But when we were there in January leading a Pastor's conference, we saw a window of opportunity created by the recent political stability," Bert explained. "We knew the time was right."
 

The team's contact and host in Colombia is Pastor Guillermo Parra.  Pastor Guillermo operates several feeding stations in the slums of Bogota that feed over 2,000 children a week.  The team worked primarily with children and youth. One of the most important things God showed the team and the people they ministered to in Bogota, was that He can use you for His purposes at any age.

The team was made up primarily of teenagers, making this one of the youngest GO teams ever. "It was a young team, but their age opened doors

for the youth ministry and evangelism," Bert said.  Bert's wife, Cheryl was truly impressed with the young people on the team.  "It really spoke to my heart that the young people on this trip were willing to do whatever was needed.  They allowed God to stretch them physically and spiritually," Cheryl said.

 

On the last night in Colombia, the team was scheduled to put on an evangelism program in a local church.  When the pastor came to pick them up, he informed them that he wanted the team to do a different type of ministry. They had to plan a whole different program in a very short time.  The team prayed and asked God to speak to them and He did. The Holy Spirit came into the service that night and touched many people.  Meredith King is a teenager from Lexington, Ky. "There were times we were stretched beyond our personal limits, and those were the moments I found to be the most incredible. Pastor Bert stressed that everyone needed to be flexible, but I didn't realize how much we would all be tested in that.  Our team stepped out of the way that night, and just allowed God to speak through us, and to us. Many people were touched that night, including me. Because we surrendered to God, He was able to take complete hold of the night," Meredith said.

Allyson Jones felt the clear leading of the Lord on this trip. "This was my second time going to Colombia and I knew God would do amazing things if we asked Him.  During this trip God showed His power and it was awesome to see the impact it had on others," Allyson said. Allyson also added she was proud of the maturity demonstrated by such a young group, "we got great  and in the end we were like one big family." 

Abby Dobie, one of the adults on the team, summed it up this way:  "Our group came home changed.  They saw God move and it had a radical impact. We worked with children, teenagers and young adults, and we returned with the clear understanding that God can use you even when you are young."  GO invites individuals and church groups that are interested in seeing their young people changed and passion for Christ ignited to join them on a mission trip soon.