One of the most biodiverse regions in the world, Colombia is the second largest country in Latin America with a population of over 50 million.
Laura and Nick Sharp, hailing from First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, feel a call from God to serve in La Mesa, Colombia, a town of 35,000, nestled 40 miles west of Bogotá. With their children, Jesse, 8, and Brielle, 5, they will soon pack suitcases and move to begin a year-long ministry beginning in June 2025.
Mennonites began involvement in Colombia in the mid-1940s. Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia, IMCOL (Colombia Mennonite Church) has played a vital role in responding to the needs of people in their communities, working for justice and peace at the community and national levels. IMCOL’s broader work includes a seminary, church planting and mission committees, a school and a retreat center. In recent years Venezuelans have migrated to Colombia and participate in congregational life.
One of IMCOL’s key initiatives is Colegio Americano Menno in La Mesa, where Laura and Nick will serve.
The Mennonite Church established Colegio Americano Menno, a Christian school, more than 60 years ago. Laura and Nick will be serving in several capacities at the school, including English enrichment, academic support, physical education and other areas where their gifts and experiences are needed. School director Rebeca Muñoz said, “We welcome families as we want our students to broaden their worldview by getting to know children and adults from different cultures, and by hearing English as spoken by people for whom it’s their first language.”
Jesse and Brielle will attend the same school with a full Spanish language and cultural immersion experience.
Beyond the classroom, the family are invited into the local Mennonite church in La Mesa, where Laura and Nick will support their ministry which includes music, relating with children and youth, and outreach in La Mesa and neighboring communities.
The Sharp family looks forward to building relationships, learning the language and culture, and supporting the missions of the school and church to share God’s love together with the people of that region.
Linda Shelly, Regional Director for Latin America said, “At Mission Network we strive for placements that are mutually beneficial. Partners, like the church and school in La Mesa, appreciate that mission workers, like the Sharp family, come to learn as well as to serve. They recognize their own gifts, as well as those of the workers. Pastor Rodrigo Preciado added, “We love how families who come to La Mesa to serve for a period of time keep coming back to visit. This demonstrates the depth of the relationships that are formed.”
How you can help
We invite you to support the ministry of the Mennonite Church in Colombia during the Sharps’ one-year assignment in La Mesa. Your donations will be applied to housing, food, transportation, language lessons, health coverage, visas and other ministry expenses for the family.
