First of all, I am deeply grateful to God for giving me this opportunity to set foot on the land of South America. In November 2019, our family was called by the Lord. Over the past five years, we have been continuously praying, seeking God’s purpose in calling us to South America. The closer we moved toward His will, the clearer it became. No matter how challenging or uncertain the process was, a series of signs revealed that God’s purpose for our family was unmistakable.
Now, as I stand in Bogotá, Colombia, I am filled with gratitude for God’s wondrous guidance. From obtaining the Colombian visa, I felt God’s preparation. When the time came, all the required documents were ready, and I successfully received a three-month visa for visiting friends in Colombia.
After receiving the visa, I began searching for flights, only to realize there were no direct flights, and the journey would take 2–3 days. This felt like a much longer trip than any I had taken before. I prayed to God, asking Him to make the journey feel shorter. However, God showed me that He would bring my heart closer to the people of South America, helping me overcome the barriers of language and culture. This made me pray even more earnestly than ever before. I also prayed for angelic accompaniment, and God indeed prepared a travel companion for me. Although we had never met before, he bought the same flight as mine to Bogotá just a day before departure. He, too, was surprised, as he had been assigned this trip at the last minute.
When the time came to leave China, my long-standing concern materialized—the Chinese customs officers questioned me for 15 minutes. Thankfully, I was able to answer all their questions well. I felt God’s unwavering guidance throughout. Even though the officer asked many challenging questions, I had all the evidence to prove my innocence. God is truly a God of preparation.
When I arrived at Colombian customs, the officer asked me only one question: “Are you here in Bogotá for professional training?” Due to the language barrier, I became a bit nervous—more nervous than at Chinese customs, where I could express myself clearly in my native language. However, the Colombian officer spoke with a kind tone that eased my anxiety. I showed him the invitation letter and explained that I was visiting my friend, Moses. He didn’t ask me anything further. After letting me through, I wished him a Merry Christmas and said, “God bless you.” He smiled warmly as he sent me on my way.
I felt deeply that God had brought me here to bless this land. How eager the people of this land are to receive God’s blessings!
I was delighted that God arranged for Mario, a church member in Colombia, to welcome me. I kept in touch with Pastor Moses and Pastor Isaac, ensuring that our devices were ready for video calls in case of emergencies. I am grateful for the chance to share God’s guidance and grace with Mario through a translation app on our phones, creating beautiful memories. I also experienced the power of today’s AI technology—using iFLYBUDS made language barriers almost disappear.
Later that evening, at 9:00 PM, Pastor Simon and Pastor Isaac welcomed us at the Olivet Center in Colombia. It was a special moment, as it was also the second anniversary of the Colombian Olivet Center. While this coincidence seemed random, I believe God had planned this visit long ago. Meeting the brothers and sisters in Colombia felt like reuniting with old friends in Christ. In Him, there are no cultural or linguistic differences.
In the coming days, until December 31, I will stay in Bogotá to experience the city’s culture and customs. During this Christmas holiday, we will share our gratitude, faith journeys, and testimonies, strengthening our friendships through Christ’s love. We also plan to discuss the economic and commercial development of China and South America, as well as future trade opportunities. I hope for abundant blessings and fruitful outcomes in Christ.