Andrew was the youngest member of our Bolivia team at 16. His team had a tough start to the campaign. For the first couple days they didn’t have a place to meet, or any workers to go with them.
Then things turned around as God answered prayers. Several workers from a local seminary showed up to help. Local believers in a nearby neighborhood offered their home for the evening meetings.
I visited the second night they had the meeting place. The small room was full of new Quechua believers singing Quechua praise songs. As my eyes swept the room, I noticed Andrew standing up against the back wall. His face was grim so I worried that he was sick or something.
Then I noticed a tear roll down his cheek. “You OK?” I asked. He nodded yes, but his words choked in his throat. With a bit of time, he was able to speak. “For this one hour, they look so happy,” Andrew whispered, “even though they are so poor.”
Andrew was experiencing the joy of seeing God use his life to touch others. The kind of experience that can change the direction of a person’s life.
As you prayed, God touched many lives—
• 696 professions of faith
• 116% follow-up of the people we talked to in the neighborhoods
• 139 Bolivian believers catapulted into ministry, so on average each US team member was the catalyst for 9 Bolivians to be involved in ministry
• 4 new churches started, 1 young church strengthened, and 2 mother churches strengthened
If you’d like to see the faces of some of those touched, including the evening meeting that brought tears to Andrew’s eyes, click on this picture to see a short online slideshow.
Thanks for being a big part of our Bolivia team as you prayed for us!
Blessings.
Mike Jorgensen
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Friday, June 13, 2008
Light in Twilight
I´ve been struggling how to express how enthusiastically people have responded this week. How do you communicate something that is so unlike what we see in US?
The best I can come up with is--
¨Free iPods to first 712 people who open doors to our reps!¨
People would be standing on their doorsteps waiting to get this blessing, wouldn´t they? In many areas that is how our team has been received this week as we have shared the truth that God loves them and Jesus died so they could have eternal life.
Bolivia is a country of uncertainty. Will the pro-gov´t people protest and blockade? Will the pro-democracy folks demonstrate and strike? If I go to the next city, will I be able to get back? Will we end up in civil war? Or will things stay peaceful?
In the midst of this, the Light has shone into the twilight of this uncertainty. This picture symbolizes what God has done this week. The kids are meeting in the lighted room, with the lights of the city in the background, as the adults and teens meet across the street.
712 people prayed to receive Christ! Their desire to learn about how to follow Christ shone through as we saw 106% follow-up as we visited them again in their homes and they came to the evening meetings. We are praying that disciple-makers will teach each one how to walk in the light the the Lord Jesus gives them.
4 new LifeGroup-style groups were started, which hopefully will grow into established churches in the next few months. 3 other churches were strengthened.
The Head of the Church is keeping His promise in Bolivia to build His church.
Thanks to everyone who has given and prayed for our team. Your time and treasure has yielded much fruit in Sucre, Bolivia.
The best I can come up with is--
¨Free iPods to first 712 people who open doors to our reps!¨
People would be standing on their doorsteps waiting to get this blessing, wouldn´t they? In many areas that is how our team has been received this week as we have shared the truth that God loves them and Jesus died so they could have eternal life.
Bolivia is a country of uncertainty. Will the pro-gov´t people protest and blockade? Will the pro-democracy folks demonstrate and strike? If I go to the next city, will I be able to get back? Will we end up in civil war? Or will things stay peaceful?
In the midst of this, the Light has shone into the twilight of this uncertainty. This picture symbolizes what God has done this week. The kids are meeting in the lighted room, with the lights of the city in the background, as the adults and teens meet across the street.
712 people prayed to receive Christ! Their desire to learn about how to follow Christ shone through as we saw 106% follow-up as we visited them again in their homes and they came to the evening meetings. We are praying that disciple-makers will teach each one how to walk in the light the the Lord Jesus gives them.
4 new LifeGroup-style groups were started, which hopefully will grow into established churches in the next few months. 3 other churches were strengthened.
The Head of the Church is keeping His promise in Bolivia to build His church.
Thanks to everyone who has given and prayed for our team. Your time and treasure has yielded much fruit in Sucre, Bolivia.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Do They Understand?
People often ask ¨do they really understand, or are they just being nice to foreigners?
Mary, Joyce and Geanie were invited into a school to talk to 11th and 12th graders. Here´s what some of them wrote. What do you think?
Roxana says: I accept Jesus, and because he died for our sins, and loved us so much I want to know more about him. Thank u for make me think about the good values.
Alicia says: I accept Jesus, and I see how he worked in their lifes, and I want the same too with mine. Thank u to come.
Juvenal says: I accept Jesus, thanks for the reflexion u made its was very usefull to me.
