Good Friday

This is a picture from a vigil held to remember and honor the victims of Colombia's armed conflict. We sang: "Our Father of the Poor and Marginalized." On this Good Friday, we remember Jesus; who was also a victim of hatred, violence, and fear. Today we live into the reality of the world we live in, and mourn. 

Father, Forgive them, for they know not what they do.   

You can find the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHvorSE8KIo 

Maundy Thursday

Preparations are underway for the celebration of the Passover meal that will be held tonight at Vida Nueva (New Life) Lutheran Church in Bogota, Colombia. We were in charge of making the Charoset (apple salad), for the meal.

On this Maundy Thursday we lift up in prayer all those gathering all around the world to break bread together. We especially lift up all those suffering from food insecurity. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Peace

This photo is from a workshop with the community in Medellin about reconciliation and the context of the peace agreements between the govt. and the FARC. We were closing the day with a trust activity, that our compañeros (companions) would help hold us up when we needed support.

This Holy Tuesday we pray for all those working for peace in Colombia and around the world. Help to always pray: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. 

Photo by Pastor John Hernández and blog by Curtis

Creation

This photo is from an activity I led at one of the Lutheran Schools with the elementary students. Every student made a creation wheel showing the different moments of creation. This Holy Week I am reminded of God's consistency. God created the world and God created us, and God said: it is good.

This Holy Monday we pray for the Lutheran Schools in Colombia and in the world. We pray for all students and all educators.

Photo and blog by Katie

Non-violence

Last night, with representatives of various church groups and other community groups from an area of Bogota called Suba, we held a video forum. We watched Gandhi, then discussed the possibilities for the communities they represented to implement non-violent resistance tactics to improve the quality of life in their communities. In the struggle for the promised abundant life, the Holy Spirit is found.

Blog by Curtis, photo taken by Abilio Peña

Breaking bread together

As we enter into Holy Week, we are reminded of the Last Supper. One of the places I know the Holy Spirit is always present is when we break bread together. In Colombia, bread is very common. It is normal for people to gather and have bread and coffee together, and the bread here is delicious! This picture was from a recent trip to El Cocuy (Boyaca region), you can see some of the variety of bread and definitely the abundance.

Blog and photo by Katie

Belky Hernandez

Accompanying lives and transforming paths...These are the children from Sunday School (but held on Saturday) from the mission "The Grace" in Bucaramanga (Eastern Region).

Photo and blog from Belky Hernandez, Sunday School teacher in Bucaramanga and National Coordinator for the Education Ministry.