The Rancherias of Riohacha

Joe and I arrived in the coastal city region of Riohacha, humid, but ready to visit projects and communities with our long-term Links's partner In Ministry to Children (IMC). Nancy who heads IMC in Colombia has been working hard particularly over the last few years to expand the ministry in vulnerable communities with the Wayuu people and Venezuelan refugees in the area. ‘Rancheria’ refers to a desert community in the northern coastal region of Colombia.

Joe and I first went to visit the recycling project which ticks both the social and environmental boxes in confronting poverty. It offers consistant employment for over 50 poor families and giving options to reuse and repurpose plastics, metals, and papers. The kids programme in the compound provides much needed opportunities for children of the vulnerable families to learn in after school classes and provides them with much needed stationary and uniforms to attend school.
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We then visited some of the schools and education programmes in the Rancherias outside the city of Riohacha. It was amazing to see the schools and classes fully attended and full of smiles and life. Nancy and her team were helping to distribute much needed schoolbooks and materials. We also had a moment to see them deliver a wheelchair to a young girl with physical disabilities which meant she had been mostly limited to a hammock.
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Back in Riohacha, Joe and I did half a day's training in business skills and knowledge with 30 small business owners. The sessions were well received and we are encouraged to see how these amazing local business owners are able to create more income through wise approaches to business; like the importance of savings, knowing the difference between revenue and income, and how God longs to provide for our needs and has given us purpose to build His Kingdome now through business.
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On the Sunday we joined, Iglesia Aposento Alto, and I shared about working from a place of rest, that Jesus has called us into a rhythm of his rest and peace daily. Many responded at the end with burdens and worries, bringing them before the Lord, we saw many visibly moved in the presence of God, as He refreshed health of both body and heart and spirit.

Sam Walker
Africa Region Coordinator

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