Hamilton & María Vélez
Missionaries in Colombia
Testimony
Maria: I was 16 years old when the Lord saved me. I was raised like most Colombians, being an enemy of God without knowing it, under a catholic worldview where the idea of God was not strange, however that did not make me be knowledgeable of him, nor be known by him. During my time in high school my rebelliousness towards him grew and I said in my foolishness “there is no God” and I gave myself to look for the meaning of my life in many places. Two years before I finished high school a classmate shared with me insistently about God’s love. Even though I listened to her, her words still seemed like incomprehensible riddles to me. During my last year of school God sovereignly and in his mercy for me allowed her to continue in my same class and we built a beautiful friendship. That last year she invited me to a summer camp for young people, after many difficulties I was able to attend and one day being there my eyes were opened to my condition of sin and separation from God and my need for repentance. And from that day on everything changed for me.
Hamilton: The Lord saved me when I was about to be 20 years old. I was having struggles with drug addictions and my family. In the midst of multiple circumstances, one day the Lord gave the desire to read the book of Revelation. I had no bible but I downloaded one and started reading Revelation, that afternoon, when I finished reading it the Lord had already saved me.
Ministry
Maria: To serve the Lord is to use any ability, talent, gift to glorify Him, enjoy Him and expand His Kingdom in the way He desires, whatever our context may be. Personally, in my life it looks like this: translating Bible studies, coordinating the logistics of an event for the edification of the saints, sharing my academic knowledge with those who need it, teaching or writing a Bible study, accompanying a sister in a difficult situation, telling someone about Jesus or praying for someone. However, there are three very particular interests that God has awakened in my heart that bring me great joy and where He has opened doors to serve Him with more intentionality:
- Accompanying women in their walk with God
- Biblical counseling
- Raising awareness in the local church on missions and the persecuted church.
Hamilton: I work as a Computer Scientist, so I’m not currently in full-time ministry. Although it’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to serve the Lord full-time, the Lord has not clearly told me to do so, in fact, in a previous opportunity a couple of years ago He closed the door. Lately, this has come to my mind again and I’m earnestly praying for the Lord to clearly let me know if He wants me to serve Him full time together with my wife Maria.
Favorite Scripture
Maria:
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
~ James 4:8
Hamilton:
“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
~ Luke 11:13
About Us
What are some of your Hobbies?
Maria: I really enjoy crocheting. The idea of creating something with my hands and wearing it, or giving it as a gift is very satisfying. I enjoy hiking when I have the opportunity. The peace that God gives me through it is a gift in the midst of the hustle and bustle of life. I enjoy learning new languages and getting to know new cultures. I find the diversity that God has displayed in the world fascinating.
Hamilton: I like fantasy stories, although I don’t have time for reading them, I really like the fantasy world and related stories created by J.R.R Tolkien. For example, the Lord of the Rings. I enjoy playing sports, any kind really. When I have the chance to play I kind of disconnect from the world and enjoy a lot.
What is an adventure you would like to go on?
Maria: I would love the opportunity to accompany a pilot in the cockpit during a flight. Be it a military or commercial aircraft. I really enjoy flying as a passenger, so I think being in the cockpit would be a fascinating and unforgettable experience.
Hamilton: I wish that for one entire day I could walk with God and do whatever He asks me to do without hesitating. Can you imagine that?
Who from the Bible would you like to meet in Heaven?
Maria: I have always wanted to interview every woman in the Bible who had an encounter with God/Jesus. However, if I had to choose one, I would choose this time the woman with the issue of blood. I find her story fascinating, because through her act of faith of touching just the hem of Jesus’ garment to be healed and her way to approach Jesus with determination but with awareness of her need, in humility, it shows me that she had a very special knowledge and conviction about who the Lord was and what he could do. It reminds me the verse in James 4:8 “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”
Hamilton: Lately John the Baptizer has been brought to my attention. I’d like to ask him how he managed to survive for 30 years in desert places. Specially, I’d love to ask him about his prayer life and his relationship with God.