“Have you ever eaten llama?” My new friends at Iglesia Biblica Monte de Sion (Mount Zion Bible Church) wanted to take me out to celebrate my week in Bolivia. And since Cochabamba is considered the “gastronomical capital” of the country, I had been enjoying the food – both familiar and unfamiliar – all week. So, after Chicharron de Chancho, lawa, and various drinks and foods made of maize, they thought I was ready for llama. It was delicious!

A Blessed Time in Bolivia
New Ministry Venue, New Friends, New Foods.
My 10 days in Bolivia were satisfying in a gastronomical sense, but more importantly were very encouraging in terms of ministry. I taught Old Testament Survey for 5 hours each weekday and preached four separate times during the two weekends. I also had numerous opportunities for one-on-one counseling and mentoring and answered LOTS of theological questions.

I arrived in Cochabamba on Saturday evening (11/5) after nearly 23 hours of travel. Several of the seminary students were awaiting me when I arrived and they took me to the hotel, where I quickly crashed into sleep. The next morning, I was up early to prepare to preach at Mount Zion Bible Church. The students – many of whom attend that church – told me they were hoping I would preach for an hour because they wanted to get a “good amount” of preaching! Somehow, I managed to meet their expectations. After the 3 hour service (we had communion as well), about 20 of the church people took me out for lunch. While there, I was asked by one of the church ladies if I would be willing to talk with her brother because he speaks English. So, after lunch, I sat down and chatted with Jimmy, a one-time resident of Canada. As we talked, his sister mentioned that Jimmy did not understand the gospel, so I had the great blessing of introducing him to Christ.

Monday through Friday were very busy with teaching. Since many of the students work at least part-time, we began our seminary class at 2 pm, going until 7 or so. Although it was a difficult schedule for the students, each night over 50 showed up for the class. I began by considering the covenants in the Old Testament and linked them to the New Covenant. This was all new to them, and they were absolutely fascinated. Although I was teaching through a translator, the students grasped what was being taught and had lots of thoughtful questions. Since many of them were pastors, they wanted to get it right so they could teach it to their congregations. And continuing the gastronomic theme, each night the students finished the study with a dinner which I was able to enjoy as well.

Knowing that my grandparents had been missionaries in Bolivia, the brethren in Cochabamba seemed to consider me an honorary Boliviano. In fact, they insisted on taking me to the remote village of Arque where my father was born. So, Saturday a group of 15 men and boys made the trek into the mountains to Arque. It was quite the trip! The broad freeways of Cochabamba turned into a narrow mountain road which, in turn, became a gravel track. The track became increasingly rugged as the mountains closed in and finally dropped down into the (mostly) dry river bed. Winding up the boulder-strewn river bed, we forded the river – at this time of year just a muddy stream – 8 separate times before finally arriving in Arque. The quaint village seemed untouched by time and we all enjoyed the beautiful park-like central plaza while feasting on freshly-baked local bread (like thick pancakes) and drinking mate (tea). As I walked around the village, I was moved to view scenes from my own family history. In fact, there are still two Evangelical churches in Arque that are the results of the mission work there. I had never dreamed of visiting Arque, but God graciously opened this opportunity. We drove back to Cochabamba in the afternoon, and I preached from Ps. 103 (“Bless the Lord, O my soul”) to a group of young people that evening – my voice competing with a heavy rain storm on the tin roof.

This past Sunday, I preached again at Mount Zion Church and we went out for our llama dinner. In the evening, I preached in a small Reformed Baptist church on the outskirts of town – the church attended by my translator, Jiro. By God’s grace, His Word was enthusiastically received. I then returned to the hotel to pack up for the long trip home.

While my time in Bolivia was brief, it was very productive. I was encouraged on many different levels by the time in Cochabamba, and I have been asked to return next year to speak at their celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Please join me in praying that God will provide the financial resources needed for this and the number of other ministry trips that are scheduled for 2017.

This year has been quite busy both on a ministry and a personal level. Susan and I are so thankful for your faithful prayers for us as we have attempted to maintain a balance between the joys of ministry and the responsibilities of family. As you continue to pray with us, here are some things to place before our Heavenly Father:

PRAY IN FAITH:
Thanks for a wonderful year of ministry in 2016. I will be sending out a year-end ministry report in the next few weeks.
For wisdom as we plan and schedule ministry for 2017. We remain fully engaged in West Africa, but have been asked to add a trip to Bolivia and one to Belarus.
Gideon and Excel Umukoro, the ELI country coordinators for Nigeria, continue to face strong opposition as the local king attempts to confiscate the property of the Servant Leadership Institute. Ask the Lord to provide the Umukoro’s endurance and the resources they need to continue this legal battle.
For perseverance for the nearly 50 MINTS students in the degree programs in Nigeria and Ghana. We hope to see our first graduates this next year.
For sustaining grace as we seek to care for Susan’s father and my mother – both of whom are declining.

For Christ’s Kingdom,
Dan and Susan.