Dates:
July 7-17, 2006
Travel Journal
Fri, July 14
The constructionarios wanted to get out to the
church early yesterday morning so five of us piled into Ron's
Jeep. We stopped along the way to pick up hand tools and new
nails. If you’ve worked with old wood you know it can get really
hard and therefore difficult to drive nails through. Ron ran
back into town to pick up his drill while we pounded away (and
bent quite a few nails). We used the sheet metal from the old
roof to enclose the SS building. Once construction was complete,
we gathered in the building for prayer. Augustine spoke first
and let us know what a blessing we were to him and the family of
God there in Plan 3000. Ron commented that not only had we
completed twice as much construction as expected but was
impressed that we did all this with music, Kidz Klub and Jesus
film stuff going on as well. Augustine insisted that Greg pray
for the new building.
Kidz Klub has drawn a fantastic number of children. They enjoy
the singing. Patty is a natural and being fluent and fast at the
language keeps them engaged. We'll have to sing "Yo tango
allegira, allegria, allegria, en mi corazon" for you when we get
back. They may enjoy the singing but they live for the puppet
shows. Each show gets done twice. I failed to mention earlier
that Augustine purposely had us leave a hole in one wall to be
used as a 'curtain' for puppets. It works well.
Those not needed for Kidz Klub headed out to neighborhoods to
hand out fliers inviting folks to see the Jesus film. It was fun
to try out our broken Spanish to invite folks to "la pelicula en
la noche". This was our first real door-to-door outreach. The
turn out was fantastic (over 200). We made balloon animals for
the kids. We didn't finish before the movie started so some of
us snuck off and made more in the bus. This was almost
disastrous as the crowd nearly crushed some younger kidz against
the bus. No one got hurt though, PTL.
Val has a new nickname. It is Evangelina. That woman gathered a
crowd around her. When asked how to be good when you want to do
bad things, she told them about committing her life to Christ
and praying that He will make her behave better. Eight people
prayed with her. Twelve others prayed with Patty, Augustine and
others. All were interested in either discipleship or Kidz Klub.
God is good.
This morning the worship team headed to Rojo Uno (Red One, TV
channel 1) to be on the Today show equivalent here in Santa
Cruz. We had about five minutes of air time. Hernan was able to
invite folks to the concert tonight and tomorrow and also to the
Leadership Conference in August. The worship team didn't get
breakfast so went out for "camida rapido, fast food." We had
Saltinos Pollo e Carne. Chicken or beef with egg and potato. The
mole (sauce) was kind of sweet. We drank either coffee or pop to
avoid the local water.
From there we headed over to Hernan's to pick up the sound
equipment for the concert at the Catholic University. We did an
entire concert in the commons area at the cafeteria. The sound
echoed through the building, drawing folks in. The students
wandered in out and seemed to enjoy the concert. A few came up
and spoke with the vocalists. The staff was very friendly and
helpful.
We conclude our time with Iglesia Rosa de Sharon today with a
final Kidz Klub. Pray for the kids. I think we have really
bonded with Augustine, Jose, Karlo, Herman, Elldy, Susie, etc.
Ron is asking if another team is coming next year. We leave
gifts with those I mentioned along with clothing, tools, etc.
Tonight is the first of the 'big' concerts. Many of the team are
suffering intestinal disorders. Pray for healing. All the voices
are holding up though one had a sore throat a couple of days
ago. I think that even with sound problems, occasional gaffs,
etc. God is using the worship team. Hernan is getting calls
confirming this. Pray that these opportunities are planting
seeds that will bear muchismo fruit.
Val was the evangelist last night. Collin G. shared his
testimony at the film last night. Jackie shared today. Wow! Talk
about speaking with authority through the Spirit. Yowsa! Sing
Allelujah to the Lamb of God!
Steve Chatman for the team here in Bolivia
Wed, July 12
This is Jackie
Kammerzell writing today's update.
First, here’s what
Anne and Jan have to say about Kids Club. "Kids Club is growing
every day. Yesterday we had close to 100 kids. The puppets are a
huge hit (thank you, Jeanine Bartelt!). A local dog became very
interested when our dog puppet made an appearance. Ron & Jeanne
Burgin's children, Patty (21) and Andrew (13) have been a
tremendous help - interpreting, helping, and keeping everything
energized and moving forward. Some of the children demonstrate a
knowledge of Jesus. They’re enthusiastic about the stories,
songs, Bible verses, games & crafts. Kids Club is held each
afternoon at 3 p.m. The whole team is helping. It is an
exciting, high-energy time. Pray for understanding of the
message and enough wind to keep us cool (but not so much as to
blow us into the next barrio)."
Last night we had
our 3rd showing of the Jesus film. We showed it on the side of a
building at a local school yard. It's quite interesting how they
draw a crowd. Of course el ninos are always ready and waiting
when we arrive. Last night some of us did prefilm entertainment
by making balloon animals.
Today we made more
progress on the construction of the church building.
I have to wrap this
up as our entire music team is heading off to our first official
rehearsal. According to Ron Burgin it is only a 'hearsal' since
we haven't done one yet.
Love to each one of
you. Keep praying.