Juan says: I accept Jesus, I would like to know how to improve my lidership’s skill cause I want to make a group of bible study.
Maria says: I accept Jesus, and I would love to know more about Jesus, its interesting to know that some body loves me as much that died 4 me.
Juan says: I accept Jesus, I want to know how to love Jesus cause he loved me first, diyng 4 me at the cross.
Felipa says: I accept Jesus, thanks for show that is some one that loves and I’m important to somebody. Thank u I love U
Mary, Joyce and Geanie were invited into a school to talk to 11th and 12th graders. Here´s what some of them wrote. What do you think?
Roxana says: I accept Jesus, and because he died for our sins, and loved us so much I want to know more about him. Thank u for make me think about the good values.
Alicia says: I accept Jesus, and I see how he worked in their lifes, and I want the same too with mine. Thank u to come.
Juvenal says: I accept Jesus, thanks for the reflexion u made its was very usefull to me.
Juan says: I accept Jesus, I would like to know how to improve my lidership’s skill cause I want to make a group of bible study.
Maria says: I accept Jesus, and I would love to know more about Jesus, its interesting to know that some body loves me as much that died 4 me.
Juan says: I accept Jesus, I want to know how to love Jesus cause he loved me first, diyng 4 me at the cross.
Felipa says: I accept Jesus, thanks for show that is some one that loves and I’m important to somebody. Thank u I love U
Coming Down Off The Mountain
Today is last day of work in the 5 areas. So there will be lots of ¨goodbye¨ tears tonight. Pray for the discipleship to continue long after we leave.
Tomorrow is a vacation and shopping day. Then Saturday we head back to Santa Cruz to catch the plane on to the US.
Pray for us as we readjust to coming down off the mountain--physically, emotionally and spiritually. Physically it is just as tough coming down from the Andes as it is going up. Spiritually and emotionally it is difficult leaving the myriad spiritual and physical needs here to return to the land of plenty.
Blessings.
mike j for team bolivia
Tomorrow is a vacation and shopping day. Then Saturday we head back to Santa Cruz to catch the plane on to the US.
Pray for us as we readjust to coming down off the mountain--physically, emotionally and spiritually. Physically it is just as tough coming down from the Andes as it is going up. Spiritually and emotionally it is difficult leaving the myriad spiritual and physical needs here to return to the land of plenty.
Blessings.
mike j for team bolivia
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Answered Prayer
God is answering your prayers, Prayer Team.
Earlier I wrote about Philip/Lettie/Andrew/Woodlyn`s area, and how they had no workers and no place to meet. God changed all that yesterday. Six students from a local seminary came to help. Plus, the leader took them to a different neighborhood. Not only are the people much more receptive there, but they also have a nice home to meet in! A local believer volunteered her house for the new group. Picture below is new ¨LifeGroup¨in neighborhood after one day´s work in the new area. People are hungry for hope here!
Prayer changes things, and it is not limited by time or distance. You are making a difference in Bolivia as you lift our needs to our loving Lord.
God has blessed our meetings with our Bolivian church planting coaches. They are from all over Bolivia, from the jungles of the northeast to the Andes of the southwest. To see each other, they would have to travel hours and hours and hours. Many of them have mentioned how they now feel like they are part of a family, and not so alone as they did before.
As God has directed our agenda, yesterday we talked about other denominations and ministries we can partner with here. It was amazing to hear the positions they hold in those types of organizations. One of our coaches has two earned doctorates, and is the leader of several provinces of his denomination. Another is the director of a Bible institute. Another leads the Bolivian work of a ministry that distributes audio New Testaments. Another is a leader of a group of 150 pastors. They are seeing more clearly how we want to partner with others, not just build our own organization.
Today we challenged them to ask God how many churches in their respective networks might want to be trained with our methods and materials. We also challenged them to raise up others to be church planting coaches within those networks.
Please ask God to enable these dear coaches to hear His plans clearly as we finish our meetings tomorrow.
And as before, please beseech the Lord of the Harvest to raise up disciple makers for every new believer. What they do next week is more important than what we are doing this week for the long term health of these new groups, which hopefully will grow into churches in the coming months.
Thanks for praying.
mike j for team bolivia
Earlier I wrote about Philip/Lettie/Andrew/Woodlyn`s area, and how they had no workers and no place to meet. God changed all that yesterday. Six students from a local seminary came to help. Plus, the leader took them to a different neighborhood. Not only are the people much more receptive there, but they also have a nice home to meet in! A local believer volunteered her house for the new group. Picture below is new ¨LifeGroup¨in neighborhood after one day´s work in the new area. People are hungry for hope here!
Prayer changes things, and it is not limited by time or distance. You are making a difference in Bolivia as you lift our needs to our loving Lord.
