Christmas 2007 in Bolivia / Weihnachten 2007 in Bolivien

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luk 2:11

Here at the Brecha Cinco, we were blessed to be able to celebrate the birth of our saviour in our newly finished main sanctuary. Up until recently the main sanctuary was needed to house large wood-working machines that didn’t fit elsewhere. Ten days before Christmas the machines were moved to a different location and now the main sanctuary could be completed. The workers worked very hard to make sure that the beams were covered, the walls painted, the floor tiled, screens put into the windows etc. Our Christmas Eve service was under the them “God gave his Son – what do we give?” We had approximately 80 visitors, the children performed their verses and songs, the orchestra played, the choir, Men’s choir and a ladies group sang. The children were thankful for their gift bags. Some visitor children said the toy car that they got in their bags was the only Christmas gift they received. We were thankful that we could demonstrate Christ's love in giving to those less fortunate this Christmas.

Blessings upon blessings... / Stroeme des Segens ...

No doubt many of you have been praying that God would work here, and that many people would experience the salvation and freedom that only Jesus can offer – those prayers are being answered in an overwhelming way.

The Jakob Friesen family, with nine children, moved here several months ago to remove their children from the negative influences (alcohol, drugs) that they were becoming involved in, however, none of them were Christians at the time. A few weeks ago, the father became a Christian, and the next day the mother accepted Christ as well. Some time later, one day during the week, Cornelius – age 15 (the 4th oldest) found Christ, and last Sunday, David (the 5th) did as well. The joy radiating from their faces was simply beautiful to see, and the change in their lives an incredible testimony as well. David, although he’s only 14, had already been smoking for some time, but was completely freed from his addiction once he became a Christian, and has had no desire to smoke since.
On Sunday evening the blessings continued, starting before the evening service and continuing long after church was over, as four more of the Friesen children became Christians (Franz – age 16, Tina – age 12, Abram – age 10, and Johan – age 8), as well as David Rempel – age 12 (who’s the youngest in the Rempel family). Eva Janzen, who, with her husband Abram have been attending services since January of this year, also found salvation on Sunday night. The battle between accepting God’s grace, especially if it includes going against the admonitions of parents (Old Colony), is not easy, but Praise the Lord, His salvation message is powerful.
(Picture: Eva and Abram Janzen with nephew Jakob Hamm)

There is an incredible amount of rejoicing, both in heaven and right here in Bolivia… God is sending us revival and is building HIS work here! This is not OUR work… we could work and work without end, but if God didn’t give HIS blessing, all our work would amount to nothing. And really, THIS is what our work is all about: having people find the joy, the freedom and the eternal life that can only be found in a relationship with Jesus. Everything else that we do here… building a church, building houses, teaching school… is only a tool in accomplishing that most important priority.

Our revival is continuing as yesterday the second oldest Friesen son, Jakob (age 18) found Christ, and his young cousin, Jakob Hamm (age 8) became a Christian today! It warms our hearts to hear those that have found Christ, immediately express the wish that all of their other loved ones experience the same peace that they have found.

Thank you for praying, and please continue doing so – there are many, many more people yet who need to hear, understand, and accept God’s message to them. Also pray especially for the oldest Friesen boy (Peter), who is very rebellious and is currently rejecting God’s grace. Please also pray for the father (Jakob Friesen), who requested prayer Sunday night as he is still struggling with some issues.


Picture:



The Jakob Friesen Family (missing David and Jakob Jr.) at their home in Tres Cruces prior to their move to our mission property (with the Thiessens, Lorraine Makus and Adrian Stieben)

Neues Missionsfahrzeug / New Mission Vehicle

Dank eines Geschenkes der Gemeinde Gottes in Swartz Creek, Michigan (USA), duerfen wir jetzt einen neuen Missionswagen haben – einen 1994 Toyota Landcruiser. Unser voriges Missionsfahrzeug (ein Geschenk von der Gemeinde Gottes in Barrhead, Alberta) hat treu seinen Dienst erfüllt, aber brauchte doch in letzter Zeit viele Reparaturen. Daher haben wir uns entschieden ihn mit einem zuverlässigem Fahrzeug zu ersetzen. Da in Bolivien in den letzten Monaten ein Mangel an Diesel ist, sind wir froh, dass der neue Wagen mit Benzin faehrt J Vorher mussten wir oefter stundenlang bis in die Nacht hinein in einer Schlange stehen bis wir den Wagen mit Diesel auftanken konnten. Mit diesem Fahrzeug koennen wir jetzt getrost die schweren Ladungen von Baumaterial auch auf sandigen und matschigen Erdwegen ziehen. Ausserdem muss der Toyota regelmaessig bis zu 11 junge Menschen am Sonntagnachmittag transportieren, die in die Doerfer zum Singen fahren... Ja, dieses Fahrzeug wird uns bei der Arbeit hier sehr behilflich sein – NOCHMALS VIELEN DANK an die Gemeinde Gottes in Swartz Creek, Michigan!! Moege Gott eure Freigebigkeit segnen!

