Colombian returns to begin OM's work in her native country

Cartagena, Colombia - Over 18 years ago, Martha Ardila received a phone call from a friend in Ecuador; it was the kind of phone call you do not forget. It is a moment she recalls with clarity, “He called me to say that while he was praying for me, the Lord gave him Isaiah chapter 49”, she shared. Isaiah 49 is about Christ and the redemption he would bring. For Martha, this chapter has sustained, encouraged and strengthened her throughout her 18 years in the ministry.

Martha Ardila first learned about Christian ship ministry during an YWAM School in Bogota, Colombia in 1992. After returning from the school she prayed seriously about future mission work, with a specific desire to join a Christian ship ministry. To her surprise, OM’s Logos II came to Cartagena, Colombia, where she lived, in 1992. She worked as a volunteer while the ship was in Cartagena and then joined the ministry in March 1993.

For her, it was the fulfillment of a desire she had since learning about Christian ship ministries during the YWAM school in 1992. Throughout much of the nineties and early two thousands, Martha worked with OM’s ship ministry. During those years, she worked as a dish washer in the kitchen, to program manager, and most recently project manager, where she organized with port authorities, immigration, customs and local churches in advance of a ship’s arrival. She describes the project manager job as “A John the Baptist, you are preparing the way”.

Her last assignment with the ship ministry was last year. She was coordinating the visit of OM’s newest ship Logos Hope to London, UK. While there, she experienced another life changing encounter. During her time in the UK, Martha met and spoke with OM's founder George Verwer, who asked if there was OM in Colombia.

The simple question triggered a course of events that brings her back to Colombia. She had received several invitations from OM Andean Region's leader Roberto Facanha to represent OM in Colombia, and George Verwer’s question resulted in her thinking, “Now is the time to do it.”

For Martha, her time in ministry is coming back full circle. She has had the opportunity to share Jesus with many people in various countries; this year, Martha returns to her native country to represent OM in Colombia, to minister to her countrymen, and work to transform lives and communities. She is a dynamic person with a specific vision.

“I want to raise awareness of HIV-AIDS and prolife ministries in schools and foundations”, she shared, and “I have met with Christian leaders in Cartagena who have shown interest in Aids Link and prolife ministries.” She also wants to help low-income children with proceeds from her own special projects. She has written several children’s books which are in the process of being published.

Finally, Martha looks forward to seeing more Colombians join their Christian brothers and sisters in serving the Lord on the mission field. It has been 18 years since Martha received that phone call from Ecuador. In April, Martha went to Ecuador for the first time to meet with OM Andean Region members. She was commissioned from there to return to her people and be the light to her own nation and encourage others to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

OM’s role in the Church is to mobilise people to share the knowledge of Jesus and His love with every generation in every nation. OM pioneers and leads initiatives to redeem lives, rebuild communities and restore hope in over 110 countries.