God has blessed our meetings with our Bolivian church planting coaches. They are from all over Bolivia, from the jungles of the northeast to the Andes of the southwest. To see each other, they would have to travel hours and hours and hours. Many of them have mentioned how they now feel like they are part of a family, and not so alone as they did before.
As God has directed our agenda, yesterday we talked about other denominations and ministries we can partner with here. It was amazing to hear the positions they hold in those types of organizations. One of our coaches has two earned doctorates, and is the leader of several provinces of his denomination. Another is the director of a Bible institute. Another leads the Bolivian work of a ministry that distributes audio New Testaments. Another is a leader of a group of 150 pastors. They are seeing more clearly how we want to partner with others, not just build our own organization.
Today we challenged them to ask God how many churches in their respective networks might want to be trained with our methods and materials. We also challenged them to raise up others to be church planting coaches within those networks.
Please ask God to enable these dear coaches to hear His plans clearly as we finish our meetings tomorrow.
And as before, please beseech the Lord of the Harvest to raise up disciple makers for every new believer. What they do next week is more important than what we are doing this week for the long term health of these new groups, which hopefully will grow into churches in the coming months.
Thanks for praying.
mike j for team bolivia
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Terrific Tuesday
Trouble on Tuesday. Trouble on Tuesday. Trouble on Tuesday.
Everywhere we went, that´s what we heard. From different leaders in different places. Even from a soldier here, who gave one of our ministry partners (translators) his cell number in case he needed help. The local officials had declared several days ago that they were going to shut down Sucre to protest the national government´s policies. Road blocks. No taxis or busses or anything on the road. Total shutdown.
But the first thing I heard this morning when I saw the hotel owner on my daily pilgrimage for coffee was ¨todo normal.¨ (Everything normal)
Proverbs 21:1 says that God holds the hearts of kings in His hand. We have seen him turn those hearts in a way that allows us to continue our work.
3 of our areas are going great. Lots of workers, lots of decisions, lots of follow-up. We thank the Lord for that.
But 2 of our areas have some major obstacles. One, where Philip, Letty, Andrew and Woodlyn are working, does not have any workers. Even the pastor has been gone almost all the time attending to other things. They have seen many people say ¨Si¨ to Christ, but they need workers to follow-up.
Another area where Doug, Catherine and Lori are working has a huge spiritual obstacle. There was a church in the neighborhood that broke up a couple years ago. So there is a building there for anyone who wants to use it. But the community is very much against whatever happens in that building, or anyone they think is connected with people from there. Evidently there was an issue that split the church, and now people don´t want to have anything to do with it or anyone on the other ¨side¨ of whatever the issue was. Pray for God to bring down the obstacles of bitterness and anger.
We have a couple folks down with some tummy trouble, and a couple others with bad colds. So please also pray for our health and stamina as we continue our fun but long days.
Blessings.
Mike Jorgensen for Team Bolivia
Everywhere we went, that´s what we heard. From different leaders in different places. Even from a soldier here, who gave one of our ministry partners (translators) his cell number in case he needed help. The local officials had declared several days ago that they were going to shut down Sucre to protest the national government´s policies. Road blocks. No taxis or busses or anything on the road. Total shutdown.
But the first thing I heard this morning when I saw the hotel owner on my daily pilgrimage for coffee was ¨todo normal.¨ (Everything normal)
Proverbs 21:1 says that God holds the hearts of kings in His hand. We have seen him turn those hearts in a way that allows us to continue our work.
3 of our areas are going great. Lots of workers, lots of decisions, lots of follow-up. We thank the Lord for that.
But 2 of our areas have some major obstacles. One, where Philip, Letty, Andrew and Woodlyn are working, does not have any workers. Even the pastor has been gone almost all the time attending to other things. They have seen many people say ¨Si¨ to Christ, but they need workers to follow-up.
Another area where Doug, Catherine and Lori are working has a huge spiritual obstacle. There was a church in the neighborhood that broke up a couple years ago. So there is a building there for anyone who wants to use it. But the community is very much against whatever happens in that building, or anyone they think is connected with people from there. Evidently there was an issue that split the church, and now people don´t want to have anything to do with it or anyone on the other ¨side¨ of whatever the issue was. Pray for God to bring down the obstacles of bitterness and anger.
We have a couple folks down with some tummy trouble, and a couple others with bad colds. So please also pray for our health and stamina as we continue our fun but long days.
Blessings.
Mike Jorgensen for Team Bolivia
Drunk Person of Peace
Our teams always pray for a person of peace in each area. A person of peace is mentioned in Luke 10, and is a well-known person in the area who is a believer, or open to Christ. Whole neighborhoods can be reached quickly because persons of peace are known by a lot of people. They can be famous (with a good reputation) or infamous (have a bad reputation).
