Tears well up as I look into her eyes, and she can barely keep the gaze. We remember each other. I poured out all the Love of Jesus I had to give.

She smiles, thanks me, then stumbles away to choose the darkness around her.

Here in Colombia, we are partnering with Ciudad Refugio. This incredible ministry believes in simply building relationships. They see the broken and hopeless and seek to enter in with Love.

Weekly, they bring bread and Aqua Panela to a street filled with people who are homeless and using some sort of substance. The streets are full and long ago, the authorities turned a blind eye.

But still, we enter.

Darkness. Most would actually encourage avoidance of this street and the people that fill it. But what about Jesus?

The first week I went, I was overwhelmed with hopelessness. The streets were full, and the people were empty. Jesus gave me eyes to see individuals, not a mass problem, but image bearers of Christ filled with pain.

I was broken. Where was Jesus on that street?

In you. He responded. Every lonely soul has space for Me to occupy, but still we cry.

Yes, I hold all the Hope in the world. Jesus conquers death.

Still, these humans who are crossed over on the street need to know the Truth that they are still seen. This Gospel is no shallow thing; it goes to the depths of their reality.

Jesus looks brokenness in the eye and holds both grief and glory in His heart.

God made a way for us to also enter each following morning. We did not know what to expect, but we were expectant.

Honestly, the day looked no different. Streets still filled, hearts still broken. The lights were simply turned on.

I was angry. The day solidifies the fact that this is the lifestyle chosen. The sober sellers show the larger infrastructure at play.

God showed the location for His mercy given. Those perpetuating the cycle also experienced pain and are just as in need of Love and redemption.

Now, my team has gone to this area for the last time. Week after week, we encountered this darkness like no other. Yeah, darkness has strength, God sees it. He equips His Light with even more power and faithfulness.

With every cry for God to send healing and freedom, He met me with illuminating myself and my friends. As God is Light and Love, we are partners in that.

Holding both grief and glory is the task and gift given by God. And still, He is Good and empowers us in this partnership of Tearful Light.