We’re back from our trip to Venezuela. Our team of six traveled to Maracaibo, Venezuela, on May 13, spent three days doing classroom talks, lunches, training seminars, and individual conversations at two of Venezuela's top universities, on Saturday toured the old city and debriefed with the local Campus Crusade staff, and then flew home on Sunday. This trip had God's blessings throughout: many heard the message of salvation and responded, believers were challenged to allow God to use them as salt and light where they are, and our team from the US came alongside the gifted local team to share in what God is doing there. Here are some highlights of how God answered your prayers:
1. Traveling in and out of Venezuela was perhaps the hardest part of the trip. We were paying some kind of travel tax every time we turned around, and the paperwork and logistics were annoying. We literally ran out of money from paying the required and unexpected taxes, and still had one more tax to pay. God provided through one of the professors, Tom, who had his American Express card with him--the only card the airport bank in Caracas would accept.
2. All talks were met with great interest and spiritual openness. It was gratifying to see university students so enthusiastic and interested in a presentation, plus being able to share the gospel right in the classroom—such a privilege! Tom, Phil, and Wes (our two profs and one grad student) spoke numerous times in various venues and at each of the two universities the remarks on the comment cards were encouraging. Our hosts told us that the Venezuelans can be bluntly critical if they don't like something, so the absence of negative comments really indicate how spiritually prepared the hearts of the students were. We were able to talk one on one with some of those who attended the lectures. Thankfully our Spanish flowed again! Now the local staff and believing students will follow up those who indicated a decision and more interest.
3. God also did a great work in the lives of the Venezuelan professors. Although fewer attended professor outreaches than the student gatherings (just like in the US!), the ones who came, both Christian and non-Christian, appreciated the Biblical and practical input offered. Venezuelan professors who follow Jesus feel isolated, so it was great to develop friendships with them and help them see how God can continue to use them. The four active Christian professors we met in VZ are involved in ministry in some way. We will follow up with e-mail that will have added impact after having met them face-to-face. The two sessions Jim led for exploring ways to help them give us a framework for proceeding, Lord willing. Another trip at some future time may also be possible and would be welcomed.
4. Thank God for His protection. Because of student elections on the campus, there were incidents of tear gas bombs being thrown around the various buildings where we were. We were never in danger, and students who came to class were able to attend our lectures when their professors did not show up. We were kept safe in cars and while walking on very uneven pavement. God also prevented everyone from any sickness the entire time. We enjoyed some good meals, including many of the delicious tropical fruits.
5. We really want to say Praise the Lord for this long-awaited privilege, and for which you gave and prayed with us. May God be glorified and His kingdom enriched because of this. As you are reminded, please pray for believers in Venezuela who may have limited time for such freedom of expression. Pray also for the continuing follow-up of those who made decisions or indicated interest in knowing more.
No comments:
Post a Comment