August 24, 2025

We love Medellin. We have been here many times. It is a beautiful city. Like many cities around the world wealth is the main symbol of social stratification and that is evident in Medellin.

Medellín is divided into six social and economic strata based on income levels:

• Strata 1 and 2: Lower income levels.
• Strata 3 and 4: Middle income levels.
• Strata 5 and 6: Upper income levels.
  This stratification reflects the social and economic structure of the city with a significant amount of the population falling into the lower strata.

This disparity in income has been further pronounced by the actions of the ruthless neighboring dictator of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela is one of the world’s least safe and most unstable countries. Political unrest and crime are rife, and basic services such as healthcare and transportation are unavailable. Inflation and food shortages have made life very difficult for ordinary Venezuelans, and many have at great risk escaped by crossing the border into Colombia.

When we were last in Medellin in December, we encountered many displaced Venezuelans families on Calle 10 a main street in Medellin. The solution for assistance was simple. For 60,000 Colombian Pesos (about $15.00) a family could be accommodated in a hostel overnight with bathing facilities and a morning breakfast. I am pleased to share that many of those families have now assimilated into the welcoming Colombia culture.

So how could we be of further assistance?

The guidelines from Jesus regarding caring for others is pretty straightforward: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, cloth the naked, visit the sick and those that are in prison.

We choose to feed the hungry.

Unlike other cities we have travelled to around the world, it has been our experience that the homeless in Medellin are not aggressive in asking for help. They will often gather in selected park areas that I feel are safe areas for Chongae and I to minister. I want to share some photos with you and then tell you why I have included them.

First, I have been hesitant in the past to share photos of those we strive to help in our travels around the world. I did not want anyone we help to feel exploited. However, in Medellin I decided to take some photos. (I always ask permission first.) I noticed that those who may have appeared despondent at first quickly smiled when they had their photo taken. The gentleman in photo 4 actually straitened his hat so as to present his best impression. Was it that they felt a kindness from someone even for just a moment? How many people take photos with the homeless? Were they recalling another time in their life when they remembered taking a photo with someone? Don’t we all like to have our photos taken? I’m not sure. But what I do know is that we all need connection.

Second, I believe in prayer. I have too many experiences in my life not to. I have learned that prayer is much more powerful than persuasion.

So, I would ask you to scroll back up and pick a person to say a prayer for so that you can feel the same time of connection that I did.

And as always,

Thanks for travelling with us.