidnapped and didn’t have internet access for a few days. I had to pull a Harrison Ford move…

…OK, so I’m pulling a Jim Carey move right now with this whole story…and if you don’t get the joke, well, neither do I. However, the moral of the story is to never try to be a Jedi.

In other news, the end of last week was really awesome. We did still have two groups that met Thursday and Friday. I had the presentation for each of them, but they were very different types of groups. I wanted to prepare for them earlier in the week, but a funny thing happened. You may remember how one of the main lessons I am learning from God is about relying on Him daily? Well, He decided to take that to the next level. He told me not to prepare for the groups until the day of for each of them. I was a little worried, but in the end it was really cool. Each day He gave me a couple scriptures to use, different ones for each group. This shaped each discussion, going over the same ideas but in a very different way. It was an interesting experience for me, trusting Him like that. It was definitely worth it though. He did a way better job then I could have........................duh.

Thursday night was really cool. We ended up staying late because several of the guys just talked and talked, sharing struggles and questions they have. It was really exciting how open they were. I think those kind of discussions (ones about stuff that really matters) may be even more rare here than in the states, I don’t know. Either way, they seemed to genuinely appreciate some people just willing to listen to them and to share with them. God is so amazing, being able even to work through a gringo who likes bicycling!

The Friday morning group gave God another opportunity to remind me that the impact on people doesn’t depend on me. My little talk didn’t go very well, I struggled for words, forgot things I meant to say, etc. Quick note of counsel for those interested: Don’t assume you will be able to quickly find a particular verse in a Spanish Bible, just by knowing the general area or chapter to look in. When put on the spot in the middle of a presentation, Spanish words all look the same. I promise. They all say: Necio, Necio, Necio...Anyway, the point is that after me doing a poor job God was still there. We got to pray individually with each student there, talking about relationships and pain and all kinds of stuff. I could really feel God’s Spirit there while we prayed; powerfully surrounding us. I am amazed by Him. Period. Oh, and I love Him too.

As you have likely guessed by now I did get away from the kidnappers…….

Well, what I mean to say is that it was a great week! :)

I am also excited to find out that a friend from the states, Cody Kerr, is going to come see me for a little over a week in a week. If that didn’t confuse you, let me try again. Sometime, he is going to come here one time for some time, just in time. It’ll be a great time. Anyway, there is a standing invitation to anyone else who wants to come down here and see a bit of Colombia. I have an apartment, so here’s the deal: You buy the plane ticket and I will pay your rent while you are here! Seriously, I’ll be here all week—I mean; until August 4.

Folks, I am afraid I have used up my daily quota of dumb jokes, so instead of writing like an intelligent, normal person, I will simply quit writing. I will try to come back tomorrow and tell about the weekend. Hopefully I will have more jokes by then. Thanks for reading , God bless-

In Truth,

Stephen