(Cochabamba, Potosí)
Thanks to the support from all of you, friends and family, in 2024 we were able to help with funds for every project we had planned. Last winter my son Charly and I made the trip, and this year my wife Lorena and I will spend three weeks traveling within the country to take care of and coordinate the projects in this report.
Bolivia continues suffering deep economic problems and political/social unrest. Unfortunately, poor people in rural communities suffer the consequences the most. We are glad to help to the extent that we are able.
PROJECT 3: Compañerismo Cristiano de la Zona 4 (Zone 4 Christian Fellowship), Potosi
PROJECT 4: Seminario Bíblico UCE (UCE Bible Seminary), Cochabamba.
Since 1946 this small seminary in the city of Cochabamba has been preparing pastors and leaders for churches of the Evangelical Christian Union (U.C.E.), a small bolivian association of churches. My father attended this seminary 65 years ago. Frequent rains have caused leaks in the library roof and damages to some walls. We’ll help them make some needed repairs for better protection of the books and important documents.
Also,we will provide a small donation to help expand the seminary’s kitchen that has remained unchanged for the past fifty years.
PROJECT 5: Familia de Fe (Family of Faith), Cochabamba
We partnered with this generous and mission minded church for several years now. Nearly a quarter of the 350 who attend weekly services form part of the teams that make about ten mission trips each year to Quechua indian communities and churches. Almost everyone in the
church gets involved in fund rising events and seeking for donations of food, clothes, school supplies, medicines, building materials etc. for each trip. Interestingly, Familia de Fe’s building also needs some work, but that doesn’t stop them from helping others. So, this year besides sharing for their mission trips, we will help them with materials to replace the children’s department roof.
UNPLANNED PROJECT (REPORT): Villa Infantil Vida Nueva (New Life Children's Villa), Quillacollo.
Just days before we flew to Bolivia in January 2024, we learned of the serious need of shoes for the children of this orphanage in a town near the city of Cochabamba. Although unplanned, we were able to buy new shoes and socks for all 73 children. In addition we also provided some school supplies and a toy for everyone. We are so thankful to Familia de Fe church volunteers that helped us buy, wrap and deliver this unexpected blessing. This is when the saying “a single dollar can go a long way” becomes alive.
