Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Dios es bueno todo el tiempo!  Saludos de Cochabamba, Bolivia!  We arrived safely yesterday afternoon about 3 p.m. and we hit the ground running.  We checked into the SIM Guesthouse, which is wonderful and where many of our teams have stayed in the past.  We met with Pastor Jaime and his family over dinner—and what a joy to see them!  Then we were off to Florida Norte Evangelical Church for our first evening session—and even though our eyes were droopy from flying through the night God sustained us!

And we were amazed (truly our mouths dropped!) at the progress of the construction!  They have put up the walls and poured a cement floor so now they are worshipping in their new worship space.  It is beautiful! 

Last night we focused on two activities.  We asked them how God has been faithful to them since we were here last summer—and they came up with quite a list!!! Great is God’s faithfulness!  Some of the things they mentioned were:

*improved unity even though they had some trying times this year

*progress in their ministries—especially the ministries of administration, worship and Christian Education

*they have a new sound board

*they have new ministry volunteers

*new children’s seats for Sunday School and Happy Hour

*they now have 3 home small groups! Wow!

We then asked them to share their prayer requests and we will share those with you as the week progresses.

Finally we did a unity activity where the congregation divided into 4 groups and played the game ‘jenga.’  They loved it and worked together (all ages), recognizing the important of each person participating, listening, creativity and teamwork.

Today we have the first soccer clinic and then children’s ministry activities in the afternoon and another evening session with the church leaders and congregation tonight. Gracias for your prayers!  We love you all and thank God for you as our senders!--Mateo