This week, the Messenger of Hope Global Ministry Team, led by our Senior Pastor Tom Manning, Spanish Campus Pastor Samuel Roman, and Global Pastor Andrew Manning, embarked on a mission to San Andrés, Colombia, training 200 pastors and leaders in evangelism. As we cast a vision to mobilize all the churches on the island for a three-day crusade in February 2025, the unity and eagerness of these pastors to see their community transformed was palpable. San Andrés, with its population of over 200,000 and an annual influx of 600,000 tourists, is ripe for a move of God, and our hearts are burdened to see the entire island turn from idolatry to the one true and living God, Jesus Christ.

The love for the people and their culture has gripped my heart deeply. However, the language barrier posed a personal challenge that reminded me of a powerful truth: the universal language of love will speak louder and clearer than any words when sharing the good news of Jesus. This vision will require a greater outpouring of God’s Spirit than we’ve ever seen before. Lord, hear our prayers for San Andrés!

Back in Fort Lauderdale, our local impact continues to grow. We recently relaunched our Nehemiah ministry with a comprehensive plan to include men, women, and youth. Phase one is already in progress, with 18 men and three women currently being trained in light framing, construction, drywall, plumbing, and electrical repair. Our vision is to create a faith community of skilled workers who can mobilize to serve vulnerable populations like the elderly and single parents by meeting their practical needs. Through this, we hope to create divine pathways to share the gospel message of hope through love in action. Radical faith means stepping out to fulfill God’s clearly defined will, even when it requires great personal risk or sacrifice.

In the second phase of expansion, we plan to train our youth at local elementary and middle schools in Fort Lauderdale, equipping them to serve their communities and live out their faith in tangible ways.

As we consider the history of Nehemiah, who rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls after 141 years of ruin, we see a parallel to the Church’s role in society today. The Church is a protective wall that brings structure and safety to our communities, but that wall has been broken. We are reminded of Ezekiel 22:30, where God searched for someone to stand in the gap but found none. Yet, in Nehemiah 2:17-18, the people responded to the call to rebuild, strengthening their hands for the good work. 

Our commitment to this mission is both our protection and provision as we stand together, ready to rise up and build. 

Join us in prayer and action as we seek to be God’s hands and feet, both in Fort Lauderdale and across the world in San Andrés. The work is great, but our God is greater. Let’s continue to trust Him for the breakthrough, both near and far.