We have a special story for you from Colombia in South America. Several of our MAI Resource Facilitators got together to visit a group of communities being ministered to by a local pastor who received CHE training remotely during the pandemic. Since the Covid-related travel restrictions have been lifted, it was possible for our team to visit. Here is an update:
The first thousand days of life, from conception to the end of two years, is critical for each child! The First Thousand Days program addresses the nutritional needs that impact a child’s potential over his or her entire life.
Marco Quispe, MAI’s Sub-Regional Coordinator for South America, was joined by Maggie, Kelly, Dr. Bibiana, and Alexander to organize a special First Thousand Days focus camp in Riohacha, Colombia. The MAI team worked in partnership with Pastor Luis and his wife, Norgelis, who have been serving the Wayúu tribe for decades and had planted a church on the outskirts of the city seven years ago. The Wayúu Rancherias are families living in open areas, spread over large yards in sandy terrain given to them by the government. There are multiple poor neighborhoods where there are many street vendors and newcomers from Venezuela. They live in makeshift tents of plastic or shelters made with cardboard. Some of the older residents live in cement homes built by the government and are considered the low-income working class.
Members of Pastor Luis’ church come from different backgrounds and the MAI team felt blessed to worship with them in their mid-week service. The MAI team talked to the congregation about the prevention of domestic violence and improved care of children. There was excellent participation and engagement by youth and older people alike. The primary purpose of the trip was to train local facilitators in the First Thousand Days program so that they can monitor children from the community, learn about nutrition, and other important factors that affect a child´s development such as safe water, sanitation, emotional health, and spiritual care.
Pastor Luis and Norgelis have been using the CHE strategy since they were trained online during the pandemic and had requested MAI to help them train their congregation further including more advanced CHE strategies. They are committed workers and the MAI team was encouraged by their enthusiasm. Pastor Luis requested the MAI team to raise prayers for their family, their marriage, and their relationships in the church. They want to see a mature group of believers that continues to shine for Jesus in each of these neighborhoods until everyone embraces the Kingdom.
The continued support of our faithful friends and supporters helps MAI become an effective instrument in God’s hands for the extension of His Kingdom.