As members of the Deedra, Caroldean and Marisa team were witnessing one day, they came upon a man who appeared drunk, so they passed him by. Much to their surprise, the next day he came up to them and asked them to share with him about God. Deedra shared how she had put her faith in Christ, and how He had changed her into a different person. She shared that God loves him and wants to have a relationship with him. She went on to explain that was possible because Christ had died to pay for our sins.
As members of the Deedra, Caroldean and Marisa team were witnessing one day, they came upon a man who appeared drunk, so they passed him by. Much to their surprise, the next day he came up to them and asked them to share with him about God. Deedra shared how she had put her faith in Christ, and how He had changed her into a different person. She shared that God loves him and wants to have a relationship with him. She went on to explain that was possible because Christ had died to pay for our sins.
Sobbing, Tomas prayed to receive Christ, and the team cried along with him. Then he took them to a large room in his home, which he offered for use as the meeting place of the new church just starting in the neighborhood. The picture above is Tomas and his family, with Deedra, Caroldean and Marisa in the back row.
Before the end of the week, this new house church grew to about 50 adults and over 100 kids. God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work.
Please continue to pray for the discipleship of the hundreds of new believers we are seeing put their faith in Christ as Savior!
Before the end of the week, this new house church grew to about 50 adults and over 100 kids. God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary work.
Please continue to pray for the discipleship of the hundreds of new believers we are seeing put their faith in Christ as Savior!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Trouble on Tuesday?
Sunday: most teams started day worshipping with their host churches, then headed to new work areas in afternoon. Beautiful day in this beautiful place.
Biggest obstacle so far came last night for a few of us who walked 2 blocks from the hotel to get some dinner. They were having what looked like their equivalent of the Macy’s New Year’s Parade! It was wall to wall people. People were so packed into the narrow colonial streets that there was no distance between the paraders and the spectators. Everyone was belly button to belly button. Only difference was that the paraders were moving and the spectators were standing, or at least dancing in place.
This morning I had the joy of going with two of our teams to their host church (Mary/Joyce/Geanie team and Scott/Sherry team). Scott challenged the members to work with us this week, and Sherry sang “Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King would die for me?” For some reason it brought tears to my eyes hearing that song sung so sweetly in this place.
So picture joyful teams in a beautiful place on a perfect weather day . . . but then imagine a dark thundercloud of caution drifting over the horizon.
As the service ended, a missionary came up and whispered to me “be careful on Tuesday. Be very careful on Tuesday.”
She went on to explain that more transportation strikes and blockades are being threatened for Tuesday. “Don’t ignore them,” she cautioned.
“Are they between cities, or in Sucre?” I asked.
“No one knows. Just don’t ignore them.”
I assured her we would be very, very careful, as we do with all our precious teams.
Please pray that everything will remain as tranquil as it now looks to us. Pray that the hand of the Almighty will continue to envelope us with protection and peace.
Please pray 1 Timothy 2:1-4 for our team—
--That God will direct the decisions of leaders here in a way that enables people to live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and reverence, and
--For many to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Thanks, Prayer Team.
Mike Jorgensen for Team Bolivia
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Team Arrives in Sucre
Team Bolivia arrived safely and joyfully in Sucre—North American team, translators and Bolivian church planting coaches. More transportation strikes here, so please continue to pray.
Met with the pastors and leaders of the churches hosting our teams. They have 5 neighborhoods and villages where we will be working side-by-side with their church members.
We have several goals this week. One is to help these churches as they form LifeGroup-style home Bible studies in these 5 neighborhoods. Our prayer is that they grow into new churches within a year or two.
But an even more far-reaching goals is to provide more “on-the-job training” for our Bolivian church planting coaches. We hope they head home at the end of the week here saying “this is simple—we can do this with our own people—we don’t have to wait for the next North American team to come.” Please pray for that impact.
Please also pray for us as we acclimate to the 9,100 ft altitude here in the Andes.
Thanks for praying.
Mike Jorgensen for Team Bolivia
PS One of the mottos of our home church (Chase Oaks Church) seems especially appropriate here--see Tshirt below--
Met with the pastors and leaders of the churches hosting our teams. They have 5 neighborhoods and villages where we will be working side-by-side with their church members.
We have several goals this week. One is to help these churches as they form LifeGroup-style home Bible studies in these 5 neighborhoods. Our prayer is that they grow into new churches within a year or two.
But an even more far-reaching goals is to provide more “on-the-job training” for our Bolivian church planting coaches. We hope they head home at the end of the week here saying “this is simple—we can do this with our own people—we don’t have to wait for the next North American team to come.” Please pray for that impact.
