Spreading the Faith in Colombia

CWM
Aug 12
2 min read

Updated: Aug 27

Tierra La Bomba, Colombia

My family and I recently returned from our mission trip to Tierra La Bomba, an island off the coast of Cartagena. We spent a transformative week alongside remarkable people—Fr. Andrew, Fr. Jhonis, Francisco and Xiomara Pastor (our local hosts), fellow missionaries from Atlanta and Cincinnati, and brothers from the Legions of Christ. This marked our family's third journey to this extraordinary place, and each experience continues to be a profound blessing.

The power of returning to these communities cannot be overstated. The continuity of our mission trips creates deep, lasting connections. When we stepped off our boat onto the dock, we were greeted by a crowd of children whose faces lit up with recognition and joy. Their excitement to see us again was a testament to the relationships we've built over the years.

Through our door-to-door evangelization, we witnessed lives of beautiful simplicity. While these families don't have much in material terms, their homes radiate with God's presence and an unmistakable sense of peace. We celebrated mass in village churches, each service reminding me that the Catholic Church truly is universal—the Eucharist transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, uniting us all in worship.

Our final stop was Cano del Oro, a village with a particularly unique history. Once a leper colony until the mid-19th century, it has evolved into a fishing community where ruins of the old church that once served the lepers still stand. Today's church faces serious structural challenges—holes punctuate the ceiling, and the front facade threatens to collapse at any moment. Fr. Jhonis shared that they can no longer safely celebrate Mass inside due to these dangerous conditions.

This is why our mission matters so deeply. The $30,000 we raised will provide these faithful parishioners with a secure place to worship and celebrate Mass. Despite the church's current state, we found a dedicated group of parishioners who tend to both the building and the courtyard that surrounds it. Their devotion, even in the face of these challenges, is inspiring. The parishioners there deserve to worship in a sacred space where faith can flourish, where the community can gather safely, and where God's presence can be celebrated without fear.

This mission has been a blessing beyond measure, made possible by an extraordinary group of missionaries who understand that mission work is built on consistency, solidarity, and shared experience. There is still much work to be done to fulfill God's plan for this community, and we eagerly anticipate continuing to bring blessings and hope to the people of Tierra La Bomba.

ABOUT LAWRENCE: He currently resides in Atlanta, GA with his wife VyVy and four kids. He is a parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Brookhaven, GA.