Colombia/Venezuela Mission Trip
Don protégé
One year after our marriage in 1985, Jose and I graduated from bible school and found ourselves in Venezuela. We had the privilege of overseeing a bible institute and children's outreach in Rubio, Venezuela for several years. God was faithful to use the little knowledge we had gained through our Christian formation days. Looking back we felt that our efforts had felt so small and insignificant. However, little did we know that the words we shared and the seeds sown in such a short timeframe would set a foundation in Rubio that has lasted for over 30 years.
Today, we are blessed to maintain a deep connection with our former students and local pastors. We continue to pray and minister to each other. During this time, we have seen such spiritual hunger present in the community longing to know God and to make Him known in their nation.
Sadly, since the time we left Rubio, the situation in the country has worsened. Rubio is located near the border of Colombia and Venezuela where they have seen an exodus of people fleeing the country due to the lack of food, personal supplies and medical care. However, the advantage of living near the border allows families to cross with day passes to Colombia to collect basic supplies.
The need is so great, Jose and I have felt the call to return to Venezuela. Our long term plan is to be continually present there, meeting with pastors and leaders in the community. We hope to bring a word of hope and to encourage them as they persevere in their faith in this difficult hour. We also desire to go and serve in practical ways to help assess the needs. Providing training in skillsets that would enhance their resources and establish a way for funding to arrive and meet the needs of the families.
Unfortunately, the situation in Venezuela is not improving making the ability to cross the border unpredictable. For several months we have been bouncing ideas with pastors in Rubio, and have collectively come to a conclusion to invite senior leaders and families in full-time ministry to join us in Colombia for a week-long retreat. For a time of rejuvenation to not only feed them spiritually but meet their physical needs and in that seek God's heart together for what He is doing in Venezuela. This retreat will be the first of
Update 5/6/19:
Our eldest daughter Amy, Jose and I will landing in Cucuta, Colombia. We will visit the border in hopes to cross into Venezuela to spend one week reconnecting with leaders and reaching out to the community in Rubio. Then host a pastoral leadership retreat in Cucuta.
In case we are not able to cross, plan B is to host the pastoral leadership retreat in Colombia covering the expenses. They will be sharing with us their heart and vision for their church and community. We also will host their leaders for an entire day of prayer, worship and ministry. Our desire is also to send them with a monetary donation along with food, clothing and personal items. We will connect with local churches who are reaching Venezuelan refugees.
Our goal is to leave the people of Venezuela filled with love and strength in their mind, soul, and body; with their faith strengthened knowing that God is with them.
We are asking that you partner with us in this endeavor. We believe that if we can strengthen one church they can in turn impact their community and bring positive change spiritually and physically. Help us to leave a mark of love in the hearts of these families!
--
Eudis and Jose Fernandez
Today, we are blessed to maintain a deep connection with our former students and local pastors. We continue to pray and minister to each other. During this time, we have seen such spiritual hunger present in the community longing to know God and to make Him known in their nation.
Sadly, since the time we left Rubio, the situation in the country has worsened. Rubio is located near the border of Colombia and Venezuela where they have seen an exodus of people fleeing the country due to the lack of food, personal supplies and medical care. However, the advantage of living near the border allows families to cross with day passes to Colombia to collect basic supplies.
The need is so great, Jose and I have felt the call to return to Venezuela. Our long term plan is to be continually present there, meeting with pastors and leaders in the community. We hope to bring a word of hope and to encourage them as they persevere in their faith in this difficult hour. We also desire to go and serve in practical ways to help assess the needs. Providing training in skillsets that would enhance their resources and establish a way for funding to arrive and meet the needs of the families.
Unfortunately, the situation in Venezuela is not improving making the ability to cross the border unpredictable. For several months we have been bouncing ideas with pastors in Rubio, and have collectively come to a conclusion to invite senior leaders and families in full-time ministry to join us in Colombia for a week-long retreat. For a time of rejuvenation to not only feed them spiritually but meet their physical needs and in that seek God's heart together for what He is doing in Venezuela. This retreat will be the first of
Update 5/6/19:
Our eldest daughter Amy, Jose and I will landing in Cucuta, Colombia. We will visit the border in hopes to cross into Venezuela to spend one week reconnecting with leaders and reaching out to the community in Rubio. Then host a pastoral leadership retreat in Cucuta.
In case we are not able to cross, plan B is to host the pastoral leadership retreat in Colombia covering the expenses. They will be sharing with us their heart and vision for their church and community. We also will host their leaders for an entire day of prayer, worship and ministry. Our desire is also to send them with a monetary donation along with food, clothing and personal items. We will connect with local churches who are reaching Venezuelan refugees.
Our goal is to leave the people of Venezuela filled with love and strength in their mind, soul, and body; with their faith strengthened knowing that God is with them.
We are asking that you partner with us in this endeavor. We believe that if we can strengthen one church they can in turn impact their community and bring positive change spiritually and physically. Help us to leave a mark of love in the hearts of these families!
--
Eudis and Jose Fernandez
Organisateur
Eudis Fernandez
Organisateur
Grandview, MO