With joy, we celebrate the multiform generosity of you, our mission companions. Because of you, entire families and communities are being empowered to become agents of social change for Colombia. Your manyfold expressions of love, generosity, encouragement, and prayer are the very fuel that ignites the holistic mission of Emmaus Road Foundation. Yes! Because of you! Here is a sample of your encouraging messages.

Dear Natanael, I am reaching out as I am about to embark on a very special journey back to Colombia for a work trip and my preparations have brought back many fond memories of our time together. I have never mentioned to anyone how my first international trip to Colombia had a profound impact on my life and I wanted to reach out to share my story with you.  

I was a senior in high school on this trip. The Travel Seminar you led to Colombia was my first trip out of the country and my first experience seeing a whole new world different from my own. I remember seeing areas of extreme poverty, displacement of people due to conflict, military presence in the streets, and unsafe conditions for people to live.  I also remember the hospitality, sense of optimism, fervor for life, and genuine care for humanity that exuded from everyone that we met. This dichotomy of environmental circumstances opened my eyes to diversity, culture, communication, and joy that I have never seen before.  

It made me appreciate that we are all different, we all come from different circumstances, and we all can do anything together with a common goal. What a leadership lesson to learn at such a young age. This was a life changing trip. Because of my 2 weeks in Colombia, I decided to major in Spanish at the university, which lead me to studying abroad 4 years later in Spain and gave me the courage to travel and learn. My passion for connecting with people led me into a sales related role and I am now honored to have a position to represent my company internationally.

I see this trip as a kind of “homecoming” for me. I cannot put into words the excitement and emotion I am feeling to return to Colombia where I discovered it is ok to think differently and be different than those around me, where I gained a level of independence to start making decisions on my own, and where I learned the importance of optimism and always having a positive outlook on life.  I am forever indebted to you and the people of Colombia for opening my eyes to the opportunities in this world. I will think very fondly of you and carry a piece of you with me in my heart and spirit on my travels.  Thank you! Alisha, Chicago, Illinois.

Thank you, Pastors Natanael and Barbara, for the very special broadcast and for all you do to transform young lives in Colombia. Also, for giving the opportunity for so many people to be moved to help. God bless you! Patricia, Synod of Alberta & The Territories, Canada.

Barbara and Natanael, thank you for the invitation to the live chat. I rejoice with you and commend you as you celebrate and mark 30 years of ministry. You have been an inspiration for so many and our Lord has blessed your dream of serving. Well done, good and faithful servants. Soli Deo Gloria. Bishop Norm E. Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Thank you, Natanael, and all. A wonderful broadcast and important, meaningful transformational ministry! Bishop Larry, Synod of Alberta & The Territories, Canada.

So very proud of you Natanael and Barbara for making a difference in our world. Cyndi, Olimpia, Washington.

Beautiful work. God bless you! Miledis, Bogota Colombia

Thank you for including me in the broadcast. The music was so beautiful and all the messages heartfelt. Sally, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Great to hear from you! Thanks for the mazing work you all continue to do. Blessings to you and Barbara. Larry, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

We often ponder how we chanced to meet in rural South Dakota, from worlds apart. We appreciate what you have accomplished. We could never have met one of our dreams in Colombia without you. Darnell & Debbie, Dickinson, North Dakota

Thank you for connecting us to this awesome ministry. Pastor Jake, New Braunfels, Texas

What a wonderful broadcast presentation. The music was amazing, it was great to hear from so many people of the Lutheran Church of Colombia who are living and serving in various parts of the world. Job well, very, very well done. Pastor Larry, Custer South Dakota

Pastor Nate, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to visit Colombia. I am forever touched by the people of Colombia, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ from Soacha and Caracoli. I greatly encourage all to take a mission trip to Colombia. Teresa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Pastor Nate, thank you for the blessing you have been in my life. The love and commitment that you have for the whole world is a blessing and witness of Jesus to many. God bless you, my friend.  Amanda, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Pastor Natanael and Pastor Barbara, it is always with joy that we remember you and your missionary work in Colombia. We are thankful and appreciate the inspiration you give to us, and to others. Roger & Mary, Coos Bay, Oregon

Pastor Nate, thank you for your amazing ministry for our congregation, community and Bread for The World. I so appreciate your inclusive, missionary spirit to all colors and nationalities. You are a clear witness to the joy and power of the Gospel. Marvyl Eldal, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Nate, you are a vessel filled with the treasure of God’s kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Wanda, Sioux Falls, South Dakota