We are very thankful, thanks to a generous gift from the Church of God in Swartz Creek, Michigan, that we now have a new Mission vehicle – a 1994 Toyota Landcruiser. Our previous mission vehicle (a gift from the Church of God in Barrhead, Alberta) loyally covered many miles, but because of increasing number of repairs and cost for repairs needed, we decided to replace it with a more reliable vehicle. We are also thankful that the new vehicle runs on gasoline (not diesel) as we have been experiencing severe diesel shortages. Tanking up on diesel has often required waiting in line for an extended time period, and/or driving to numerous gas stations, but lately the diesel shortage has become extreme (related to political unrest in addition to high demand in planting season). If some of you might wonder why we bought a 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser, it will be needing to pull heavy loads of building supplies through deep sandy roads or in knee-deep (or deeper) mud, and regularly transport up to 11 young people to go singing in the “Doerfer” on Sundays… Yes, this vehicle will greatly help the work here to continue – THANKS AGAIN to the Church of God in Swartz Creek, Michigan!! May God bless your giving hearts!

Volunteers/ Freiwillige Helfer

During the last two months we were privileged to have various volunteers here helping with the building project.

Ed & Maria Klippenstein from Hamilton, Ontario, Rudy Dyck from Herford, Germany, Helmut, Lilli and Viktoria Stieben from Herford, Germany, Viktor Stieben from Pforzheim, Germany, Ralph Kemp from Edmonton, Canada, Hermann & Magda Kemp also from Edmonton, Canada.

We are very thankful that God laid it on individual’s hearts to help out here. Although we have young workers that are willing to learn, we are lacking skilled tradesmen that are able to work independently and don’t need a lot of instruction or direction. In the past months the work progressed faster with the volunteer help, despite typical Bolivian delays in getting some materials. In the past months many door frames, doors, cabinets in pastor and teacher apartments/bathrooms/classrooms, windows, and even a pulpit were completed. Seven bathrooms, two apartments and two more rooms are now tiled. The ladies also sewed a cover for our church piano and a bag for the dust collector on the large Altendorf saw.
Workers also need to eat, so we were very thankful that Sister Klippenstein cooked delicious lunches for the workers.

We pray that the Lord may richly bless everyones efforts and sacrifices for His work!

School has begun! / Die Schule hat begonnen!

We are thrilled to report that our school officially began on September 10, 2007. The prayers for school teachers have been answered! Sister Netty Knelsen, who was a school teacher in Mexico for five years, was asked to help us here and she thankfully agreed to our request and God’s call on her life. The Church of God in Neustaedt, Mexico graciously agreed to support the cost of our first new teacher. Private donations have also allowed us to purchase the initial supplies needed. Netty has the challenging job of teaching students ages seven to 15 all at different skill levels. With God’s help we’re sure she’s “up to the challenge”. Netty will also be teaching individuals over 15 years old in evening classes so that they can work during the day. Sister Lorraine Makus will add teaching the kindergarten class three days a week to her other duties here. Br. Gerhard Thiessen will also be assisting with special needs of the students. Currently we have a total of 14 children with additional evening school students.
Please pray for the teachers and students and that God may use the school to reach more families with HIS word.

Wir freuen uns sehr dass unsere Schule hier offiziell am 10. September, 2007 begonnen hat! Die Gebete für einen Lehrer sind erhört worden! Wir sind dankbar, dass Schw. Netty Knelsen, die schon fünf Jahre lang in Mexiko als Lehrerin unterrichtet hat, unserer Bitte für Hilfe, und Gottes Ruf für ihr Leben gefolgt ist. Die Gemeinde Gottes zu Neustädt, Mexiko hat eingewilligt die Kosten unserer ersten, neuen Lehrerin zu übernehmen, wofür wir auch sehr dankbar sind. Private Spenden haben es auch ermöglicht die ersten Materialien für die Schule einzukaufen. Netty hat die herausfordernde Aufgabe Schülern, mit verschiedenen Kenntnissen, im Alter von 7 bis 15 zu unterrichten. Mit Gottes Hilfe sind wir uns sicher dass sie diese grosse Aufgabe sehr gut machen wird! Netty hat auch vor, Abendunterricht für Erwachsene, die am Tage arbeiten müssen, zu geben. Schwester Lorraine Makus wird auch, zusätzlich zu ihren anderen Aufgaben in der Gemeinde, auch die Kindergarten Klasse, drei Tage in der Woche unterrichten. Zur Zeit haben wir 14 Kinder plus Abendschüler. Bitte betet für die Lehrer und Schüler, dass Gott die Schule gebrauchen könnte, um mehrere Familien mit SEINEM Wort zu erreichen.

