Encuentro – Day 1

This post is 1-1/2 days later than originally planned, but I’ve been battling congestion, cough and fever since Friday afternoon while finishing up two Spanish lessons for worship this morning in Bogota.

The Encuentro began last Sunday afternoon following what was the largest worship assembly of Christians in the history of the Colombian work.  So many Christians had traveled to Manizales for the Encuentro that the local church arranged to meet in a nearby auditorium to accomodate everyone.  I’m afraid no one got an exact count but I’d put the number at more than 250.

Here is a photo.  It was dark in the room and I couldn’t get everyone in a single shot, but it shows this small piece of history for the brethren here.

Jaime Restrepo is the evangelist in Manizales. He told me that the Confamiliares company, which owns the auditorium and the Encuentro site, will allow the auditorium to be used for Lectureships.  That would be another first in the Colombian work.

After worship and lunch we boarded a bus for the half-hour trip to the Encuentro site.  The rest of the day consisted of registration, introductions, dinner, worship and just settling in while some people arrived later in the evening.

The fact that we had 230 people come is in itself remarkable.  There were economic and geographic obstacles for most.  Many kids could not afford the bus ticket to Manizales, much less the $100 cost to attend the Encuentro.  A number of young people prayed and worked hard to raise their own money, and succeeded in helping themselves.  Even with this, most of the young people were able to come only through the generosity of U.S. brethren.

The Lord answers prayer, but it is important to remember that He frequently cares for His people through the good works of other Christians.  To any reader who took part in helping young people come to the Encuentro, please know that the Lord may have used you to answer someone’s prayer.