Two children in blue tracksuits hold drawings, smiling next to a woman crouching, wearing a green sweatshirt. They're in a colorful indoor setting.

LisaBakkerinBogotá,Colombia

Sent from Gouda to bring hope, healing, and the love of Jesus to Colombia. Discover how God called her, what she is doing there, and how you can be involved.

From Gouda to Colombia

My name is Lisa Bakker. I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Gouda. At the age of 21, after a personal quest for truth, I came to faith. Since then, Jesus Central Church has been my spiritual home.

In this congregation, I was able to find recovery. Here my faith grew. Here I was equipped. And from this house of mission, I was able to be sent out.

Just now that I am allowed to serve in Colombia, I realize how important connection with the local church is. The prayers, encouragements, and support from the congregation carry me daily. We do missions together.

A large group of children in blue uniforms sit indoors, making heart shapes with their hands. An adult sits smiling in front of them.
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A diverse group of people, including children and adults, smiling and posing indoors with wall art and text in the background.

Why Colombia?

In 2019, I traveled to Colombia for the first time. There, I was able to experience the love of Jesus in a special way. After a period of searching and deep lows, I truly got to know God personally in 2021.

During my own recovery process, a desire grew: to return to Colombia. But this time with a clear mission.

Not to receive, but to bring!

In 2024, after being back in Colombia for six weeks, I was certain: God was calling me to live there for a longer period and serve the local population. It was a step of obedience and trust. But I can testify again every day: God is faithful. When He calls, He goes before us.

What am I doing in Colombia?

My main ministry takes place at a large school with more than 800 children.

There I may:

  • Having personal conversations with students

  • Supporting families

  • Encouraging teachers

  • Bringing hope and direction

  • Pointing to the love of Jesus

Together we search for restoration in broken situations. We believe that God's love changes lives.

In addition, I have come into contact with leaders from various local municipalities. This allows me to:

  • Regularly speaking in gatherings

  • Join youth evenings

  • Building along with local churches

  • Encouraging leaders

God opens doors that I could never have imagined.

We do the missions together

I believe that mission is never a one-man mission. It is something we carry together as the body of Christ.

Therefore, I ask for prayer for:

  • Protection, wisdom, and guidance

  • Open hearts in the people I meet

  • Strength and perseverance

  • Financial provision

In addition, I am dependent on financial support to be able to continue this work. Every contribution, big or small, makes it possible to make God's love tangible in Colombia.

Together, we may build His Kingdom.

See below the ways to support me:

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