Holzmaschinen/ Woodworking Machines

Vor einigen Wochen kamen hier die bestellten Holzmaschinen aus Deutschland in einem Container an. Jugendliche aus den Gemeinden in Deutschland haben Geld gesammelt um die Missionsarbeit in Bolivien zu unterstützen. Wir haben uns mit ihrer Erlaubnis entschieden es auf einer praktischen Weise für die Maschinen anzuwenden. Zunächst werden wir die Maschinen gebrauchen um alle Holzarbeiten (wie z. B.: Türen, Küchenschränke, Badezimmermöbel, Kleiderschränke, Schulmöbel, Kirchenbänke, Pult ) im Gemeindehaus, Schule und Wohnungen fertig zu stellen.
Später haben wir vor eine Holzwerkstatt mit den Maschinen aufzustellen damit einigen Menschen, die zu unseren Gottesdiensten kommen eine Arbeitsgelegenheit gegeben wird.
Es hat sich schon „rumgesprochen“ dass wir gute Maschinen haben und ein Bolivianer wollte schon einen Tisch bei uns bestellen!!
Wir freuen uns sehr dass Geschw. Ed & Maria Klippenstein aus Hamilton, ON jetzt zwei Monate lang hier sind. Der Bruder gibt den jungen Männern die beim Gemeindehausbau arbeiten Unterricht in der Holzarbeit und erleichtert damit Br. Stieben die Arbeit. Er hat schon tatkräftig mitgeholfen. Bitte betet dass Br. Klippenstein, die nötige Gesundheit zur Arbeit hätte. Im Oktober wollen Br. Ralph Kemp und Geschw. Hermann und Magda Kemp auch kommen um mit der Holzarbeit mitzuhelfen. Wir BEDANKEN uns ganz herzlich bei den willigen Gebern, die diese praktische Arbeit ermöglicht haben – Jugendliche aus den Gemeinden in Deutschland die die Maschinen finanziert haben, und einige Brüdern aus Herford, die viel Zeit verbracht haben die Maschinen zu besorgen und zu schicken! Bitte betet für Bewahrung sowie Erfolg bei der Benutzung der Maschinen.

Neues Elektrisches Klavier! / New Electric Piano!

Wir als Gemeinde freuen uns sehr dass die Gemeinde Gottes zu Herford, Deutschland uns ein neues Yamaha – Clavinova elektrisches Klavier für die Gemeinde geschenkt hat! Die Geschwister haben die Gelegenheit genutzt, in einem Container mit anderen Sachen, das Klavier mitzuschicken. Es wurde uns geraten in diesem feuchten, wechselhaften Klima ein elektrisches Klavier zu haben, um das viele Klavierstimmen zu vermeiden. Der Ton ist wunderschön!
Zur Zeit ist das Klavier noch bei uns (Stiebens) im Haus, da das Gemeindehaus noch eine schmutzige Baustelle ist. Der Hauptsaal des Gemeindehauses ist in Moment in eine Tischlerwerkstatt umfunktioniert worden. (nicht ein guter Platz für ein glänzendes, neues Klavier J). Das Klavier wird aber dennoch schon bei Singabenden mit verschiedenen Familien in unserem Heim. Wir freuen uns aber schon sehr auf den Tag wenn das Klavier den Gesang im Gottesdienst leiten und verschönern wird! EIN GROSSES DANKESCHOEN AN DIE GEMEINDE HERFORD! Möge Gott es euch reichlich vergelten!!

As a congregation we are very grateful that the Church of God in Herford, Germany gave us a new Yamaha – Clavinova electric piano for the church as a gift! The brothers and sisters made use of the opportunity to send the piano in a container with other supplies. It was suggested that we have an electric piano in this humid climate with great temperature fluctuations, to avoid numerous piano tunings. The tone is beautiful!!
At the moment the Piano is still in our (Stieben) home, as the church is still a dirty construction site. The main sanctuary is now the home of various large wood working machines which are to be helpful in completing the finish carpentry (not the best place for a shiny new piano J) The piano is, however, still being put to good use during evenings of singing with various families in our home. We are greatly looking forward to the day when the piano will lead the congregational singing! EIN BIG THANK YOU TO THE CHURCH OF GOD IN HERFORD! May God richly reward you!

