Sara Lara, Coordinator of the National Human Rights Program

This photo is of a group of teenagers during the central region youth meeting. The activity was to introduce the topic of sexual and reproductive rights and to guide a reflection on the impact our decisions have on other people. The young people drew an animal that represented themselves, and then they exchanged the drawings, to continue with their own drawing on the work of their companion. In general, the youth were considerate and kind, discussing among themselves the aesthetics of the drawing, the reasons why they had chosen that figure and how they could be complemented. Although at first they were timid, they eventually established bonds that allowed them to trust in the work of their companions, and for me that is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. That adolescents can live in peace, have certainty about their well-being, awareness of their rights and love and respect for their neighbor, those are miracles that come from above and what, in this Lent, I wish for all generations, from the hand of our Comforter.

Photo and blog by Sara Lara, Coordinator of the National Human Rights Program

Jorge Diaz, Communications

We are in transmission of a special program on the 500 years of the Protestant reformation, a broadcast of www.punto4radio.com, with special guests. The impact of the reformation in the West with Santiago Espitia Professor at the Javeriana University, Pastor Helber Herrera and Pastor Nelson Celis.

Blog and photo by Jorge Diaz, communication office of IELCO

Angelica Oquendo, Medellin

Everything can be transformed by the power of love; I deeply believe that God uses art as a means of social transformation, contributing from our gifts and knowledge to the healthy coexistence of a country that suffers so much violence. I believe that the love of God transforms human beings, and I am completely sure that we are to be instruments in God's hands make this world a better place.

Blog written by Angelica and photo submitted by Angelica

Youth in Medellin

The commitment of youth working for the transformation, justice and peace in their community is where I see the Holy Spirit. This photo was taken in Medellin at a workshop with a youth theater group where they were learning about community organizing. 

Blog by Curtis, photo by Julian Rengifo

Higher than the mountains, deeper than the sea...

With this group of children in the Llanos, I could feel the Holy Spirit moving through them and through the teachers gathered from throughout the region to lead together. The children are singing "Higher than the mountains....". 

Photo and blog by Katie

Mauricio Chala, National Coordinator of the Young-Youth Group

I chose this photo of me leading at a young-youth (age 13-16) retreat. The Spirit of God moves and manifests itself in a variety of ways. As unique as the occurrences and adventures are for these young people and the versatility in which they experience and know God; I feel God closest in humanity, in the laughter and in the words of those who live without prejudice... I feel the Holy Spirit accompany us in so many different ways ...

Blog by Mauricio Chala, and photo provided by Mauricio

Pastor Sergio Talero

The community of El Divino Redentor, in Bucaramanga, begins to live into Lent with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Blog by Pastor Sergio Talero, and photo provided by Pastor Sergio, Ash Wednesday of this year. 

Pastor Rocio Morales

This is the congregation of San Pedro in Bogota. I chose this photo because I consider that the Holy Spirit moves where there is happiness, unity and simplicity.

Photo and blog by Pastor Rocio Morales

Pastor Jairo Suarez

At the elections of the new consejo (church council) for San Pablo in Bogota, I felt the Holy Spirit in the choosing of the leadership. Looking forward to this year with the new leadership. 

Photo and blog by Pastor Jairo Suarez

Zulma Ojeda, National Coordinator for Leadership Formation

Through the sharing of experiences and knowledge with the different programs of the Education Ministry of IELCO, the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith. As we study Lutheran identity through the model of Popular Education, we share and grow in our knowledge, build teamwork, and give more structure to the Education Ministry - we see the fruits of the work the Holy Spirit is doing through this ministry.

Photo and blog by Zulma Ojeda, National Coordinator for Leadership Formation

At a workshop in the Lutheran School in Sogamoso where the teachers were sharing their knowledge about Lutheran identity and what it means to work for a Lutheran school. 

Religion Books, by Katie

"Walking in the light of God" is the name of the new religion books that are being distributed in the Lutheran Schools this year. The Holy Spirit moved through every part of the process of the preparing, writing, designing, and printing of these books. I am excited to see the ways the Holy Spirit continues to move as the teachers teach the new material. 

Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace, by Curtis

At the world council of churches launching of "pilgrimage for justice and peace" seven weeks for water Lenten campaign, the launch was held in Bogotá. The Holy Spirit definitely is moving in these spaces and through this campaign. 

Photo and Blog by Curtis

Pastor Nelson Celis

The Holy Spirit lives through service - in the same way Jesus lived. We bow before our brother recognizing him as a son of God, in perfect and pure love. In the same, we bow before our sister recognizing her as a daughter of God, in perfect and pure love.

Blog and photo by Pastor Nelson Celis. This photo was taken at the foot-washing service during Holy Week in 2016 at San Pablo in Bogota. 

Mauricio Mendez, graphic design intern for IELCO

For me, this photo expressed the natural essence of the life that the homeless in Bogota, Colombia have. The writing on his jacket (Jesus Saves) is what first impacted me. We normally think and see Jesus in a very attractive way and an attractive life, however this man reflects Jesus also: Jesus in search of something, perhaps love. We just need to slow down and pay attention.

[I bought him a coffee and asked for permission to take his picture.]

Photo and blog by Mauricio Mendez, Graphic design intern for IELCO

The Holy Spirit is Moving

As we begin Lent, we will start our 40-day photo challenge for the third year! The theme this year is around the ways we see the Holy Spirit moving: in our lives, in our communities, and in our churches.

One of the purposes of Lent is to be more intentional, to slow down, and to deepen our faith. This year we are inviting others to participate on the journey with us (in addition to you, our dear readers). We have invited members and pastors from all over IELCO to share a photo with us sharing how they see the Holy Spirit moving.

‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:25-27. The Holy Spirit is active in this world, even amidst everything that makes us question it. We, as people of faith, have the work of discerning where the Holy Spirit is moving. We invite you to join us on this journey in Lent, where we discern and share how others have discerned the movement of the Holy Spirit.

Kicking off 2018!

We are back! Curtis and I enjoyed some time together at the end of December. Then, at the beginning of January I went to Minnesota for two weeks as part of intensive classes for my Master's program. Since coming back to Colombia I have been busy. The beginning of the year is always busy for the Education Ministry as everything starts (and starts big) in January.

One of the goals of the Education Ministry is to visit all of the Lutheran schools at the beginning of the year and during the middle of the year. Because of my travel, I was only able to be in 3 of the 4 schools.

This year, we focused on looking at the mission and vision of IELCO and the role of the Lutheran schools in living into each of them. It is exciting to be at the schools as they start a new year (the school year here starts at the end of January/beginning of February), there are new teachers and renewed energy and excitement for the year ahead. This year was no different.

At the Lutheran School in Paz de Ariporo

In the above picture the teachers each used a pipe-cleaner to form an object to describe what they were committing themselves to contributing for the year. This served as an ice-breaker activity and a way for us to get to know a little more of the dynamics of each team of teachers in each of the schools.

A group of the teachers from the Lutheran school in Sogamoso

After studying the mission and vision, the teachers were asked to pick three values that they would commit to work on throughout the year with their students (each school picked their own three values). The idea of these values is that each school live more deeply into the mission and vision. At the same time each of the teachers have the chance to understand what it means to be working at a Lutheran school and the values and mission of the Lutheran church.

Zulma (left) and 3 of the teachers at the Lutheran school in El Cocuy

What a great way to start the year! As you can see in the photos, the teachers are full of energy. I am looking forward to a great year ahead for each of these schools.