We go where the Lord needs us

When I first arrived in Colombia, I wasn’t really sure I wanted to be here. I had always wanted to go into mission work and to live abroad for at least one year, ever since I saw a WELS Connection about two pastors working to establish churches in Arizona while working other jobs. I just never thought that I’d be in Colombia through WELS Kingdom Workers.

I had never much been interested in South America, but somehow through various friends, family members, and persistent, God lead me into a deeper study of Spanish and Latin America. I pray that I am doing some good here. The girls here tell me how much they love me, and I have grown to love every single of my 200+ students. And maybe, even if I’m not the best teacher and don’t stay 100% on topic in class, I at least have touched their lives and shared my faith with them, and possibly the Holy Spirit will lead some of them to pursue his work.

The majority of students are Catholic by name. I do not think most know what it is like to go to church every Sunday or read their Bibles every night, so it’s important that they get to study scripture and Catechism at the school.

It is unfortunate how Colombia gets a bad reputation in our country. Bogota is actually a rather advanced city, working to rid itself of the horrible image we have of them. Everywhere you go you will find police patrolling the streets. Generally, the people are very kind and, as their culture dictates, very polite. The school takes very good care of their U.S. teachers, and I have never felt the slightest bit in danger. Well, except in traffic, which you get every time you leave the States. Bogota reminds me a lot of New York. Crazy traffic, lots of people, but with a happier, friendlier feel. The Bogota accent is easy to listen to and the people seem to have a more relaxed speed of speech, so it is easy to understand their Spanish.

The people of this church and school love to help others. But they need help with outreach. The church is so small and has not had any new members recently. I hope to start English lessons at the church for the public to bring new people in.

Please keep the church and school in your prayers. We go where the Lord needs us and we learn so much along the way. God’s bless you in everything you do!

Kandi Schaefer a mission assistant serving in Bogota, Colombia, through WELS Kingdom Workers.