Visiting Bolivia changed my life! And a Bolivia mission trip can change your life too…
Learning about a community from thousands of miles away is like looking at a black-and-white photograph. You can see the people and features of the neighborhood, but they’re blurry.
Visiting the community in person turns the blurry black-and-white photo into technicolor, clarifying all the details you missed.
That’s exactly how I felt when I visited Bolivia for the first time.
My Experience in Bolivia
After serving as a Bright Hope writer for almost five years, I have written numerous stories and articles. I love sharing about the thousands of individuals and families we have helped to create sustainable solutions that break the cycle of extreme poverty. Many of those families live in the poorest neighborhoods in Bolivia.
As you may already know, Bolivian families are being crushed under the weight of extreme poverty, with children suffering the most. To make ends meet, often both parents need to work, which leaves many children alone and vulnerable.
- In Bolivia, more than 70% of children are victims of physical, sexual or psychological violence.
- One in three Bolivian girls experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
So, when I was invited to Bolivia to see our partner churches in action, I signed up right away! As soon as I stepped off the plane, the fuzzy picture I had of Bolivia sprang to life!
In Riberalta, I met courageous students in the JOEL program, many of whom have experienced abuse and neglect. But now, they’re attending college and following God’s plan for their lives.
In El Alto, I met the kids attending our many Children and Family Centers where they can go after school to learn and grow with their friends, receive healthy meals and hear about God’s love. Through these kids, many moms and dads have learned how much God loves them too.
A Lasting Impression from Bolivia
On the last day of our trip, our team visited four different churches. Exhausted after a wonderful but tiring day, we walked into the final church. After receiving gifts from the generous pastors, Sister Celia walked up onto the stage. Clearly nervous, she started to share her testimony.
“First, I want to thank God. One day, I was lost in this world. But the Lord touched my heart because my kids used to come to this church’s Children and Family Center.
At the time, I didn’t know about God’s Word. And I was against Him because I was angry at Christians. When they knocked at my door, I would slam the door in their faces.
But as my kids came to the church, they shared about God’s love, but I couldn’t believe them. Months went by, and He touched my heart. I have five children. The eldest is catholic. The next oldest would ask to attend church, but I argued with her. I was angry at God.
One night, there was a prayer gathering in this church and my daughter came with my other kids. But I said it’s too late and you can’t go, so I told them they couldn’t. I regret this. I thank the Lord my God for bringing me to church. Where would I be if my daughters didn’t bring me with them? That night, God saved me!
I felt so bad for discouraging my children. But my youngest daughter said, “Mama don’t cry. let’s thank the Lord for touching our hearts.” My youngest daughter always reminds me to pray!
We need to pray for kids to come to this church and join the Children and Family Center so their mothers will believe in the Lord. He is big, powerful and holy! And for these kids I pray their moms and dads can come and believe, just like me!”
I am so thankful for my time in Bolivia. I can’t wait to go back!
So, when are you going to Bolivia?
Bright Hope’s First Mission Team Trip to Bolivia
Our first Mission Team will embark for Bolivia on October 10, 2024.
On a Bright Hope Mission Team, you will minister alongside local churches as they reach out to their communities. You will also encourage Bolivian believers by reminding them they are dearly loved and precious to God. Your presence will remind them that they are not alone.