Baptism/Taufe 12. August 2007

Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Math. 28:19
On August 12, 2007 we were blessed to celebrate a baptism ceremony here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Two sisters in Christ, Greta Rempel & Daniella Rhein followed Christ's example and command to be baptized in His name. The baptism was held near the Thiessens home at a pool that we were given permission to use. Our prayers were answered in that the weather was perfect, although it had been very cold the entire week previous. We had blessed morning and afternoon "open air"services and enjoyed a fellowship lunch together. Please pray that those baptized may grow in their faith and understanding and be a living witness for many.

Darum gehet hin und lehret alle Völker und taufet sie im Namen des Vaters und des Sohnes und des heiligen Geistes Mat. 28,19
Am 12. August 2007 durften wir hier in Santa Cruz, Bolivien eine Taufe feiern. Zwei Schwestern im Herrn, Greta Rempel & Daniella Rhein folgten Christi Beispiel und Gebot und liessen sich biblisch taufen. Die Taufe wurde in einem Schwimmbecken durchgefuehrt, das sich in der Naehe von Geschwister Thiessens Haus befindet. Unsere Gebete wurden erhoert und das Wetter war sehr schoen obwohl es in der ganzen vorigen Woche sehr kalt gewesen ist. Wir hatten gesegnete Morgen- und Nachmittagsgottesdienste, die "im Freien" abgehalten wurden. Wir durften auch ein gemeinsames Mittagessen zusammen genissen. Bitte betet, dass die Taueflinge im Glauben und der Erkenntniss wachsen moechten und ein lebendiges Zeugniss fuer viele sein koennten.

CD players given to old colony youth / CD Spieler werden in den Dörfern verschenkt

Many times when we’re out singing and talking to the young people in the old colony villages (Dörfer), we bring along CD’s (‘discos’) of Christian music and low-German sermons (from Br. Peter Ens) to give away. In some groups, the young people have access to a CD player (perhaps they share one amongst of group of 7 or 8 guys), but as CD players are still definitely ‘verboten’, they are still many people who don’t have anywhere to listen to the CD’s that we give them.
Recently the Vacation Bible School in Swartz Creek, Michigan, decided to send us their offering to purchase CD players to give away in the Dörfer (villages). The people that we have given them to so far have been thrilled to receive them! In one group, though, as we were standing around showing them how to operate the CD player, a buggy with an older old-colony couple happened to drive by, so the CD player had to quickly vanish out of sight!
Please pray that these CD players would help to further the gospel message and spread God’s word in the Dörfer!

Oftmals wenn wir in den Dörfern singen und mit den jungen Menschen sprechen, schenken wir ihnen CDs von geistlichen Liedern und plattdeutschen Botschaften (von Br. Peter Ens). In manchen Gruppen haben die junge Menschen Zugang zu einem geheimgehaltenen CD Spieler (manchmal teilen sie einen unter 7 bis 8 Jungs). Da CD Spieler aber "verboten" sind, können manche unsere CDs nicht hören.
Vor kurzem hat sich die Ferienbibelschule der Gemeinde Gottes in Swartz Creek, MI entschieden von ihrem Opfer, CD Spieler zu kaufen, um diese in den Dörfern verschenken zu können. Bis jetzt haben sich die jungen Menschen sehr gefreut die CD Spieler zu erhalten! In einer Gruppe musste der geschenkte CD Spieler schnellstens verschwinden, da ein Pferdewagen mit einem älteren Alt-Kolonier Ehepaar vorbei fuhr!
Bitte betet dass Gott auch diese CD Spieler gebrauchen könnte damit die Frohe Botschaft in den Kolonien verbreitet und gehört werden kann.

Five Brothers from Herford, Germany volunteered at the Church construction/ Fünf Brüder aus Herford halfen am Bau!

