Colombia
$110,000
Colombia
$110,000
Background
Colombia is a beautiful country, but more than 50 years of civil war have left deep scars. Many lives have been affected by internal conflicts, numerous murders, kidnappings, and drug-related violence. Over the past 20 years, many people have fled from rural areas to the cities, and there has also been a large influx of refugees from Venezuela (over 3 million in Colombia).
There is a significant gap between the rich and the poor, causing major social problems. One-third of the population lives below the poverty line. Many families experience domestic violence, and issues such as addiction, youth gangs, and teenage pregnancies are prevalent. Officially, there has been peace since 2016, but in some areas, violence persists. However, people dare to dream of a better future again. Hope for Colombia!
Desire
The church, in particular, is able and willing to offer hope in Colombia. Christ offers reconciliation! A place of peace and mercy: a new beginning. We desire strong, faith-filled churches that look after the weak and marginalized and serve them wholeheartedly by being present in society and being recognized for their role, commitment, and impact.
Strategy
Since 2022, the GZB has been working on this project with very positive results. They would like to continue developing this project with the local churches through 2026. At the request of the local church in Colombia, the GZB is investing in developing diaconal awareness in all local congregations. In doing so, they are working on 3 main goals:
“The idea to establish an after-school program for children from poorer neighborhoods came from a deacon in the church. We were reflecting on how our faith becomes visible in our surroundings: what impact do we, as a church, have on the neighborhood around us? Now we welcome 130 children daily.”
Partners
The Gereformeerde Zendingsbond (GZB) is the missionary organization within the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. From its missionary assignment it is active in many different countries. Cooperation is always sought with the local churches. For this project in Colombia, it works especially with the following two partners:
Impact
Because a few years of experience have already been obtained, the expected impact of this project can be estimated with relative certainty. For 2024 alone, we expect to realize the following impact:
Project Costs – We need YOUR help!
MissionInvest USA would like to help the GZB and the church in Colombia to be able to give more substance to their diaconal calling in their local communities. In that way they can also spread ‘Ripples of Hope’, and become a recruiting power for God’s Kingdom!
To make this project possible, $137,000 is needed annually. GZB directly raises part of this amount. MissionInvest USA aims to raise $110,000 annually, allocated as follows:
Partner with us to help raise a new generation in Colombia!
MissionInvest
MissionInvest USA is a 501(c3) tax-exempt organization. Donations and contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.