Please also pray for us as we acclimate to the 9,100 ft altitude here in the Andes.
Thanks for praying.
Mike Jorgensen for Team Bolivia
PS One of the mottos of our home church (Chase Oaks Church) seems especially appropriate here--see Tshirt below--
Scott / Sherry Team
Sherry singing "You are My King" in morning service.
Scott exhorting church members to work with us this week.
Scott exhorting church members to work with us this week.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Bolivia Updates
Prayer Team—
God has answered your prayers for Bolivia. Here’s a quick update.
1. In spite of a sinus infection, a difficult translator and lots of political drama, the leadership conference last week turned out to be a huge success. The organizers switched translators on the second day. Pastor Enzo and Chris Horton taught the sessions that I missed while out sick. We ended up with 168 people registered, many more than I expected.
2. At the end of the conference the pastors indicated they have 12 areas in which they want us to work in June with our team. That is a big hallelujah, for it is substantially more than the 5 areas in which we worked last year. So the vision seems to be spreading.
3. Our challenge is that we only have 16 on our team from the US, enough for 6 or 7 teams. The Bolivians certainly can do the work without us, but we'd like to have a team of at least 2 from the US to go to each area where they have requested help. So we continue to pray for more people for our June 6 to 15 trip. [Click here if you’d like to go with us.]
4. The election yesterday in Santa Cruz was generally peaceful. There was some scuffling in the huge neighborhood of Plan 3000, where supporters of the socialist president tried to stop the people from voting. We have helped plant several new churches in Plan 3000. There was almost an 85% vote in favor of autonomy for the state of Santa Cruz.
Please continue to pray that God will expand His kingdom of light in Bolivia.
God has answered your prayers for Bolivia. Here’s a quick update.
1. In spite of a sinus infection, a difficult translator and lots of political drama, the leadership conference last week turned out to be a huge success. The organizers switched translators on the second day. Pastor Enzo and Chris Horton taught the sessions that I missed while out sick. We ended up with 168 people registered, many more than I expected.
2. At the end of the conference the pastors indicated they have 12 areas in which they want us to work in June with our team. That is a big hallelujah, for it is substantially more than the 5 areas in which we worked last year. So the vision seems to be spreading.
3. Our challenge is that we only have 16 on our team from the US, enough for 6 or 7 teams. The Bolivians certainly can do the work without us, but we'd like to have a team of at least 2 from the US to go to each area where they have requested help. So we continue to pray for more people for our June 6 to 15 trip. [Click here if you’d like to go with us.]
4. The election yesterday in Santa Cruz was generally peaceful. There was some scuffling in the huge neighborhood of Plan 3000, where supporters of the socialist president tried to stop the people from voting. We have helped plant several new churches in Plan 3000. There was almost an 85% vote in favor of autonomy for the state of Santa Cruz.
Please continue to pray that God will expand His kingdom of light in Bolivia.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Lookin’ for Chicken Soup
After I wrote the blog entry below, I decided “I gotta get out of this hotel room . . . how ‘bout some lunch? Chicken soup would be good.”
So I headed toward a couple nearby restaurants. But almost everything was closed. Its Labor Day here.
About the only place open was a little hole-in-the-wall chicken place. They have a diverse menu—whole chickens, half chickens, white meat quarters and dark meat quarters. Plus white starch to round out your plate: potatoes, rice or spaghetti. But no chicken soup.
So maybe that’s what got me thinking about chicken soup.
Anyway, this picture came to mind of God making this big kettle of chicken soup. He’s like my Grandma Bess, who never used a recipe. She poured stuff in her palm, or sprinkle spices in the pot, because she knew exactly what was needed and how much.
God doesn’t use a recipe because He’s so creative and knows exactly what He wants it to taste like, and what’s needed to get that taste. Plus every batch is different.
We’re not the chef of what’s going on, He is. We’re ingredients He uses. He decides if He wants the oregano or rosemary or thyme or peppercorns or cloves or broccoli or ginger. If we’re ready and available, He may put us in this or that batch of soup He’s got cooking. Or not. If we crumble or rot or split open or fall on the ground, He may pick something else that day. Or not. He decides.
Things definitely are cooking in Bolivia. And it sure smells good.
So I headed toward a couple nearby restaurants. But almost everything was closed. Its Labor Day here.
About the only place open was a little hole-in-the-wall chicken place. They have a diverse menu—whole chickens, half chickens, white meat quarters and dark meat quarters. Plus white starch to round out your plate: potatoes, rice or spaghetti. But no chicken soup.
So maybe that’s what got me thinking about chicken soup.
Anyway, this picture came to mind of God making this big kettle of chicken soup. He’s like my Grandma Bess, who never used a recipe. She poured stuff in her palm, or sprinkle spices in the pot, because she knew exactly what was needed and how much.
