Mission and Ministry in Bolivia: Joys and Challenges
David and Sarah’s journey in Bolivia began with a heart for street ministry, a calling that eventually birthed a local church. While the work has been ongoing for a long time, the couple shares that the ministry currently faces significant hurdles, particularly regarding spiritual maturity and discipleship. David notes a lack of "older or wiser" couples within the congregation to whom he can refer pastoral issues, highlighting a shortage of mature Christians available to offer guidance.
The church has also faced frustrations regarding its size. Numerical growth has stalled over the last few years; while new members have joined, others have moved away or transitioned to churches closer to their homes. Compounding these pressures is the weight of administrative tasks, with the last ten days dominated by the paperwork required to stay in line with government regulations.
The sense of isolation is a further challenge. David expressed a personal need for refreshing, noting that their nearest ChristCentral church in Leon is an 18 to 19-hour journey away. Furthermore, while there is a desire to involve the congregation in training opportunities like the School of Leadership, Devoted Leaders etc, the church currently lacks the finances and capacity to do so.
Despite these difficulties, there have been wonderful blessings. The church recently celebrated six baptisms, with another person coming forward to request the same. In a particularly encouraging move, one individual asked to be discipled without any prompting.
Outreach also continues to blossom. One church family, living on the edge of a park known for drug dealing and prostitution, has turned their home into a hub for evangelism. The mother of the family has taken several young men under her wing, providing them with jobs and bringing them to church. She has even entered local "internet shops", often used for drug use and sexual activity, to bring these young men back home.
Additional community engagement includes a monthly free lunch attended by 70 to 80 people, where the team offers prayer and invitations to church. Friday morning Bible studies also draw 7 to 8 attendees, including several from the streets. The church also maintains close ties with a children’s home for those with additional needs, where David and Sarah’s daughter and several church members work.
Prayer Points
• For refreshing for ourselves and our other leaders: It is challenging when we aren’t seeing the growth or maturity we would like to see.
• Guidance about where to focus: We are a small, dedicated group with a core team smaller than the congregation. Pray the Holy Spirit guides us on where to focus our energy.
• Maturity: For people who can give counselling and encouragement, and for mature Christians to join us and bring good pastoral counsel to the younger Christians.
• Mexico Team: For fresh vision and faith as they care for 12 churches across Mexico while looking to the nations; for the Americas to open up and for regions to work together.