Dear co-laborers in Christ’s harvest field,

Greeings from Pereira, Colombia’s Coffee Capitol!

Colombian Culture
“Holy Week”, as the week between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday is called here, is an important part of Colombian culture.  Traditionally it has been a time of reflection, participation in religious rituals and adherence to strict rules on diet and comportment.  With the ever increasing secularization of Colombia’s culture, however, the traditional influence has been waning and there is an increasing emphasis on travel and tourism which has made this period one of the busiest travel seasons in Colombia.  In fact, with the increase in security along the highways brought by the previous president’s policies, travel all over the country has increased dramatically in regions controlled by the national government.  This tendency if felt in the church as well and results in many families using this time for vacation, a practice that results in lower attendance on Resurrection Sunday.  

Church Activities
We took advantage of the fact that most of the workers in the church have vacation on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week to schedule an all church breakfast followed by an outing to a local fishing hole.  In all we had four families and two singles in three cars that took advantage of a beautiful day to get out and spend time together. After enjoying homemade cinnamon rolls and eggs and fruit we took off for a place outside of the pretty town of Santa Rosa de Cabal to “drown some worms” and lay in a supply of fish.  Such places are in reality fish farms and they grant free access (for the most part) but charge by the pound for the fish you catch.  A good time was had by all and most of us managed to catch some.

Elections
This is a presidential election year in Colombia and things are heating up as we head towardsMay 25.  Colombia desperately needs a good leader, but she needs even more for her people to humble themselves before Christ their Redeemer and allow Him to renew their hearts and minds.  So while we are praying for the upcoming election, we continue to pray that the Lord will give us wisdom in leading people back to His paths.

Economic Situation
After the decades we’ve lived abroad we have still not learned how to forecast future economic trends, so we must simply inform the current situations.  Over the past six months we saw an improvement in the exchange rate (from our perspective) that gave us a bit of breathing room.  Over the past month, however, things have stagnated and begun to decline.  We are not hurting at this point, bills have been paid on time, there is food in the pantry, etc.  But we do appreciate it when you lift our situation before the Lord.  The economic situation in the U.S. has a far reaching impact on the world economy and on the ability of missionaries around the globe to live and minister in their chosen corner of the mission field.  We do not rely on material things, but the economy effects us whether we like it or not.  Let us all lift up the leaders of our nation and of the nations around the globe and let us pray that God’s people will awaken to the need to spread His Good News to all those around them.  After all, the only real hope for the aching world is the Gospel of Jesus the Christ Who gave His life for the ransom of many.  

Health Issues
Sheri has been suffering from a continuing cough. The bad cold that brought her down for over a week let up but she’s been afflicted with this cough ever since.  The doctors have ordered a series of tests but so far no treatment as they do not know the cause. 

Thank You!!!
Thank you for being a part of our ministry team.  Thank you for lifting us before the Father and for walking by our side although from afar.  We rejoice when we think of each of you and we praise God for raising you up to be a part of the ministry here in Colombia. As we move into the middle of the spring season may you remember to praise Him Who created such a beautiful planet for us to live on.  The beauty we enjoy now, however, will pale in comparison to that which He is preparing for those who are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!

In Christ,

Paul and Sheri Moreland

--   South American Christian Mission "... to prepare the saints..." Ephesians 4:12 www.sacm.net www.paulmoreland.com

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