Team Leader, Michael Estep

Here is a bit of the testimony of Michael Estep and how he came to be involved in Colombia and Brisas del Mar a few years ago.

It’s amazing what God can do...and will do with a willing heart.  After 31 years as our local church youth leader and days after my retirement from my career job I found myself wondering... ‘Well God’s, what’s next?’   Oh, let me tell you, what’s next stirs my heart.  

Missions!!, the core of my work with youth and my passion as a leader in the church.  Advancing the Kingdom of God in meaningful and practical ways to persons who long to hear and heart that desire the truth. I became certified as a Volunteer in Mission Team Leaders, of the United Methodist Church, just before retirement and within months I would lead my first adult mission team to the precious community of Brisas Del Mar, Colombia.  

Inspired by the passion of my pastor who had been to Brisas in February 2012, and after extensive research about the devastation this community experienced at the hands of Para Military and drug cartels, it became obvious the needs of this community were worthy.  But more than the research, God was relentless in moving my heart to Brisas.  Our team in February 2013 worked alongside community members helping to complete a school building.  These are people with pride, not looking for a handout, but instead a hand up, as the slow recovery of the community takes place.  Thankfully the Colombia Methodist Church has found their way to Brisas and has offered hope through our Lord Jesus.  The volunteer mission groups has built a small but very modern, state of the art clinic that serves Brisas and the many surround communities.  Persons are known to walk a day’s journey to come to the Clinic.

This is a community with dire needs.  When we left from our February mission I asked community leaders what we could bring back, what are you most important needs.   Of all the personal items they could have asked for  their request was for Bibles.  

I am excited about the connectional ministry we have established with the Colombia Methodist Church and I look forward to returning at least twice or more a year.  We go with the blessing of the Ohio River Valley District of the United Methodist Church.  You too can be a part of this wonderful mission.  Let me invite you to pray about what God may have you to do in connecting with the people of Brisas.  

Michael has since been going to Colombia nearly twice a year every year. He has led many people in joining his passion for the people of Brisas del Mar. His passion is contagious and his love for the Lord and he people is evident. If you spend 5 minutes talking to Michael, you will undoubtedly hear what his vision is for the future of helping Colombia. In future blogs, you will hear more of Michael's stories.