Para La Frontera - "For the Border" | Stories of Faith, Trust, and Hope from Cucuta, Colombia - Video

This week on The Worship Table Pastor Chris guides us on a tour of Cucuta, Colombia and shares stories from our team's recent trip to visit our friends serving at Iglesia para la Frontera.

Over a decade ago, the people of Venezuela were thrown into chaos. Political unrest, economic hardship, and unbearable living conditions forced millions to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries, with Colombia feeling the impact more than any other.
The mass migration of Venezuelans created a new set of challenges for the already struggling country. Families were separated, lives were lost, and many people were forced to live on the streets, struggling to survive by any means necessary.

Those who fled to Colombia faced a new set of struggles - overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions, limited access to food, shelter, and healthcare, and a constant fear of violence and instability. The situation in Cucuta, a city located on the border between the two countries, was particularly challenging, with refugees crossing the border on foot in search of safety and basic necessities, putting a strain on local resources and infrastructure.

Amidst this chaos and devastation, God was at work, providing a glimmer of hope embodied by our friends at Iglesia Cristiana Para la Frontera, the Christian Church for the Border located in Cucuta. This church has been a lifeline for countless families who have fled the crisis, providing not only material aid but also answering God's call to love their neighbors, serving as instruments of God's grace and compassion to those in need.

In March of 2019, Pastor Chris led a team to visit the border, and through our friends at Vereda Church in Mexico City, we were introduced to the Pastor of Iglesia Para la Frontera, Mauricio, his wife Isabelina and instantly developed a relationship. Over the past 4 years and numerous visits with Pastor Mauricio and the team at Iglesia para la Frontera, we’ve heard stories and witnessed firsthand their tireless efforts to provide food, shelter, medical care, education, and most importantly hope for those most vulnerable at the Colombia/Venezuela border.

Our partnership with Iglesia Para la Frontera is rooted in a shared calling to serve those in need. A shared believe in the inherent value and dignity of every person, and a shared responsibility to care for the most vulnerable members of society. Our commitment to this partnership goes beyond providing financial assistance; we consistently show up and are present to support and celebrate those who are doing the hard work every day, serving on the border.

The stories of hope and resiliency shared by our friends at Iglesia Para la Frontera are inspirational - a true testament to God’s faithfulness. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, they have transformed their ministry into a sustainable and overwhelmingly beneficial staple at the Colombia/Venezuela border in Cucuta. Their unwavering commitment to caring for those in need exemplifies the transformative power of faith and community, demonstrating what can happen when we step boldly into God’s purpose for our lives.