Recently I returned from Bolivia. The purpose of the trip was to visit with our ministry partners to hear how they are doing, express meaningful care, and also to discuss ways we can pray and possibly serve in the months ahead. COVID-19 has affected us all in different ways, but we are eager to get back on the ground in service to our ministry partners! Through a generous offering of nearly $19,000 (coming from local churches and individuals who gave) we were able to bring hope and immediate help. Thank you!
Casa de Esperanza
What a privilege to spend time with Chorito and Fidel Cortez, and their son Abdiel. While COVID-19 has brought challenges, it is a joy to report that the orphanage has been spared! Fidel did contract the virus, but he was able to isolate and there was no spread of the virus throughout the orphanage.
Through your generosity we were able to provide CdE with a financial gift to ensure they have a well-stocked pantry before the October 18th elections. The orphanage is in a remote part of Bolivia, with only one main road of access. Blockades of roads are a common response of protest in Bolivia, so it is “normal” to not have supplies arrive for weeks at a time.
We discussed the various projects and needs of the orphanage. It is a large property that needs routine upkeep as well as the repair and response to things that come up that is part of all of our lives. Right now, the main need at the orphanage is water! Currently there is a drought. Please pray for rain. A low water supply affects the orphanage greatly. Additionally, ongoing work is needed to improve, purify and protect the water supply line. New piping that is stronger, cleaner and more secure is needed. This is no small project, as they have approximately 5 kilometers of pipe! Villagers are frequently breaking the supply line to run water to their homes, thus taking the already limited supply of water and diverting it away from the orphanage. This is a delicate situation that needs your prayers. Through prior giving the orphanage has the funds to replace old water faucets with new, water-saving ones. But the water line itself is the first priority.
Road improvements are needed on the main road that runs through the orphanage. When the rains do come, the road gets washed out. A plan for a culvert on one side of the road to divert the water run-off is underway, but it is mostly a physical labor project. This will also include a combination of ground stone and pavers to provide a more stable, yet porous surface. We are considering a team of 6 men (young and not so young!) who would like to help with this project. Maybe you’re one of them! No skill is needed; just a willing heart, a strong back, and a good pair of gloves!
Recently a company based in Switzerland contacted Casa de Esperanza. The company has offices in Bolivia. They wanted to know what needs exist at Casa. Fidel told them they need a new truck. Well, they received a brand-new Mitsubishi pick-up truck! This will serve Casa for years to come!
Please pray for wisdom on how we can continue to partner with Casa de Esperanza. A giving base that they have access to is a pressing need. We are considering how we might be able to become a resource for them in this way. A common challenge they have is that when someone gives to a missionary organization for Casa, Casa may not actually be aware of the donor. They have no way to contact them, give thanks, or provide updates. We’d like to help.
CEC
The Center for Continuing Education is a part of Casa de Esperanza. It is a distinct ministry, but it serves to create some revenue for the orphanage. It is a retreat center and it also hosts its own Bible Training program for pastors, high school students and young adults. During our 2019 missions trip we were able to teach in the training center. Marco Choque serves as the ministry director of CeC. He is a humble, kind, and gracious man. He is also a wise teacher and handles the Word of God in a faithful and sober way. Through this ministry, pastors and young men and women who would have little to no access to Bible training and discipleship are provided an entry into the study of Scripture.
Last year we were able to provide new mattresses for the bunk houses through a generous gift given by a family. On this recent trip I was able to give a gift for the installation of a water purifier and water heater for the kitchen of CeC. They are so grateful! And, if you go on a future missions trip, you will be grateful for a hot shower!
How wonderful that any trip of service we make to Casa de Esperanza has the opportunity to incorporate all three aspects of our shared vision of Mission, Equipping and Care! You’ll be hearing more about this important ministry in the future. We are hopeful that Marco can participate in the 2021 Grace Partnership Conference!
Un Lugar Seguro
Un Lugar Seguro serves teenage girls and young women who are in or trying to come out of abusive situations both physically and sexually. Bolivia leads South America in percentage of women who report abuse. Rampant alcoholism, a machismo spirit, and the highest percentage of pornographic viewing in South America are all contributing factors.
A recent Facebook post by Un Lugar Seguro led to 420 likes and 70 new followers. Of those 70 followers several young girls (ages 18-29) have either begun written communication with ULS, and in some cases, have begun confidential Zoom sessions. In the near future ULS will be able to provide seminars and training for victims, as well as training for volunteers who have a vision for street ministry. Additionally, counseling and connection to resources for help are in the works. A grand vision is to one day have a housing option for women to seek shelter while they transition.
A future missions trip may provide an opportunity to participate in street ministry to victims. Your giving makes possible tangible care in so many ways, including counseling resources in Spanish, education materials that are used in one on one conversations, circulation of print material, and support for free psychological and personal counseling, and, once COVID is no longer hindering meetings, classes and support groups.
Adulam Ministries
In 2018 a Grace Partnership Missions Team was able to serve several days with Fineke Janssen, Director of Adulam Ministries in El Alto, a city on a plateau above the city of La Paz. It takes your breath away, literally! Fineke and her team serve some of the most desperate youth with the nowhere to go, an all too common problem. Through your giving we were able to supply Adulam with needed vitamins and supplements. Health care is virtually non-existent or out of reach for so many in Bolivia. So, things like Zinc, Vitamin D and other vitamins become vital, and with that, price gouging and hording. How wonderful to simply give these needed things along with a financial gift. Because of you!
Ruth Archondo
This report would not be complete without telling you about Ruth Archando. I won’t rewrite my Facebook post here, but what an honor it was to provide her and her family with a financial gift to help her adjust to her life as a widow. Ruth’s husband David, was a pastor in Congregacion Cristiana in La Paz (a church we have related with for over ten years). Ruth is full of grace, hope, faith and strength. I was more served being in her presence than any gift I could have brought to her.
There is so much more to share, but I hope you get a clear picture, and as importantly, are envisioned for the difference your partnership in prayer and generosity makes. Grace Partnership is about local churches coming together to share in Mission, Equipping and Care. All you have read is only possible because you see this biblical vision as something you want to be a part of, and together we did far more than we ever could have on our own. That is the heartbeat of Grace Partnership. What a privilege it is for us all to display the love of Jesus to the poor, the orphan, the widow, the oppressed and the needy…the very ones Jesus came for!
Grace Partnership Conference
Please join us for our 2021 Grace Partnership Conference. This year’s theme is Community: The Gospel on Display. We will focus on the relational call God has given as a partnership of churches, and why that matters. Join us February 25-27, 2021. Registration is coming soon!
God bless you all!
On behalf of Grace Partnership,
Aron Osborne