February 2020 Update

We thank the Lord for all he has done in the last few months.  There has been a lot happening and we are thankful to have a part in what He is doing.

Our first church, Monte Carmelo, had a Vacation Bible School this past month.  This is the first one they have done without our help.  From the pictures I have seen, they had a good number of children come.  Even though we were not there, this VBS has been special to us.  It is special because it shows us that the church is doing fine on its own and is able to continue without our help.  This is exactly what a missionary wants and needs to see in their church..  We did not help them coordinate, teach, or work. They even did it on their own financially.  Our family gave them $25 for their VBS which they did not ask for nor was it enough to cover much of the cost.  It was also good for us to see the local people working to help.  In the photos, there were several that we recognized helping to cook and serve. All of this is a sign of a healthy new church.  To know that this church is just barely over one year old and able to do this extra outreach without the help of the missionary is an encouragement!  We are excited for them and Pastor Francisco and excited to see them continue to grow and mature.

Please pray for Pastor Francisco specifically concerning a health issue which he has been dealing with for a while. He recently found out that surgery will be required to fix the issue. That surgery will cost $1,000.  I know he and his family do not have the money to cover this since they generally live from day to day anyway, much less have the finances to pay for an extra expense like this.  Would you please pray for him and his family as they face this trial?

Our second work seems to be doing well also.  They are averaging 40+ in their Sunday morning services. There are some areas that they are struggling with, but they are pushing through and doing fine. Some of these things we have specifically let them struggle through to help them learn to trust in the Lord on their own.  We are excited to be getting back so that we can work with them and help them get on their own as a church.

We currently have less than a month before our return to Bolivia!  Our whole family is looking forward to returning. This furlough has been fruitful as we have been able to raise some new support, visit some already supporting churches and also raise some finances towards the new church land project.  However, we are all ready to get back to the field.  Please pray for our trip back to Bolivia.  We fly out on the 4th of March and arrive on the 5th.  Our normal airline has stopped making direct flights which means we will now have extra stops to get there.  This means it will take longer and will be harder especially on the children.  Also pray for us as we say the normal dreaded goodbyes to our family and friends.  We have learned over the years that it never gets easier.

Thank you for making the ministry in Bolivia possible!