God doesn’t use a recipe because He’s so creative and knows exactly what He wants it to taste like, and what’s needed to get that taste. Plus every batch is different.
We’re not the chef of what’s going on, He is. We’re ingredients He uses. He decides if He wants the oregano or rosemary or thyme or peppercorns or cloves or broccoli or ginger. If we’re ready and available, He may put us in this or that batch of soup He’s got cooking. Or not. If we crumble or rot or split open or fall on the ground, He may pick something else that day. Or not. He decides.
Things definitely are cooking in Bolivia. And it sure smells good.
Bolivia: From Bad to Worse?
Last night I surrendered the conference here to the Lord, translator and all. To tell you the truth, I had it all worked out in my mind how today was going to be glorious.
But it wasn’t anything like I thought.
As Pastor Enzo, our Bolivia National Director taught the first session, I felt worse and worse. Back in Dallas I had some upper respiratory gunk. I hoped it was allergies, which would disappear once I left Texas. But the gunk has persisted here. I felt weaker and weaker, even as the conference folks were very enthusiastically learning how to use the EvangeCube. (See pictures below.) So Enzo grabbed a taxi for me so I could come back to the hotel to rest.
I was strongly tempted to whine. Woe is me, in a far foreign land with a nasty head cold. But James 1:2-4 kept ringing in my clogged head—
**The turnout for the conference has exceeded expectations. Over 100 attending.
**In the midst of political turmoil here, believers are excited about evangelism, discipleship and church planting. One pastor from Potosi (3 hours away) brought 15 from his youth group to be trained!
But it wasn’t anything like I thought.
As Pastor Enzo, our Bolivia National Director taught the first session, I felt worse and worse. Back in Dallas I had some upper respiratory gunk. I hoped it was allergies, which would disappear once I left Texas. But the gunk has persisted here. I felt weaker and weaker, even as the conference folks were very enthusiastically learning how to use the EvangeCube. (See pictures below.) So Enzo grabbed a taxi for me so I could come back to the hotel to rest.
I was strongly tempted to whine. Woe is me, in a far foreign land with a nasty head cold. But James 1:2-4 kept ringing in my clogged head—
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothingSo I’ve been laying here “counting it all joy” and looking forward to growing through this—
**The turnout for the conference has exceeded expectations. Over 100 attending.
**In the midst of political turmoil here, believers are excited about evangelism, discipleship and church planting. One pastor from Potosi (3 hours away) brought 15 from his youth group to be trained!
**The conference will go on great without me. Enzo could do the whole thing, and not need a translator. And Chris Horton came along to help teach. They both do as well, or probably better, than I do.
**I am not indispensible. (I know that all of you already knew that, but I have to keep reminding myself of this fact.) Jesus commanded us to make disciples to carry on the work with or without us.
So, no, the conference did not go from bad to worse. It just went to “different.” But I guess that is what surrender is all about—being willing to accept what He does.
Please pray for God to bring glory to Himself as He raises up laborers, and leaders of laborers, for His harvest in Bolivia. Please also pray for the Head of the Church to show us exactly who to work with when our team comes in June.
PS I don’t know how the translator situation turned out. I left before Chris started to teach.
Bolivia: Tough Night at LDC
Tonight was perhaps the toughest session I’ve ever had at a leadership conference. We had a great turnout—many more than I expected.
What made it tough was the translator. He made jokes as I talked, sometimes not even explaining what I said before he made the joke. He also talked at a different pace even when I was very animated. In other words, he might have been saying much of what I was saying, but it was coming across very differently than intended. I could tell from the faces of the people that they were confused most of the time.
Please claim this promise for tomorrow’s sessions—
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I have surrendered this situation to the Lord. I do not want to discourage or embarrass this man, for translating is difficult. I know I could not do it well. But we also have a responsibility to effectively communicate to those who are taking their precious time to participate. We also need to prepare the churches and their people for campaign and team coming in June.
Thanks for praying.
What made it tough was the translator. He made jokes as I talked, sometimes not even explaining what I said before he made the joke. He also talked at a different pace even when I was very animated. In other words, he might have been saying much of what I was saying, but it was coming across very differently than intended. I could tell from the faces of the people that they were confused most of the time.
Please claim this promise for tomorrow’s sessions—
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
I have surrendered this situation to the Lord. I do not want to discourage or embarrass this man, for translating is difficult. I know I could not do it well. But we also have a responsibility to effectively communicate to those who are taking their precious time to participate. We also need to prepare the churches and their people for campaign and team coming in June.
Thanks for praying.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
What Did You Like About The Bolivia Trip?
Here's how some of our Mission Trip participants answered this question.
