What a trip! We met some great people and saw great ministry opportunity. But the most amazing part is that though we came to pray about our vision and clarify our goals, we received ministry ourselves. From day one of travel, we were constantly confronted with love and affirmation.
In Santa Cruz, there is a man named Michael Lund who does various types of ministry throughout the city. He and his Bolivian wife, Daisy, are such wonderful people. They let us spend time with them for a few hours on our way to and from Cochabamba (waiting on flights). There are few people in this life that I can attest to such a great and genuine love, and Michael is one of them. He truly feels for his city and has such a servant's heart. His words of encouragement were unexpectedly necessary as he allowed God to use him to minister to us. Even as we shared a word with a men's rehab group he works with there in Santa Cruz, we felt greatly encouraged. Please pray for this man and his ministry, Vertical Life Missions. I would ask you to even consider giving as you can. 
Arriving in Cochabamba was breath-taking. And yes, I'm using the same pun as I did with the La Paz blog. The altitude took a little adjusting, but we were right as rain after just a few days. It is just enough difficulty that you can blame everything on the altitude. Forget something? Its the altitude. Stumble? Altitude. Can't exercise? That Altitude.... One of the highest points in the city is the Christo (the statue on the left). It is about 9000 or 9500 feet above sea level, and can be seen from most everywhere in the city. If you are lost, it can be used as a directional beacon. He stands strong with arms outstretched, ready to receive the lost, the broken and the heavy laden. However, the road and the climb is difficult. So it is with the Gospel to the people of Bolivia. They have access to an eternal salvation through the prince of peace, yet because of poverty, blindness and perversion, the people of Bolivia have a hard time making the climb. Who will assist them? Our response is, "here we are, Lord, send us."
The great thing is that God not only sends, but He plants and tends. He is raising up some amazing leaders and examples among the people of Bolivia. Twice while there we were able to help with the Kid's Club and their "Happy Hour." The Holmans (the missionaries we'll be working with) have connected with some amazing people to see ministry happening all over the city. The Happy Hour is a Saturday, Sunday School type, ministry. These kids are in poverty and many in the darkness of unbelief. But God is working in their hearts and lives, providing though the Holmans and locals (like Teó Alvarez) medicine for both body and spirit.
There are Bolivian men who, though they have little to nothing, are stepping into a trust in Christ to lead local bodies of believers. This is the church we see in the Bible. People with genuine love for one another and without need for sound systems, pews, and platforms. Those things are not bad, but they do not constitute a church, that is something born in the heart through God's grace. Such men are Bonafácio, who leads a small church in his home. He and his wife have six kids, and they love the Lord with heart, mind, soul, and strength. During our visit, we were given the privilege to help in the construction of an additional room to his house, that can serve dual purposes as living and ministry space. What gratitude they have, even preparing us a meal. It was delicious, not because of how well it was prepared and how appropriate the seasonings were, but because it was made with love and grace.
While eating, we heard some praise music being played on some guitars. The fact that the instruments were slightly out of tune only added to the beauty of the expression of worship. We asked the boys to come out and play for us. It was beautiful. Not because of tone, skill, or talent, but because of worship coming from the heart. They were genuinely "making melody to Lord from the heart." In the picture to the left, you see the construction of the addition in the background and those two boys in the shade honoring their creator. This was truly one of my favorite moments.
Not too far from this home, there is another construction project underway. This one is in partnership with Compassion International to be a Compassion Point for the more than 200 Compassion kids in the area. The
building will house rooms for Sunday School, bathrooms and showers, a church, and a school. It is in a prime position for the sharing of the Gospel. As we passed the site, we saw beside it another story taking place. People bathing and washing in what appears to be a trench. I can't help but think of how their hearts will look after being washed by the Word presented in that brick structure, once completed. They need food, clean water, medicine, and most importantly, the Gospel. But what good is it to tell them "I wish you well, keep warm and well fed" and not do anything for their physical needs. Our faith is shown alive through our works and service to one another. People like Bonafacio and work like what is being done by the Holmans testify to this reality; and God is using them greatly to His glory.
We are so excited to be back, but cannot wait to make the return with our families. There is great need, but there is great heart. It is exciting for us to know that we will be a part of what is being accomplished in Bolivia and we want you to be a part of that as well. The two best ways are: 1. Give understanding that your heart will follow your investments, "for where your treasure is, there your heart is also." 2. Come and participate as a partner in the Gospel.
Having returned, sitting here in the comforts of my home is a bitter-sweet reality. The couch is comfy, the air conditioner is cool, my ice water is tap water and clean, and the milk I had with breakfast wasn't from a bag or a donkey. I'm listening to my kids play with dress-up clothes in their room, Cruz doing school work on the laptop, all of them stopping here and there to give affection to their mom or me. There is joy, love, comfort, and plenty. This is a happy moment.
But it is a stained happiness. As I sit here typing this blog and considering the last 12 days traveling to Bolivia and back, I am reminded of the stench of poverty and the pain of lack among the people. There are those who live in luxury, but the overwhelming majority is oppressed. They are persecuted under the thumb of dirty water, little wages, and scarcity of food. They are beguiled by witchcraft, indigenous practices, and a pagan form of Catholicism. They are blinded and desperately need healing. Please join with me in praying for Bolivia and consider becoming a partner. "Its not that I seek the gift, but the reward that will be added to your credit in heaven."
In Him,
Seth
