Moms play a huge role in their kids’ lives. They give us life, love, and the courage to face our fears. And when it comes to family life in Bolivia, God works through faithful moms to shape the souls of the next generation.
Sonia Llave in Bolivia is one of those faithful moms who God has used in amazing ways!
But often, moms face barriers to serving their kids faithfully – like poverty and hopelessness. In the same way, spiritual barriers can prevent people hearing the Good News about Jesus. And yet God still overcomes these challenges and brings new people into His family.
God has worked through Sonia Llave, a young mother of four who lives in the highlands of Bolivia. Her people, the Quechua, are isolated by language, location, and situation. And in spite of this, God has done a work in Sonia’s life that leaves us encouraged and strengthened.
Recognized by their traditional skirts, lacy tops, and long, thick, braided hair, the Quechua “cholitas” like Sonia are hard-working young women who support their families by cooking, working in the fields, or selling products in the market. Sonia and her husband, a mason, worked hard to provide for their family, but they still struggled.
A Mom’s Prayer for Her Bolivian Family
About three years ago, when the Llave family moved to a new community, several family members became ill. Sonia tried to help her family by diligently selling knitted products in the market. But it wasn’t enough. Eventually, their only option was to sell what meager resources they had so they could pay for medicine. Around this time, Sonia heard about the work of Bright Hope’s partner church, Enhacore.
Although she knew little about the church’s ministry, Sonia called out to God with childlike faith. She prayed: “If you can heal us, I will believe in you. Please God, help us.” In His mercy, God did help and heal the Llave family.
Since that time, Sonia has become more involved in the church and has grown to become a leader within the congregation. Enhacore Church serves community needs in one of the coldest highland deserts in Bolivia. The community’s needs are wide-reaching, as many families live without water or sewage services. But with Bright Hope’s help, the church gives aid to dozens of children by feeding them and supporting their education. Three times a week, Enhacore Church comes alongside the local school to provide snacks for the children and donate food baskets for needy families.
Sonia’s Example as a Faithful Mother
As Sonia recalls her first days of faith, she can see that in the middle of greatest need, God was there with her. Although Sonia and her family still face trials, now she knows she can face these difficulties with God’s support. Sonia wants to memorize more of the Bible and share its truth with her kids. But she struggles to read the Bible in Spanish and to understand its meaning. But despite these difficulties, she knows that God will give her what she needs. Her faith remains steadfast in Jesus Christ.
Please pray with us for those separated from hearing the Gospel by language or isolation. And please take time to thank God for working powerfully through moms like Sonia. Remember that one day, every tribe and tongue will stand before the Lord, praising His mercy and faithfulness!
But until that time, you can make an ongoing impact by reaching those in desperate need.
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,” Revelation 7:9