This has to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I saw a baby church plant another church and thriving only 8 months later. I will be sure to use up my 5 year visa in a big way. I love the Bolivian people and will do my best to partner with them to reach as many people as possible. Thank you JESUS! ~ Kip Childers / Fellowship Orlando
This trip was very interesting. It was very different from my last trip with e3. Being dramatically stronger in my faith, I have come to value what e3 does more. It was so encouraging to share the gospel and see lives changed. ~ Ellie Crossman / Fellowship Orlando
While planning this trip with e3 came with short notice, completing the campaign has left a profound, eternal impact. As I daily saw dozens of souls added to the Kingdom, I was reminded of the extravagant, unconditional love of God. During this trip, I didn’t just sense the heart of God . . . I felt it. ~ Canita Brent / Crossing Place Fellowship / Franklin, Louisiana
I am one who had reservations about taking this trip for a number of reasons: separation from our children, our safety, cultural differences, fear, leaving my “comfort zone”, work, etc. It took about 24 hours for the Lord to melt those away after I was used to lead the first 19 people to Christ. Seeing lives changed, relationships built, barriers broken down, families drawn closer together, are memories I will cherish until I see them again in heaven. The pastors, their families, translators, national, etc. are now counted as friends. I pray, Lord willing, that I may reunited with these friends again soon! ~ Mark Poole / Fellowship Orlando.
This trip has been rewarding at many different levels; from sharing the joy of watching grandfathers, daughters, husbands, wives entire families coming to know the Lord, to seeing Nationals grow as they learn to evangelize and teach others about the Bible. Watching my preconceived barriers and cultural differences melt away as you truly fall in love with your new brothers and sisters in Christ. By the last night, everyone is crying and hugging one another and you do not want to leave. ~ Catherine Poole / Fellowship Orlando.
Sitting underneath our cabana and watching the children’s group and then looking forward and seeing brand new believers doing a disciple lesson. Then the new believers were helping the people who just came. One lady was helping three ladies who could not read by reading the lesson to them. I saw God working and could not help myself. I just started praising Him. It was an incredible evening. ~ David Parsons / Fellowship Orlando
The moment that I will always remember is when I asked a group for 4 teenagers if they wanted Jesus to come into their lives and one of them said, “I want to have Jesus in my life, but I don’t know how”; so I said “that’s what we’re here to tell you.” He came to every evening meeting and even presented the cube to the schools on the last day. ~ Luke Parsons / Age 14 / Fellowship Orlando
The first day we shared the gospel with a young mother whose husband usually goes away for the week to work and comes home only on weekend, like most men in this neighborhood. She is lonely and has a drinking problem. As we were sharing with her, she told us that she was lonely and had family problems. During the prayer she began to cry. After the prayer she confessed her drinking problem. She came to the evening meetings and by the last day had finished the second lesson with the help of other ladies in the neighborhood church. (She doesn’t read.) She quit drinking the day she gave her life to Christ. The change in her countenance was obvious. The sadness was replaced by a joyful appearance. She has a new life in Christ. ~ Jenny Parsons / Fellowship Orlando
My most memorable moment was when the wife of a man was jumping up and down because her husband accepted Christ ~ Ben Parsons / Age 10 / Fellowship Orlando.
My most memorable moment was when we came across a man who was a recovering alcoholic. He changed his ways after the unexpected death of his wife months prior. Since then, he became sober and began reading his Bible every day, but still has had many questions about salvation. Our team had the honor of answering his questions along with eventually praying the prayer with him. Following his prayer, we presented the cube to his employee, who also received Christ. ~ Kyle Parsons / Age 18 / Fellowship Orlando
On the third day of evangelizing, we encountered a woman who was about 60 years old. She was raised in church and believed in God, but she hadn’t truly accepted Jesus in her heart until we were done talking to her. God definitely used us for His work. After accepting Christ, she shared with us that she recently had open heart surgery. She further divulged that her husband was not a believer and refused to read the Bible or go to church. God gave her the courage to accept Jesus and came to our Thursday night service. I do not know where her faith will take her, but I know God is working in her life. ~ Andrew Bonfiglio / Fellowship Orlando
The Don Bosco team had witnessed to his grandfather who made a statement of faith. Jose Roberto was only 7 years old, but also prayed to receive Christ. Two days later, we were witnessing to an older man who was very hard of hearing, Jose Roberto was playing nearby and came near us. The older man was beginning to pray, but still had a hard time with the words. Jose Roberto went right up to the man’s ears and repeated the words of an acceptance prayer – just 2 or 3 words at a time. The old man heard what was spoken by Jose Roberto – already a missionary at 7! ~ Robert McGough / Friendship Baptist / Poteau, Oklahoma
This has to be the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I saw a baby church plant another church and thriving only 8 months later. I will be sure to use up my 5 year visa in a big way. I love the Bolivian people and will do my best to partner with them to reach as many people as possible. Thank you JESUS! ~ Kip Childers / Fellowship Orlando
This trip was very interesting. It was very different from my last trip with e3. Being dramatically stronger in my faith, I have come to value what e3 does more. It was so encouraging to share the gospel and see lives changed. ~ Ellie Crossman / Fellowship Orlando
While planning this trip with e3 came with short notice, completing the campaign has left a profound, eternal impact. As I daily saw dozens of souls added to the Kingdom, I was reminded of the extravagant, unconditional love of God. During this trip, I didn’t just sense the heart of God . . . I felt it. ~ Canita Brent / Crossing Place Fellowship / Franklin, Louisiana
I am one who had reservations about taking this trip for a number of reasons: separation from our children, our safety, cultural differences, fear, leaving my “comfort zone”, work, etc. It took about 24 hours for the Lord to melt those away after I was used to lead the first 19 people to Christ. Seeing lives changed, relationships built, barriers broken down, families drawn closer together, are memories I will cherish until I see them again in heaven. The pastors, their families, translators, national, etc. are now counted as friends. I pray, Lord willing, that I may reunited with these friends again soon! ~ Mark Poole / Fellowship Orlando.
