In June 2011, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve in Bogota, Colombia with Orphan Hope International. I had never served on a missions trip prior so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I would come home changed and broken but I never knew it would be to this extent.
While in Bogota, God gave me a peek behind the veil. I saw Him. I felt His kiss, His embrace, I heard His voice say, "Te Quiero mucho, Chris." All of these revelations came came from a beautiful blue eyed orphan, Vanessa. Vanessa is 10 years old and a precious gem. She is one of the estimated ten thousand orphans in Bogota, Colombia. As I rolled through the grass and spent the entire day running and playing with Vanessa, I never thought I would get a revelation like this. I was completely broken. I sat on the bus and cried myself to sleep. I was trembling with fear as I had just witnessed the King and all I could say all day was, "No entiendo" or "I don't understand." As I thought about it, I began to question why I lived such a life of luxury and they had nothing. That is what I didn't understand and that is exactly what had to change.
For the rest of the week I spent hours seeking God and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal to me my next move. A scripture came to me and as I read it all made sense. Matthew 19:21, says Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." God told me to sell all I own and follow him. My life of luxury; my tools, my home, my car, EVERYTHING. So I returned from Bogota and began selling off all I own. Some things I thought I would have trouble parting from but the Lord made it very easy to let go. My car was once my most prized possession and now I have no desire to even drive it. I continued seeking God and the storm began to calm. I mean not everyday do you decide to leave everything you know and move to a third world country to serve the Lord. My Father reassured me that all will be well; that as I give all I have to Him, He will have His hands in it all. His Word says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations." Matthew 28:19. He has commanded me to go make disciples of all nations and His first destination for me is Bogota, Colombia.
As my days here in the states draw to an end, the beginning of a God seeking journey begins. My days are full of meetings and emails but I wouldn't have it any other way. God is no longer opening doors for me to make this move; He is kicking them in! I thank you all for your prayers and support; it makes this decision I have made so much easier!
From His Front Lines,
Chris
