Bogota, Colombia. Visions of drug cartels and crime fill our minds. In a city filled with so much unrest and corruption, the truth of the gospel brings hope.
An “ad-hoc” Keynote band under the name Stop on Green boarded a plane a little more than a week ago to partner with Bridges of Hope Internationals to share the gospel with the people of Bogota. In addition to providing humanitarian aid in various locations, Stop on Green was able to perform five evangelistic concerts. Mia Pahl, lead singer and bass player, did most of the speaking for the band including the gospel…in Spanish.
One of the highlights for the team members was a concert at a maximum security prison. Since very few, if any bands have played at the facility, the inmates were extremely blessed to have such a treat. The team also brought along some much needed supplies – sweaters, toiletries and other supplies. There is basically no money for supplies, so the inmates only have the clothes they arrived in. They don’t even get toilet paper, razors and such on an ongoing basis. The team was excited to be able to meet a physical need as well as share with them about the hope found in a relationship with Jesus. Close to 500 inmates came to the concert and stuck around to talk with the band members afterward.
Ministering to those in need is what Bridges of Hope is all about. So, one of the stops took place at a shelter for AIDS patients. Again, the team was able to provide some much needed supplies and they had time to interact with people and pray with them. David Roux, the drummer for the band, told about a lady who came to him in tears. She was thankful for the supplies, but even more thankful for the interaction and the physical touch.
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” Matthew 25:40 [ESV]
One of the local contacts had connections all over the city and was able to set up a concert for the band at one of the elite schools. You would have thought a famous rock band showed up! The students loved the band and sought out autographs after the event. We don’t know what kind of response there was to the gospel that day, but the concert was another piece of the puzzle for some who are seeking forgiveness and long to know the God who saves.
This trip to Colombia also served as a great introduction to Bridges of Hope International. We look forward to even more opportunities to partner for sake of the gospel in other countries!
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