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April 1980 Newsletter
COLOMBIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION
Dale and Jeanie Meade
In the jungle and prairie of Southeastern Colombia
Volume 8, Issue 4 April, 1980
REJOICE WITH US!
It was six years ago now that we first applied for a visa to Colombia. At that time getting a visa into Colombia as a missionary was virtually impossible. We applied on my work as a photographer and writer. We were given a temporary visa, that officially classified us as "passersby." That was less than encouraging to say the least. We continued in that status all through the first term. According to the law we could have been expelled from the country with 48 hours notice. We would have had no right to appeal.
Since that was less than desirable, to say the least, we began to look into the possibility of getting a permanent resident visa. After living in the country for two full years without leaving, in order to fulfill the requirements of the law, we applied for the new visa. We hopefully waited and prayed as time passed. They continued to delay and ask for more papers while our furlough time came and went. We delayed for two months after our projected departure date. There was still no sign of any movement on our visa. Somewhat dejected, we gave up, secured the re-entry permission and left the country. Upon our return we were denied the permanent resident visa and were again classified as "passersby."
Slowly the months turned into years and we again had two full years in the country without a single departure. Again we began the long and laborious task of gathering the quantities of documents that were required for he application. The stack grew as we presented birth certificates, marriage license, tax returns, police certificate, and numberless other papers. We patiently gathered the many character references that they required. Then they sent out detectives to check up on us. They talked to neighbors and friends about what we did and what kind of people we are. We had countless interviews with different official of DAS (their emigration service). Finally after six months we had given up again. After all our furlough was only six months away. All we could do was turn it over to the Lord.
Finally, one day in February, one of the detectives again arrived at our house. "You must present yourselves at headquarters," he stated in a bored monotone. We obediently dropped everything and headed for the other side of town. We were somewhat nervous and yet at the same time we were hopeful. Upon arriving we were told to get some new pictures and return as soon as possible. Yes, we had been granted permanent resident status. We could hardly believe our ears. After all of these years, our prayers had been granted. Now we ask that you rejoice with us. It is an answer to our prayers as well as yours.