Colombia 2009

Colombia has been the most challenging mission trip that Doctors In Christ has undertaken and possibly the most rewarding.  

We were received in Barranquilla by Pastor Pablo Mendoza the President of Misiones Cristianas Por Fe. This organization was founded more than 70 years ago by his father Enrique Mendoza who was sent by the Lord to evangelize northern Colombia in the early days of the evangelical movement.  Pastor Mendoza has single handed evangelized the city of Barranquilla and rural territory expanding three states.  This 91 year old apostle was in the mission field with us along with his sons Pablo and Lucas and his daughter Emma. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with this family which have been so faithfully committed to the Gospel for so many years.

Contrary to popular belief, Colombia is no longer a dangerous place to visit.  The current government has destroyed all but a small group of rebels located in the southern most area of the country and even those are in the process of being encircled and destroyed. Our group was never in danger.

After traveling 1 hour on a good paved road and 2 hours on dirt roads we reached the village of

Monroy.  This town has never been visited by foreigners so we were received with love and amazement. The missionary team included Dr. Lucas Mendoza and his sons Miguel Angel and Johnathan, Dr. Maribel Aguilera, my son Danny Gomez, Jack and Esperanza Saud.  We were joined and supported by the Mendoza family, Pablo, Jose and Emma and  friends Sandra, Gloria and Mayito as well as the local town church.  Our visit was beneficial in bringing together the town resources  for the support of the mission. Even people who are not members

of the church donated chairs, tables and whatever was needed to the mission site.

Thanks to the effort of Dr. Aguilera and Dr. Medoza who did both, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, we were able to see close to 500 patients, mostly children,  in 16 hours of work. Miguel Angel and I saw adults patients only.  Primary diseases encountered were malnutrition, gastritis, infections and skin diseases.  The last day we just distributed anti-parasitic medicines to the entire town.  

Besides sharing the Gospel, we also had counseling for couples and single mothers.  The local Pastor kept track of the saved for follow-up and discipleship.  The response of the children to the visit was astonishing.  They would just hand around for hours peeking through windows hoping to catch a glimpse of us.  Many learned Christian songs in English from brother Jack and sister Esperanza.  The highlight of the trip came when we had a night service.  The presence  of the Holy Spirit was felt very strongly as we worshiped and the town poured out their love for us when it came time to give each other blessings.

We came home tired and worn out  but highly blessed.  I wish to thank all those who received us in Colombia and who worked so hard for the success of the mission.  I wish to thank each of our missionaries who took time from work and traveled to this remote area of the wold in the name of Jesus.  We know is our duty to do so but few have the resources or the heart to do so. Your blessing will come from the Lord as he always helps those who help the poor.  It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve along side with you.  I will see you in Jamaica 2009.

In His grace,

Jorge W. Gomez, M.D.