AUGUST 2026 UPDATE
We write to you once again to update you on the ministry here in Bolivia. We hope as you read this letter you are encouraged by what God is doing here and to continue in prayer for us.
Our most notable recent activity has been a medical clinic. While these are always a lot of work, this one was even more so because it was not in our city but rather several hours away in Samaipata. This made the logistics a lot more challenging because we are less accustomed to the limited resources available in other locations. A missionary started a church there years ago which is now pastored by his grandson. This pastor has helped us in many clinics over the years since he is also a medical doctor and his wife is a nurse. They use their talents to reach small rural villages surrounding their town where there is little to no gospel presence. Since he has helped us so many times, we thought we would return the favor and hold a clinic in his church. Our team provided general medicine, physical therapy, optical care, and for the first time, we were able to add dentistry. About 40 people came from the States to provide this care. Throughout the week we attended to over 1,600 patients with everyone also receiving a personal presentation of the gospel. By the end of the week, the pastor was already hearing reports throughout the village about how the church had ministered to the people. We are praying the clinic helps spotlight this church and pastor within the community for the glory of God.
It seems as if the political issues over the past 1-2 years have multiplied in Bolivia. We often write about the recurring themes of blockades and fuel shortages. Last month we mentioned 50+ days of country wide blockades. However, now we are back to fuel shortages. The reason this is such a major obstacle for us is that our Guaraní church is 3 hours away from us, and both issues keep us from being able to get there. Even though this is frustrating for us, we are thankful the church is doing well in our absence. Pastor Esmerito and I stay in regular contact, and they are pressing along which is a great sign. They are beginning to turn their focus more toward reaching those outside their community. A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Esmerito held weekend services in an abandoned church building and had a good response from this new Guaraní village.
We continue trying to help our first church plant, but progress has been a lot slower than I would have hoped. Because it is an autonomous church, we are cautious about how we approach it. We do not want to appear as if we are trying to take charge because they need to remain independent. Pastor Juan has faced health issues requiring surgeries that have placed a heavy financial burden on him, limiting him in many ways. We hope that in time we can help give this church a boost. Please help us pray for wisdom in how to best help them.
Lastly, I want to thank all those that have helped us in our Venezuelan earthquake disaster relief. I know it has left the news cycle, but recovery efforts continue, and help is still needed. The earthquakes delayed the purchase of land for a church but thankfully, this was finalized a couple of weeks ago, and now this body of believers has a place to call home and land they can develop into a nicer church building.
Sometimes as we work here in the ministry, we lose focus of what all has happened but as we write you these letters, they help us remember how God has provided and helped us along the way. Thank you for being so faithful in not just supporting us financially but also praying for us as we continue in the labor He has called us to.
