Another month comes to an end. And now another country has a piece of my heart. Bolivia’s ministry made my heart come alive and I am so excited for God’s work here.
After working with 3 different ministries this month, it has been incredible to see them each function in different ways for the same purpose: rescuing and changing the lives of street kids and families.
It starts with YWAM…who is going out on the streets 2-4 times a week to build relationships with kids. To tell them that their lives are worth more than sniffing glue, sleeping in canals and scrounging for food. To offer them hope by taking them to children’s homes that will allow them to visit the doctor and go to school. I LOVED seeing the difference this ministry is making and we got to see Daniel come off the streets last week! He is somewhere between 14 and 18 years old and did not look like he would survive much longer on the streets. Larry took him to the hospital to find out he has TB but is not HIV-positive. Daniel now has hope and a future because of Larry’s and so many others’ commitment to keep pursuing him.
feeding daniel some grub and then playing Jenga after he got cleaned up. Praise God he decided to stay! Please continue to pray for his long journey ahead.
Next we worked with El Jordan. They have ministry for mothers and children. The mothers come for Bible studies, cooking classes, sowing classes and other classes to give them a source of income. We got to watch their babies and children and provide basic schooling, nourishing food and a safe place for them to be a child. These brave mothers are making the choice to get off the streets and make a better way for themselves and their families. I fell in love with those children. I see hope in their eyes too and an innocence that is so easily robbed by life on the streets.
Me and little Ranata. When she first started coming, they said she was extrememly malnourished. She is happy and much healthier now.
Me and Morache…she was a load of energy. The second photo is me, Kursti and Julianne. Little Julianne had quite the vocals and really wore us out.
This Keiden. His mom Corrina started El Jordan and have incredible testimonies. This kid was great and hilarious! Second photo is me and Lydia. She went to the hospital last week as she was on the brink of death. She is out now but please pray for her full recovery and her family.
Third, we got to spend time with Ken Switzer’s guys. His ministry takes boys from the children’s home and helps them transition into University, jobs and independence away from the streets. Eating lunch with them every day made me see that these men had been “Daniel’s” on the streets once. I see confidence and hope in their eyes too. I see the way they look up to Ken as a father figure. I see the redemption of God in their lives and the difference they will make in other’s lives because of their testimony.
Andres me and Kursti eating after Youth Group. Most of the guys living in Ken's house.
I did not beat Ruddy at Foosball unforunately. Here he beat me 10-2. But I did get 6 points next game. And we played as a team and dominated…so technically we both won. haha
And lastly, we did construction for El Jordan’s new men’s ministry. We sanded, painted, sanded, sanded and sanded a little more. And I loved it because I knew that I was getting to be part of bigger story: this ministry will help men learn skills like leathering and carpentry so that they can earn a living and step into the leader God has called them to be.
Sanding away
What an honor it has been to be in Santa Cruz Bolivia this month. What an honor to work with men and women of God that are making a difference in their communities. What an honor to be a part of God’s kingdom here in Bolivia. What an honor to have YOU back home supporting me in prayer and love. I could have stayed here another month, but I know it is time to head to Albania and see God working there too!
Team Qodesh. Teams may be changed in the next few days and it will be hard to split with any of these brothers and sisters. But I trust in God's bigger picture and am thankful for the love that was called out amongst us.
I am in La Paz until October 12, will fly to Florida, then New York and then to our next big adventure in Albania by October 14th ish! See you there!! 🙂
