This month we are living in a remote village 4 hours north of La Paz, in Chejje. We are nestled in a valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains. The view when I wake up is breathtaking and I am easily reminded of God’s love for us. The three main indigenous groups in Bolivia are Aymara, Quechua, and Guarani. Chejje is home to the Aymara people and full of culture and beauty. They Aymara women wear brightly colored hoop skirts, tall top hats, pointed heels/sandals, and a vibrant blanket securely tied to their back (loaded with their child or goods to sell).
Language: Spanish and Aymara
Ministry Host: Pastor Lorenzo leads a Lutheran congregation as well as tends to his field of corn and potatoes everyday. He is cheerful, generous, and hardworking.
Lodging: Our home this month is the old Sunday school rooms of the church. We are provided hay mattress (with a sprinkle of sand fleas), camping stove top with propane gas, squatty potty, and shower (granted it’s freezing, but excellent pressure). Every morning we are woken up to the melodious noises from the donkeys, sheep, and roosters. We must boil or add chlorine to our water to ensure that it is safe to drink. We are getting extra creative in the kitchen since we do not have refrigeration.
Ministry: This month is similar to “Ask the Lord” (ATL). Meaning we have a host and local church we are partnering with, yet we are given free reign to reach out to the community as the Lord directs us. Pastor Lorenzo gave us some guidance and asked us to lead women’s and youth ministry. When we arrived in Chejje we prayed for God to show us His heart for this town and how He wants to use us. We have divided into the following ministry committees; children’s (vbs and Sunday school), women’s (beauty for ashes and bible studies), sports/outreach, and skit/worship.
Our second night in Chejje we met a group of lovely Aymara women while walking to the soccer court to worship and they invited us to play soccer later that evening. They arrived in full traditional Aymara wardrobe and beat us with flare. After the game some of us fellowshipped with those who came to watch the game and others went and played games with the children. Of course, I gravitated toward the wonderful children and jumped right into a game of Simon Says. We had a blast teaching them games and learning their games.
Some ministries that are in the works are below:
-women’s bible study
-sports ministry
-fellowship (bonfire)
-vacation bible school
-Christmas caroling through the neighborhood
-prayer walks
Thank you so much to everyone who has joined me in sharing God’s love and the gospel thus far. Thank you for being a part of expanding God’s kingdom and faithfully walking in obedience. I am excited for all that God is going to do in Chejje and your support is spreading the good news to the nations!