Jackie for the team
Tues, July 11
This is Greg Sawatzky - my turn to provide a
snapshot of what God is doing in, through, and around this team
from Grace.
Two events over the last 24 hours have especially demonstrated
the amazing heart the Bolivian Christian leaders for people..
First, Eldee and Augustine, the husband/wife team at Rosa de
Sharon, (we're working there to replace a dilapidated church
building with a new tinlado structure) floated tirelessly and
sacrificially from doing actual construction , to caring for
their own 3 children, to responding to neighbors coming by, to
whatever else the situation of the moment demanded. They could
be living and working in El Centro (the center of the city), in
a reasonably nice home, with paved streets and good services.
Instead, they're living in a 10'x15' concrete room behind the
church, giving everything they can to this small congregation in
one of the poorest areas of Santa Cruz.
The second event was an abbreviated concert at a prestigious
university. Plans were in flux until right before the start of
the concert. We showed up on time and organized, but the
university was not, and we started 45 minutes late. The number
of songs kept getting cut, and we were told at the last moment
not to include a testimony.
Deb didn't get the word about the testimony and called me up to
share (my turn). The two senior university administrators cut us
off after 60 seconds or so. We were able to finish the concert,
but our evening concert at the same university was canceled.
The team reconnoitered for prayer and processing. Rather than
being discouraged, Hernan gave a passionate description of the
tremendous spiritual battle going on in Bolivia: The battle for
who will rule - in the country, in our communities, and in our
hearts. He is convinced that what happened is exactly what we
were called to do, and that tremendous seeds were planted,
regardless of how it might look to human eyes. Hernan has
ministered in the past in the prisons of Medellin. He has seen
some of the worst that humanity can do and be. His words were
such an encouragement to us, and such a poignant picture of what
Christ's church is facing in so many parts of the world.
Far from being discouraged ourselves, we have jelled and grown
and ministered to each other as a team in ways that just have to
be God's hand. I can't wait to see what the rest of the week
holds for us. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. We
feel them every moment!
In the love of Christ,
Greg Sawatzky, for the Bolivia Team
Tues, July 11
Just a quick prayer
request before we head out this morning...
We have been asked to
do a concert at a very prestigious university this morning at
9:30 a.m. and again this evening at 8:00 p.m. Please pray that
God would use us to communicate His love. We have also been
invited to be on national television today at 4:00 p.m. We will
sing for about 15 minutes and share why we are here in Bolivia -
Pray that God will give us the words to share and that this
"promo" will draw people to the downtown concert later this
week.
Much love in our great
God,
Debbie
Sun, July 9
"Then you will know
that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be
disappointed!" Isa. 49:23c "The Lord is good, a refuge in times
of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." Nahum 1:7
God reminded me of
these words last night as I wondered if we would see His hand at
work. I am trusting and will stand (or fall) before Him in
amazement.
Wow! What a ride so
far! We sang four times in 24 hours! Last night at Hernan's
church, this morning at Iglesia Rosa de Sharon (church plant)
and Campus Crusade Church, and tonight at Rosa de Sharon before
showing the Jesus film. We never quite know what the next hour
or two holds. Flexibility is key! And I must say the team has
shown Christlikeness at every turn.
We will start working
on the church and the kid's club tomorrow. Actually,
construction was already started with money we sent. The pastor
and few members of the church are very excited! They made a huge
sign to welcome us - of course, I almost cried! We went out to
lunch at a Bolivian restaurant - it was wonderful!!
Please pray that God
would perform miracles here in the hearts of the Bolivians who
He loves so much as we share through testimony, the Jesus' film,
kid's club, concerts and whatever else He has in mind. Also,
pray that we would hear God's voice at every turn to know
exactly what He would have us do.
Debbie and the team
Mon,
July 10
We survived 21 hours of plane travel (ick) and arrived in Santa
Cruz. Despite the lack of Mariner and Seahawk paraphernalia,
this place is gorgeous. Bolivia has such exquisite natural
wonders...hard to fully describe. We played our first concert
last night and people were so thankful they fed us some cake and
a bunch of chorizo! (those that have slept in any proximity of
me after eating chorizo know this can be a very, very bad thing)
But it was a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to
sharing pictures when I get home.
Jake
Sat, July 8
We have arrived in
Santa Cruz! The trip was without mishap and everyone is in good
spirits. We are "recovering" from our 21 hour trip and then will
get oriented to the city and do some planning and prep work.
Tomorrow we start the building for Iglesia de la Rosa and
possibly do some neighborhood evangelism. We will also have our
first concert tomorrow night. Pray for God to move in hearts as
people hear the gospel through concerts, the Jesus film and
Kid's Clubs.
Debbie
Trip Summary
July 7-17,
2006 we partnered with Campus Crusade missionaries, Ron
and Jeanie Burgin, and national Bolivian pastors, working side
by side with local Bolivians reaching out to their communities
with the gospel of Jesus.
What
we're doing:
Church Planting
Music and Drama Performances
Outreach and Training Seminars
“Birthed in the heart of God, is
a plan for Bolivia.”
Pastor Hernan Salazar, Bolivian
leader for
Campus Crusade for Christ.
