Serving the Bolivians

They say that "pictures say a thousand words."  So instead of writing a long account of what God allowed me to witness and experience during my mission trip to Tarija, Bolivia this year.  I thought I'd share photos of the wonderful people I met, places I visited and activities in which I participated.

In this first update, let me share about the local church we had the privilege of serving in Tarija. 

The local church was named "Iglesia Nueva Jerusalen" (Church of New Jerusalem).

The church was located in Barrio Nueva Jerusalen, a relatively new neighborhood on the outskirts of Tarija with a landscape resembling that of Tatooine.

My team and I had a chance to meet a lot of friendly, hospitable and amazing people from the church.

Rosio was one of many adorable neighborhood kids that came to see us almost every day at the church.  She brought her puppy, Escot.  Rosio and Escot even went door-to-door with us on two of the mornings (Rosio had to go to school in the afternoon.)

The local church members were so ready to share the Gospel with their neighbors.  Once we trained them on the Evangecube, they were off and running, going door-to-door each day.

God allowed us to witness several professions of faith, like the Cruz family. Victorino, Fabiola, and Lordes heard the Gospel and accepted Christ on Monday afternoon.  They then brought two more family members to the evening meeting and they made professions of faith as well.  The entire family continued to come for discipleship on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  

Gina accepted Christ, too, after my teammate Lacey shared the Gospel with her on Monday morning. Lacey and the team followed up with Gina and her sister, Myra, at their home on Wednesday and Thursday.

We also witness professions of faith from a local policewoman, Daisy (upper left), several young boys working at a construction site (bottom two), and had the opportunity to bless a young 9-year-old girl, Jobana, and her entire family (upper right).  Jobana was on bed-rest because of a disability in her legs.

We were fed very well by the loving church members.

One of the church members, Santiago, was a tailor, and he made new clothes for each of us!

We felt so blessed to serve and have fun with the local church members.

Even though we had to say goodbye for now, we know that we will see our dear brothers and sisters someday again.

Prayer Requests

• New Believers - Please pray for the growth of the new believers, such as the Cruz family, Gina, Daisy and the young boys. Please pray that they will continue to be discipled by the local church and feel welcomed into the body of believers.
• Continued Ministry - Please pray that the local believers will continue the work of sharing the Good News and discipling new believers. Please pray that they will be salt and light to their community.  Please also pray for the precious children, like Rosio, in the church and community.  Pray that they will catch the vision of sharing God's Word and making disciples from their parents and leaders of the church.
• Church Site - The church building is less than a year old and they have had to halt construction for now because of lack of funds.  According to the pastor, most church members are living paycheck-to-paycheck so are not able to contribute much to the building fund.  The church is praying and hopeful that God will provide the funds in His timing. Please pray that God will honor the church members' faithfulness.  

To finish this entry, here is a photo of Escot with the EvangeBall.  Thank you for praying for the Bolivians!