Bolivia Team Testimony 4

The mission trip to Bolivia was an incredible experience! It was the first time I had returned to my native country which made it all the more special for me. For the first time, I was able to see and experience the culture and people I had been born into, but had never known. We weren't far from the place where I was born, and I was so thankful for this opportunity! I was glad that I knew some Spanish, but wished I could have been able to communicate better. The friends we made in Santa Ana were amazing! It's hard to describe the bonds that we made (despite the language barrier). Our Bolivian friends were hospitable, kind, giving, and humourous! It was more than a friendship we built with them. We truly saw each other as brothers and sisters in the Lord. They had such a heart for us and such a love for God that was evident in all they did. We had such a great time with our host and hostess! It would take me far too long to describe our experiences in Santa Ana! There was SO MUCH good food, laughter, and joking! We were able to reach out to the children in Santa Ana through puppets, songs, clowns, crafts, and games. Also, were able to reach out to the youth ministry in Santa Ana, which was a very special night! God did so much in Santa Ana, through our mission team, and through our Bolivian brothers and sisters.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was when we took a boat down the river and ran a VBS program for the little village children. The people who lived near the river were the poorest people I had ever encountered.They did not have much, and it was hard for me to imagine this lifestyle. These people knew truly what it meant to be in need, and I realized how many things I take for granted. It opened my eyes to see how blessed I am. My heart really went out to them, they were so open to receiving the Gospel and so eager for it! Their hunger for Christ convicted me. I pray that I would seek God with the same hunger and thirst they had. How beautiful it was to see their desire for our Lord. Their desire also compelled me, to be God's hands and feet, and to minister to His beloved children.

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Job 30:25 "Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has not my soul grieved for the poor?"

Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to Bolivia! I pray that I would be able to go back again and soon! Right now, things are looking grim in Bolivia. There is political turmoil and unrest in the country. I pray that God would have His hand on Bolivia and that the people would accept their Saviour and experience His great love.

Aurora Maier:)