This trip has been rewarding at many different levels; from sharing the joy of watching grandfathers, daughters, husbands, wives entire families coming to know the Lord, to seeing Nationals grow as they learn to evangelize and teach others about the Bible. Watching my preconceived barriers and cultural differences melt away as you truly fall in love with your new brothers and sisters in Christ. By the last night, everyone is crying and hugging one another and you do not want to leave. ~ Catherine Poole / Fellowship Orlando.
Sitting underneath our cabana and watching the children’s group and then looking forward and seeing brand new believers doing a disciple lesson. Then the new believers were helping the people who just came. One lady was helping three ladies who could not read by reading the lesson to them. I saw God working and could not help myself. I just started praising Him. It was an incredible evening. ~ David Parsons / Fellowship Orlando
The moment that I will always remember is when I asked a group for 4 teenagers if they wanted Jesus to come into their lives and one of them said, “I want to have Jesus in my life, but I don’t know how”; so I said “that’s what we’re here to tell you.” He came to every evening meeting and even presented the cube to the schools on the last day. ~ Luke Parsons / Age 14 / Fellowship Orlando
The first day we shared the gospel with a young mother whose husband usually goes away for the week to work and comes home only on weekend, like most men in this neighborhood. She is lonely and has a drinking problem. As we were sharing with her, she told us that she was lonely and had family problems. During the prayer she began to cry. After the prayer she confessed her drinking problem. She came to the evening meetings and by the last day had finished the second lesson with the help of other ladies in the neighborhood church. (She doesn’t read.) She quit drinking the day she gave her life to Christ. The change in her countenance was obvious. The sadness was replaced by a joyful appearance. She has a new life in Christ. ~ Jenny Parsons / Fellowship Orlando
My most memorable moment was when the wife of a man was jumping up and down because her husband accepted Christ ~ Ben Parsons / Age 10 / Fellowship Orlando.
My most memorable moment was when we came across a man who was a recovering alcoholic. He changed his ways after the unexpected death of his wife months prior. Since then, he became sober and began reading his Bible every day, but still has had many questions about salvation. Our team had the honor of answering his questions along with eventually praying the prayer with him. Following his prayer, we presented the cube to his employee, who also received Christ. ~ Kyle Parsons / Age 18 / Fellowship Orlando
On the third day of evangelizing, we encountered a woman who was about 60 years old. She was raised in church and believed in God, but she hadn’t truly accepted Jesus in her heart until we were done talking to her. God definitely used us for His work. After accepting Christ, she shared with us that she recently had open heart surgery. She further divulged that her husband was not a believer and refused to read the Bible or go to church. God gave her the courage to accept Jesus and came to our Thursday night service. I do not know where her faith will take her, but I know God is working in her life. ~ Andrew Bonfiglio / Fellowship Orlando
The Don Bosco team had witnessed to his grandfather who made a statement of faith. Jose Roberto was only 7 years old, but also prayed to receive Christ. Two days later, we were witnessing to an older man who was very hard of hearing, Jose Roberto was playing nearby and came near us. The older man was beginning to pray, but still had a hard time with the words. Jose Roberto went right up to the man’s ears and repeated the words of an acceptance prayer – just 2 or 3 words at a time. The old man heard what was spoken by Jose Roberto – already a missionary at 7! ~ Robert McGough / Friendship Baptist / Poteau, Oklahoma
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)