Mejias on a Mission - 2014 Annual Report
CLICK HERE! YEAR IN REVIEW IN PICTURES! CLICK HERE!
Its hard to believe that 2014 has come to an end, and this new year marks 4 years since we have been serving in Sincelejo, Colombia!! Its been a both a fruitful and challenging year as we’ve seen God multiply our ministry, provide funds for projects in needy rural areas, increase the number of leaders and pastors we are helping to train by 100% while at the same time facing robberies, the sudden death of various pastors and increased instability in the country! Much less to say our life is never short of surprises!
Amidst the celebration of birthdays, anniversaries and holidays when we try to have a ‘normal’ life we have gotten used the cultural norms: the early morning call of the street venders, the unannounced visits for our evening tea time open house, horse and carts sharing the street, 15,000 motorbike taxis, seeing everyone wearing sweaters in 98 degree weather, neighbours sitting on the front porch in the evenings to catch up on the days happenings, dancers during worship and nightly church meetings!J.E.T.Z. HIGHLIGHTS
January to March ~
*Both boys were enrolled full time in school for the first time, therefore allowing for Jenn to serve at the mission base as the director of the ‘BRILLAR’ Youth Ministry training programme.
*Both boys were enrolled full time in school for the first time, therefore allowing for Jenn to serve at the mission base as the director of the ‘BRILLAR’ Youth Ministry training programme.
* Jenn is the guest speaker at a youth camp along with two of her youth ministry students
* We began hosting a small group bible study at our house, the group has now begun to do deep study and investigation of the bible with the support of a recent seminary graduate
* We began hosting a small group bible study at our house, the group has now begun to do deep study and investigation of the bible with the support of a recent seminary graduate
April to June ~
*We hosted an angel unaware who came to see our work at the base and is now funding 10 learning centers that will include computers, study materials and classrooms where the leaders and pastors can learn, grow and investigate effectively in very rural areas.
*We hosted an angel unaware who came to see our work at the base and is now funding 10 learning centers that will include computers, study materials and classrooms where the leaders and pastors can learn, grow and investigate effectively in very rural areas.
* Jenn went home for a wonderful visit and pre- home assigment preparation with the boys (including getting Zachary his Caymanian papers!)* Over 800 women attended the National Women's Convention, many enrolled to study and many are students already!
* We traded our little car for a larger 7-seater, God's surprise! They asked only for our car and $500 USD!
July to September ~
*Evelio was able to go to Venezuela where the first group of an indigenous tribe graduated from their bible and ministry classes (he lost and tooth and almost lost his life on this "adventure")
*We were able to take a donation of $100USD that bought food for 3 months for 3 families in Venezuela during a time of crisis and drought
*Evelio was able to go to Venezuela where the first group of an indigenous tribe graduated from their bible and ministry classes (he lost and tooth and almost lost his life on this "adventure")
*We were able to take a donation of $100USD that bought food for 3 months for 3 families in Venezuela during a time of crisis and drought
* 20 youth ministry students (Team Brillar) were selected for special training, they will continue our work with youth leaders!
* Evelio spent 2 weeks in theology and technology training in El Salvador and Costa Rica
October to December ~
*Jenn was able to take a small group of her youth workers to the International Youth Workers Leadership Convention (in Spanish) in Orlando, Florida
*Jenn was able to take a small group of her youth workers to the International Youth Workers Leadership Convention (in Spanish) in Orlando, Florida
*Over 300 pastors and leaders graduated from the 4 bible programs
*Enjoying some needed vacation time while the base is closed for the holidays!
* A 3rd group of 60 youth workers begin enrolling!
We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you! Thank you for your faithful giving and prayers! While our term of service is 4 years, we saw the need to ask for your continued support for 6 months. We will return to Cayman in July 2015 for “home assignment” or “furlough” where we will rest, report, pray and prepare! We look forward to reconnecting with many, getting to know the new faces, refresh our souls and bodies!
UPCOMING:
January- A week of training in technology and teaching with 30 local tutors February - A new group of youth workers begin round #3 of the training program
March - National Training Course on Youth Culture, we're expecting 400 youth workers
April - We travel to the capital, Bogota to renew visas
May - Final classes for youth workers in groups #1 and #2
June - Over 1000 teenagers in 10 events during the month
July - Graduation from the youth ministry program for 100+
-Jenn, Evelio, Tobias and Zachary return to Cayman for 12 months of "home assignment"
Happy new year and God's richest blessings!
From the J.E.T.Z.
