Colombian Christian Mission

Work Crew 2008

As the situation in Colombia has improved, we have had many people express an interest in coming back to Colombia on a work crew. We have considered this idea but held off as we watched the situation. At the same time, the rapid devaluation of the American dollar has placed such serious constraints on our budget that the planning and organization required for such a trip has been all but impossible. But with your interest and the continually improving situation in Colombia we have seen God’s leading in offering a new opportunity for many of you to share in the work here in Colombia in a more direct manner.

While we do not yet know what form the work project itself might take, we have begun plans to bring a new work crew into Colombia in early 2008. The final project we choose will depend in part on the interest of those who commit to coming and to the funds available to us for this project. But the trip can be viable with many different projects and options for what we actually do. I mentioned the possibility to the preacher who picked me up at the airport and he was quite excited about the possibility. So there is interest both in Colombia and in the States.

The time frame is also flexible and would depend partially on the preferences of those who choose to come. But at the moment, we are looking at a time towards the end of January next year or the very early part of February. This is much better for Susy and Brian, who will be organizing and working with the work crew project there in the States. They work in Wedding videography and so need to make sure the work crew project does not interfere too much with their schedule and commitments.

The cost of the work crew will depend on the price of airline tickets and the types of accommodation the participants would like. If we sleep on air mattresses in the church building that would reduce costs in comparison to using a hotel. Also the type of project we choose will affect costs. At the moment, we are estimating the cost to be around $1,800 for the basic work crew with the cost of the project added on and covered by funds raised for that purpose by the members of the work crew.

If you have expressed interest in coming to Colombia on a work crew, it is very important that you confirm that interest to Susy as soon as possible. We need to know the size of a possible work crew and the project that would most interest you. We can do anything from a heavy construction project to a VBS or training session for the churches. In part, the project will be limited by the funds available and that will depend on your interests and the support we receive from the participants and their churches.

There is a coupon that you can fill out on the back of the newsletter indicating your interest in coming, the dates that would best suit you and the type of project that you would be interested in along with the possible support you could raise for the project. Fill out the coupon and get it back in to Susy as soon as possible so that we can move the planning forward and begin to make some very concrete plans.

Who

Anyone who wants to participate in this exciting adventure and help further the work in Colombia.

What

A week or two in Colombia doing some kind of building project to help one of the local churches.

When

January or February of 2008 is our target date. We will plan the specific date when we hear from interested people

Where

To Colombia South America.

Why

To help update the church in Normandia, Bogotá and to encourage the Colombian Christians and your local church.

How Much

We don’t have concrete numbers, but we’re guessing around $1,800 per person (depending on accommodations in Colombia & airfare). This amount can be raised through your church. We also encourage you to raise money to help with the project in Colombia.