The faces of Bolivia, part 1

One of the blessings of our work here in Sucre has been the wonderful people that we have gotten to know.  Over the past year and a half many servants of the Lord have blessed our lives.  They have served us, challenged us, laughed with us, showed us patience, and changed our lives.  What we would like to do is introduce you to some of them and share a little about their stories.  We know our friends would wish that you see the incredible faithfulness of our Lord through their testimonies and stories.  They have taught us how to live with great passion for God and value the blessings that surround us in every moment.

Pastor Francisco (Pancho) Blanco

One of the first people John was introduced to in his work with FH was Pastor Pancho.  A few years ago Pancho moved to an extremely poor area of Sucre and planted a church (Horeb Church, first church in the area) reaching families, youth and children of Alta Munyapata.  Alto Munyapata is a neighborhood strickened with drugs, abuse, malnutrition and hopelessness.  Over the past years Pancho has truly become a light in the midst of deep darkness.  Blessed with a deep passion to see children loved and valued Pancho has established an incredible ministry that reaches close to 60 children from the surrounding neighborhood on a daily basis.  Children, many of whom are abandoned and abused, have found refugee and hope in the education center Pancho has established.  Focused on helping the children realize the purpose God has placed in their lives, the center has become a place of transforming realities. 

Alta Munyapata

John with Pancho outside Horeb Church

Kids from Alta Munyapata

It was a year ago, when a precious child in the neighborhood where Pancho serves died of severe malnutrition and neglect, that God placed an additional calling on Pancho’s heart.  Fueled by the Word of God in Psalms 27:10 which states, “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me,” Pancho established a food kitchen called “The Kings Table.”  In a step of faith Pancho started the kitchen sought to reach the most vulnerable children and youth in the neighborhood.  Today, almost a year later God has provided enough funds for Pancho to serve 30 children on a daily basis.  Lunches consisting of soy, vegetables, quinoa, and other highly nutritious foods share God’s love for these children.  Though the documents and blood tests show the incredible increase in health many of these children have experienced, you will never be able to measure the hope, love, and life that Pancho has given through this ministry.  A quick visit to the kitchen, and an experience that is filled with smiles, joy, and an amazing sense of hope, will leave you changed.  Pancho praises God for the funds to feed these children, and looks forward to seeing how more will be provided to feed the other 30 in the neighborhood who are waiting.

As with each of these friends we will introduce you to, there is so much more we could share.  God’s story in their lives is so much deeper than a short blog.  We are grateful for their impact which will remain with us and the people they serve for eternity. 

Thank you Pancho for your incredible heart of service.  You have showed us God’s love and demonstrated a faith that changes realities.      

Month Recap

As you can imagine our past month has been a little crazy.  Adjusting to a newborn, entertaining a 3 year old, and John going back to work has created a full and busy schedule.  It’s amazing to realize that we are already half way through the month of February, time is quickly passing.  Here is a short overview of the past month since our last bog:

Lydia: Lydia is dong great.  She has been growing quickly and as of our last doctors appointment (Friday Feb. 11) Lydia is now up to 7lbs 5oz.  She started two weeks behind so it is good to see her gaining weight and above the 0% for weight.  (She is now at 1% for weight for a 1 month old!!)  Overall, she has been sleeping and eating well, and is a fairly content baby.  Just this last week she started smiling so all of John’s clown faces are starting to come out.  We are thankful to God for her good health, and the joy she brings to our family.

Ella: Ella is doing well.  She started school on the first of February and really enjoys her new class.  It’s incredible to see how she has adjusted back into the culture of her school and the language.  She is slowly becoming more and more confident in her Spanish.  Ella also started a ballet class this past week.  She enjoys dancing so much that mom and dad figured it would be good for her to join a class where she could expel some of that extra energy.  Ella also enjoys “playing” with Lydia.  She has become a very protective older sister and has developed a sensitive heart for her new little playmate.  God has truly blessed us with a bundle of love, energy, and happiness.

Jennie: Jennie has been swamped balancing the needs of our two beautiful girls.  Maintaining a steady schedule of feeding and sleeping for Lydia has been a challenge but Jennie is doing great.  (She doesn’t always see it, but I (John) could not be more impressed with her love and devotion.)   Jennie brings a welcome balance to the occasional chaos of our life right now.  Though she has had her moments of stress Jennie has been dedicated to serving our family, and our girls could not be more blessed to have a mother that sacrifices much to make them happy and content.    

John: John has been busy transitioning back into his work with FH, while balancing the needs of the family.  His schedule for church trainings is starting to pick up and the extra time seems to be disappearing.  Right now John and a fellow FH pastor are working with 13 different churches, teaching about biblical worldview and the biblical principles of wholistic ministry.  John is blessed to see churches and youth excited about the work he is doing and looks forward to seeing how God will use these opportunities to bring glory to his kingdom.

Overall, our family is doing well and we are thankful for good health and God’s daily provisions.  That’s all for now from Bolivia.  Thanks for the prayers and support!