December 2023 Update
Just as it is in the states, December is a busy month for us in the ministry. Due to the opposite seasons in South America the local schools are on summer break. This means we are preparing for not only the holidays but for Vacation Bible Schools as well. When you are working with 4 churches, it makes for non-stop planning and organizing.
We received word that our scripture container should be in Bolivia now, but we are unsure when it will make it through Customs. They are busier than normal leading up to the holidays since businesses have been bringing in extra items to sell. Plus, many places close the first couple weeks of the year for vacations. We’re not sure if Customs closes during that time as well so it’s nearly impossible to know for sure when we will be able to pick it up. They normally advise us 24 to 48 hours before they release it, and it is up to us to be ready at a moment’s notice with a semi-truck and driver. Please continue to help us pray over this. The last scripture portions we had available went to a pastor in the city of Cochabamba. He has been using them to evangelize the local schools, prison, and military base. It has been neat to read his reports of the souls he is reaching.
We were able to purchase 10 more sets of Sunday School material thanks to the support of Helps Mission SA. This will provide 10 churches with full sets of material for children 6 years old through adult that will last them for years to come. We are currently sorting them and putting them into their prospective sets. We then seal each quarter in zip-lock baggies to help preserve them from the humidity and keep them organized. Most of the local churches have nothing doctrinally sound available to them so it is a joy to have the opportunity of providing these curriculum sets for their use.
Last month, we mentioned the 2 indigenous outreaches in Villa Montes. In an effort to become better established in the community, we are helping Missionary/Pastor Enoc supply water to these 2 areas desperate from over a year without rain. We are thrilled to report that the Wenhayeek (When-a-yeh) community now has water! The locals are very excited about the storage tanks we installed. They can have water all week even though the water company only turns it on twice a week. We had to revise our plan to drill a well for the Guaraní (Gwah-rah-nee) community. Studies showed the water levels dropping to alarming levels. Other communities around had dug wells that dried up within a month, so we didn't feel this was a wise investment. Instead, we are going to draw from a river that is several kilometers away and water will be pumped into town. This has encouraged the local governments, and they are working to make it more easily available to each family. Our goal is to have our part of the project finished in time to give the community water for Christmas. The most exciting part for us is that both communities have donated land to the church in gratitude for helping them. This is huge because these indigenous groups are so closed to outsiders. In the Guaraní community, not only did they donate the land, but they also joined together to clear it for us ahead of time.
As you celebrate Christmas and the New Year, please continue to remember our family and the ministry here in Bolivia in your prayers. Thank you again for all you do to help make the ministry here possible.
