Use the links to download the PDF version of the resources. Using a windows computer, right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As..", then select where you would like to save the file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view these files. If you do not have this program use the link below. It is a free download.
February 1987 Newsletter
COLOMBIAN CHRISTIAN MISSION
Dale and Jeanie Meade
In the jungle and prairie of Southeastern Colombia
Volume 15, Issue 2 February, 1987
1987 WORK CREW
The 1987 work crew has come and gone. It is hard to believe that after so many months of planning and preparation, it is all over so quickly. As always, it was a tremendous success for everyone involved.
As the work crew arrival date drew near, I moved to Bogota to make the final preparations. In one week of frenzied activity, we got the foundations poured and the building site stocked up with materials. Finally, on January 19, we were as ready as time would permit. That night we went to the airport to meet them. We felt great excitement as they began to appear. They passed through customs with no problem and we began the major task of getting 22 people and nearly 75 suitcases to three different sleeping quarters. All came off smoothly and everyone was soon at their temporary home. We took time to organize a little and express our greetings. Then it was off to some much needed rest after a long trip.
The next morning, at 6:00 a.m. everyone was ready to get to work. They began laying blocks with such speed that the Colombian crew was hard pressed to keep the ironwork ahead of them. As the walls went up, columns had to be poured. And so the building progressed from an empty lot to all of the walls of the sanctuary.
During the first week, we began sending small groups downtown to see some of the sights around Bogota. On Saturday we worked half a day and then took off to see the Salt Cathedral. Sunday morning was a sharing time in which the church service was bilingual. I translated in both directions so that no one would be left out of any part of the service. After church we had a fellowship dinner, offered by the Colombians for their American brothers and sisters. For the afternoon we split the group in half and visited the two daughter churches that have been started in other parts of Bogota. I translated for one group while Wendy translated for the other. For the evening we were invited to the home of one of the Colombian brethren for an evening meal consisting of a tropical fruit salad.
Monday morning we were back at work. By then we had split off plumbing and electrical crews. They worked on getting in the water, sewer, and electrical installation. All along the sign painting crew was busy letting people know that the old house was no longer a residence but a church building. The concrete crew worked on an elaborate system of floater beams that tied all of the columns together in order to make an earthquake resistant foundation.
On Wednesday we again took off for a trip to Armero. We left at 6:00 a.m. and after a scenic six hour driver we arrived at the remains of the devastated city. I don't think that anyone was really ready for the extent of the destruction that they saw. The personal effects and human remains that littered the area that was once a thriving city, had a chilling effect, even in the tropical heat. The return trip was quiet as we took a different route back to Bogota. Most pondered the almost incomprehensible statistic of 30,000 people killed in a few seconds. We made it back to Bogota late in the evening. There we were surprised by Jennie's presence. She had brought Susy and Alex up so that they could all visit with the work crew.
Thursday and Friday went by in blur as each group finished its particular job. We ended the week with the building being all finished and ready for the pouring of the floor and the cement slab, which will be a roof for now. The sign painters were the last to wrap things up. Everyone, including the Colombian brethren gathered for the devotional that last night. We were all amazed at what had been accomplished. It was an emotional goodbye for everyone as many realized that they may never again see their new found friends on this side of heaven.
The next morning we gathered for a picture taking session in front of the church building. Then it was off to the airport. We paid the airport tax and said out goodbyes for one last time. Then, as quickly as they arrived, they were gone. Our lives seemed a little empty upon their departure.
The work crew can never be measured by the 104 cubic yards of concrete that they mixed and poured by hand. The 20 tons of reinforcing rod that they carried, bent, tied and then covered up, doesn't really explain the magnitude of the job. The 2,500 blocks that were laid can never tell what you did for us. Their true work had to be measured by the lives that were influenced by their example. The fact that they had given of their time, money, vacations, and of themselves, for one cause of Christ, left a deep impression of the Colombians and on us. We were all deeply moved and encouraged by them.
Now, let me say Thank You, to all of the churches that shared their best with us. We shall be eternally grateful for what the 1987 work crew did for all of us as well as what they did for the Lord's work here in Colombia.