Second Trip to Bolivia

Our trip to Bolivia was a very fruitful time. My son, Richard, and I departed from Miami June 16th, arriving to Bolivia the next day. However our travels continued by bus and then on a Cessna four passenger airplane. The bus ride was quit an experience! To start with it was a "first class" bus with "beds." It ended up being a very old two story bus with reclineable chairs and no air-conditioning. When I bought the tickets I was told that their were only two seats left on the second floor in the front of the bus. I thought we would be very fortunate to be able to travel with a wonderful view, rather they were the worst seats on the bus! Two loud speakers right in your face, television out of view, no windows to open for fresh air, and a scary view of the rode in front of us. (No wonder no one wanted these seats!) This trip lasted eight hours through the night. At our second destination we had two options to take for our final destination. 1.) was to ride in the back of a pick-up truck under the hot sun for eight hours or 2.) fly for one hour on a 31 year old Cesna airplane. We took the airplane! (Not the best choice ,but quicker!) The pilot and co-pilot seats were normal seats. The area where passenger seats should have been was converted into a storrage area for luggage. First they placed the luggage that consisted of egg crats, live chickens in cages, a numder of other things and finally a wooden bench placed unattatched to the floor, no seat belts for two passengers. (My son and I) To say the least I believe it was the longest sixty minutes in our lives!
Once we arrived it was suggested that we take taxis to the pastor's house. We made four trips sitting in the back of scooter taxis. Quit an adventure!
I clearify that I am not complaining, but rather sharing with you a wonderful adventure that I was so blessed to be able to share with one of my sons!

The purpose of this trip was to take the second part of four parts of the Bible Seminar that I am conducting. (Seminario Teológico Seguidores De Cristo) I taught for three days and before every teaching my son Richard would open with a time of worship. It is very encouraging to see the enthusiasm and love for God's Word, that these brothers display.
Our visit coincided with the churches 45th anniversary. I was invited to share the Word and my son was invited to lead worship. The church celebrated the anniversary for three days. There were many brothers and sisters from different communities visiting for the occasion. It was a blessing to see them rejoice in their fellowship!
Richard was also given the opportunity to share with the youth group on one occasion. The youth still think of him now and they are playing the worship songs he taught them.
During our stay we ate in different houses in which we tried a variety of dishes. Such piranhas and armadillo. Both my son and I can add to our list of interesting things we have eaten! I believe an important part of ministry is to fellowship and get to know the people as it brings blessings to us as family in Christ.

I was able to set up for the IBS Seminar given by Pastor Dan Finfrock and I will be translating for him, later this year. Approximatly 180 pastors will be attending this seminar.
I will take advantage of the trip to take the third part of the Seguidores De Cristo Seminar, as the brothers are making quick progress in their studies.


Praise Reports
1) Richard and I had a blessed time of ministry and as father and son. (Thank you son for accompanying me)
2) The brothers are very encouraged and eager to continue preparing themselves for ministry.
3) Thank you Pastor Chuck Smith for donating some books for the Seminar!

Prayer Requests
1) Please continue to pray for the brothers in Bolivia as they continue to grow and mature in Christ.
2) Please prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry financially.
3) Please pray that the Lord will continue to give us good health and strength to serve Him regardless of the circumstances.

We would like to thank all of you for your prayers and financial support. May the Lord bless you!

Seeking His Kingdom,
Carlos and Yolanda

RICHARD'S VIEW ON OUR TRIP

What a blast! Going on a mission trip is one thing; going on a mission trip with your father is another. I haven’t been on a missionary trip for more then eighteen years; that is pretty sad considering I’m the son of the most adventurous missionary I know. I knew from the start I had to expect the unexpected. What is unexpected? Well, try going to the bathroom in the middle of the street with over 40 other men and women at 3 o’clock in the morning, or flying in a 30+ year old Cessna airplane sitting on a wood bench without a seatbelt and chickens in the back to “boot”. It was also unexpected to ride in the back of a small truck for over 8 hours laying on top of grapefruits, freezing you “tail” off, not able to sleep a “wink”. Oh, did I mention the road was all dirt full of potholes and three rivers to cross that had crocodiles, piranhas, and anacondas. But, the best was eating a giant armadillo for dinner, (bon apatite) which is basically a giant shelled rat. (Taste like chicken) Later, I found out that the natives don’t even eat it. Well, those are just a few of the fun things to do in Bolivia. But, let me tell you about the great things.

I think of the song, “Lord, I want more of You”. The people there are so hungry for God’s word. It seemed like everywhere we went people wanted to study the Word and know Christ more. So, we brought a lot of resources for those who wanted to study. We had two church services a day for a straight week. I was able to teach once but I mainly went there to lead worship before my father taught. Leading worship for these people was such a blessing. I was going to sing in Spanish only, but the pastor wanted me to sing in English also. We ministered to many people both in prayer and encouragement. Being a father of three children 17, 11, and 4. I had a wonderful time ministering with the youth; I also had the opportunity to be a father to the little girls who didn’t have a dad. I think the biggest blessing was being able to serve God side by side with my father. I hope it won’t be the last. Rico