This year’s short-term international missions season with Conviventia has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the past few months, we have had the joy and privilege of hosting multiple mission teams from the United States, which have served across Colombia in cities including La Guajira, Bogotá, Soacha, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Quibdó (Chocó). The mission teams’ long days while on mission, their Spirit-filled engagement, and their tireless heart for service have left a lasting mark—not only on the communities they served, but on all of us who have witnessed God at work through them.
From the northern deserts of La Guajira to the vibrant coasts of Cartagena, and the mountainous outskirts of Bogotá, these teams have poured themselves out in love and service. They led men’s conferences in Chocó, Guajira, and Bogotá, where many men were challenged to encourage each other to lead their families and their communities with courage, integrity and faith, and to recognize “…alone is dangerous”. In La Guajira, a medical outreach brought both physical and spiritual healing and hope to hundreds of people in the communities of Manaure. In Cartagena, dozens of missionaries from various U.S. teams came together with servant hearts and willing hands to help refresh and improve the infrastructure of our school. Their work is creating a more welcoming, functional, and dignified environment for both students and staff. Seeing the dedication of every team member—including very young teenagers—who worked tirelessly to address long-standing challenges on our campus has been such an inspiration to our staff.
Beyond the physical improvements, the teams have also poured into the lives of our students through a variety of educational and enrichment activities. From science workshops and English classes to sports, arts and crafts, and more, they have brought joy, creativity, and encouragement to hundreds of children. Their presence reminded us that short-term missions are not just about what we build, how many walls we paint, or how many grocery or medicine bags we distribute, but about the lives we touch and the hope in Jesus Christ that we share.
We have also hosted multiple conferences for parents and staff, and workshops for leaders’ couples in Barranquilla and Cartagena, equipping families and ministry leaders to grow in unity and purpose. Our employability and entrepreneurship trainees received valuable training and encouragement through specialized workshops, helping them take the next steps toward sustainable livelihoods.
One of the highlights of the season has been the student camp at our retreat center in Tenjo, where dozens of students from 9th and 10th grades in our Dios es Amor (God is Love) schools in Bogotá and Soacha had a cultural exchange with young student leaders from a mission team and glorified God together in powerful ways through worship and fellowship. Seeds were planted that we believe will bear fruit for years to come, as these young leaders are now better equipped to continue to be agents of influence and restoration in their own schools.
Among the many stories that have touched my heart this season, one stands out vividly. In the remote region of La Guajira, during the medical outreach, an indigenous chief—a respected traditional authority in his community—gave his life to Christ. Immediately after his conversion, he made up and sang a song for Jesus, expressing his newfound faith in the most beautiful and heartfelt way. It was a sacred moment that reminded us that the Gospel transcends culture, language, and tradition.
Another unforgettable encounter took place in Altos de Cazucá, where we visited a family of six whose four children graduated from our school. Today, all of them are actively serving in their local church, including the father who came to the Lord only about two years ago, after his wife and four kids prayed for his salvation for more than a decade. The three daughters are leading different ministries at church, and their youngest brother—a brilliant young man with special needs—is now helping other children with disabilities learn their ABCs at a local foundation. Their story is a powerful testimony of how education, faith, and community can transform generations.
We are deeply grateful to our U.S. partners who made this season possible. Your willingness to go, serve, and love has brought light to dark places and hope to many hearts. We pray that these stories inspire you to continue partnering with us—and to spread the word to other churches and organizations who can join us in demonstrating God’s love in words and deeds. All for the glory of His name.
