Jose, a faithful father in Bolivia, feels eternally grateful for the change he has witnessed in his son’s character and confidence! Asbel, a second grader who struggled with extreme shyness and fear, now loves to share Bible verses with his family and friends.
But Asbel isn’t alone in his shyness. Quiet timidity characterizes many Bolivians. It is not easy for them to express their thoughts, especially when they must stand in front of other people. Some studies say that the early migrants to Bolivia developed these behaviors because they were originally slaves. Over generations, they learned to silence their thoughts and needs.
But Jesus has called them—including Asbel—to freedom, confidence, and love.
A Father Finds Hope
Asbel lives with his older brother, his father José, and mother Lidia. His parents work as masons and sell their products at the markets near their house. They own their own home in El Alto, which José is still building, and feel grateful to have their own land.
When Asbel started attending the Children and Family Center programs, he was so quiet and afraid that he barely answered questions in class and wouldn’t talk to classmates. When asked to participate in classroom conversations, he shared: “I do not like to talk much.”
But over time, God worked mightily in Asbel’s heart. He loved reciting Bible verses that he had memorized in class. Asbel’s learning even started bearing fruit in his family.
Asbel has become so winsome in his presentation of the Gospel, that his dad, Jose, has discovered his need for Jesus! Jose shared: “My son has changed a lot for good. When he shares verses from the Bible, my heart feels that I too must change and be an example for him.”
What can you do?
God is working powerfully in the hearts of families in Bolivia! Right now, you have the chance to give hope to a child and even transform an entire family. Bright Hope has ten partner churches in Bolivia just waiting to fund a Children & Family Center.
This month as we celebrate fathers, please remember that dads like Jose need help raising their sons and daughters to be servant-hearted leaders. That’s the heartbeat of our Children and Family Centers: to train godly men and women who follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Children and Family Centers help Bolivian families build a foundation of hope for the future. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can get involved!
