January 2018
Baptism at Coqueni in La Paz
2017 has come and gone and it has been an interesting one. We have all had our ups and downs but in all situations, we can all say God has been faithful. One thing I know, no matter what happens in 2018, He will remain faithful.
For us, the most difficultly thing in 2017 was finding out our daughter has autism. It would be difficult for any family but for us, we have to also take in consideration what that means in Bolivia. We have been contacting friends and others in Bolivia, looking for help. We actually found another expatriate family that has just gone through the exact situation we are facing. This family has already been helping us. We have also had Ellie in doctors appointments, therapy and anything else we can find to try and help her before we return.
After we sent out our last letter, we also got negative news concerning our son Daniel. He was tested for some things and was found to have an extremely low immune system. He was referred to an infectious disease specialist because an immunoglobulin level was 5 when it should have been above 60. According to the specialist, this is not normal but also not uncommon at his age. At his last test the levels had come up some so they told us to wait until he is about 4yrs old and then test again.
I want to say thank you for all of you that have sent words of encouragement to our family in the last couple of months. It has been a blessing and a reminder of all those that care for us and pray for us on a regular basis.
Due to all the medical issues, our pastor has recommended that we take some extra time here in the states for medical treatment. He wants us to be able to get all the treatments and appointments we need before returning to Bolivia where there are not as many options. We were to return on the 5th of January but have, at his recommendation, moved our departure date to April 6th.
I will be going without my family for a couple of weeks to take care of a few things in Bolivia. I have one of our supporting pastors that will be making the trip with me. I will be checking on a leak in our roof and some other things that need to be taken care of. I would appreciate your prayers for this trip. I am excited to get back and see our people. I miss being there greatly! I am probably most excited to go to La Paz and visit some of our old works. I am wanting to see the progress on the new building in Cota-Cota and see how they are growing. It is my understanding that Ancla has been growing this year too. They have moved to a new building which has given them more room for growth.
I have been receiving amazing photos of some new believers being baptized at the first church we worked in, Coqueni. It is exciting to now see this work flourishing and growing. Interestingly, most of this church has always been children but many of the new converts have been adults. This is huge for that church and for Pastor Jesus.
I am excited to announce that we have 3 new students in the prison Bible college. And about as soon as we got them, the Lord provided the finances to support them as well. He does all things well. I plan to go and try to meet them on my trip this month. I am excited about training these men in the work of the Lord!
The Land money has still been coming in too. We currently only lack about $3,000 to finish this off. We know that God will provide it in His time. Please help us continue to pray for this project. I am anxious to get this going as soon as possible.
Thank you for your prayers and support. Your prayers have especially been felt and appreciated in the last couple of months.
