Bolivia

I wanted to thank all of you who have prayed for us through this trip. Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Rows and rows of mountains and an ever present cooling breeze. Tucked away in these mountains are a group of people, known as the Simba. They have quite a story, many parts are shocking and sad, but the Lord has reached a few which brings much joy and excitement. As well as a misison to reach those many villages that are yet unreached. It wasn't until the 60's that this people group was even acknowledged as having souls. They have been born as slaves and used as such. The children who are born to these people belong to their masters, to be used as they desire. This may be in their own home or if they desire to, they would even sell them. Five years ago the government finally allowed for them to have documentation of their existence.

These people are a protected group, anthropologists want to protect their heritage. More than what is above is the spiritual heritage, that of witchcraft, animism, alcoholism that comes with weeks of celebrating different holidays, part of the tradition includes drinking day in and day out something they call Chicha (an alcoholic beverage they make from corn, peanuts, etc.) for up to seven days. As Easter is quickly arriving please remember these people, the believers espeically as their have been threats that they will be kicked out of the village if they do not participate in this holiday. For several of them these celebrations are still a very strong temptation.

Work down there pays $3 a day. This was a great sacrifice for these men to volunteer a week of work to assist us in the construction projects. One of the things they have been working on down there is for the people to take ownership of their church. Larry, who is the American missionary, offered to pay them half a days wage and told them they would need to volunteer the other half. A group of five men told him that they would work the whole week without pay. This was a huge step of faith. We believe it won't be long before the President of Bolivia follows in the steps of Chavez and Castro, where missionaries will no longer be allowed in the country. It is pertinent for these people to be able to run this church, to be able to sacrifice what it takes to walk with the Lord, to reach those areas that we already aren't allowed into.

Mariella, Jenny, Miguel, Gerson and Javier spent most of the week alongside us as they have not yet reached school age. They helped out in all kinds of ways, making mud, digging, supervising, putting things together, and always bringing opportunities to play.









And so joyful on Friday when they got to "really help" when it was time for clean up. It helped all of us tremendously as we knew that the goodbyes were only hours away, these little ones kept us smiling instead of crying.