We recently were very blessed by the arrival of five brothers from Herford, Germany, who spent a few weeks here helping with the church construction. Br. Eduard Hagel, Br. Alex Schwarz, Br. Oskar Witt, Br. Georg Fitz, and Br. Richard Kimmerle all worked extremely hard, and the church building definitely progressed greatly in a short amount of time. Br. Hagel used his welding skills to make a banister on the stairs to the upper story, weld the front roof overhang, make bars in front of the tool room window (to prevent theft), and started welding new school desks. The others completed the time-consuming job of dry-walling.
In addition to their work in construction, their presence here was a great encouragement for the church as a whole as well, and especially for the youth. One of the young brothers in our youth here commented after they left, that he was very blessed and encouraged by the many spiritual conversations he was able to have with them.
It’s also amazing how perfect God’s timing was in all of this, as the Friesen family previously mentioned (who have five sons helping with the construction) had just moved here shortly before the men from Germany arrived. They were able to work together with the Friesen’s, build relationships, and really help them feel comfortable and at home here. None of the family members have become Christians yet (this is a big prayer item), so for them to spend time with some committed Christians, and to have those role models, was such a blessing.

Vor kurzem wurden wir hier durch einen zwei- bis dreiwöchigen Aufenthalt von fünf Brüdern aus Herford, Deutschland gesegnet. Br. Eduard Hagel, Br. Alex Schwarz, Br. Oskar Witt, Br. Georg Fitz, und Br. Richard Kimmerle haben hier sehr schwer gearbeitet. In diesen Wochen konnte man am Bau sichtbare Fortschritte verzeichnen. Br. Hagel hat seine Edelstahlschweißerfähigkeiten hier sehr gut anwenden können. Er hat ein Treppengeländer gemacht, das Vordach geschweißt, ein Gitter vor dem Werkzeugzimmerfenster gemacht (um Diebstahl zu verhindern), und begonnen die Rahmen für die Schultische zu schweißen! Die anderen Brüder haben die große Regips Arbeit erledigt.
Zusätzlich zu ihrer Arbeit am Bau, waren die Brüder eine Ermutigung für die ganze Gemeinde und besonders auch für die Jugend. Ein junger Bruder in unserer Jugend bemerkte nach ihrer Abfahrt, dass er durch manche geistliche Gespräche mit den Brüdern sehr gesegnet wurde.
Der Zeitpunkt ihres Hierseins war auch kein Zufall. Eine Woche vor ihrem Kommen ist eine Familie Friesen aus den Kolonien zu uns gezogen. Fünf Söhne der Friesen Familie helfen auch am Bau und konnten dann mit den Herforder Brüdern zusammenarbeiten und Freundschaften bilden. Dies trug dazu bei, dass sie sich hier schneller akklimatisieren und wohlfühlen konnten. Die Kinder der Familie Friesen sind noch nicht bekehrt (das ist ein großes Gebetsanliegen für uns), daher war es gut, dass sie gute christliche Vorbilder kennenlernen konnten.

Ask and it will be given.../Bittet so wird euch gegeben...

"So I (Jesus) say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Luk 11:9

Thanks be to GOD who answers our petitions!

We now have an abundance of workers –truly!!! Thanks for praying!

Three days ago a new Old Colony family with nine children (Family Jakob Friesen) moved to our mission site. They have eight sons and one daughter ranging in age from six to 18. The older boys have already proven to be industrious workers.

Another family who plans to move to Canada soon is also attending church services. The father is also a great asset at the building site. Tomorrow the five men from Germany arrive.

Today we had a congregation of 53 people!

We are also very thankful that Brother Ed Klippenstein and his wife (Hamilton, Ontario) are also planning to help out here for two months starting September 7. His carpentry skills will be invaluable!

Please pray:

- Especially for Family Jakob Friesen that they may understand and accept the Word of God

- Safety and success at the building site, health and wisdom for the construction leadership

- That we would be able to get the necessary building materials as we need them (this cannot be taken for granted in Bolivia!)\

Thanks in advance!

JS

Und ich (Jesus) sage euch auch: Bittet, so wird euch gegeben; suchet, so werdet ihr finden; klopfet an, so wird euch aufgetan. Lukas 11,9

Gott sei Dank, ER hat unsere Gebete erhoert!

Wir haben jetzt viele Arbeiter am Missionsbau.

Vor drei Tagen ist eine Alt-Kolonier Familie mit neun Kindern (Familie Jakob Friesen) aufs Gemeindegrundstueck gezogen. Sie haben acht Soehne und eine Tochter im Alter von sechs bis 18 Jahren. Die aeltesten Jungs haben sich schon als fleissige Arbeiter bewaehrt. Eine andere Familie, die bald nach Kanada ziehen will, besucht auch die Gottesdienste. Der Vater ist auch ein nuetzlicher Arbeiter am Bau. Morgen treffen auch die fuenf Maenner aus Deutschland ein.

Heute hatten wir 53 Versammlungsbesucher!

Wir sind auch sehr dankbar dass Br. Ed Klippenstein und seine Frau (aus Hamilton, Ontario, Kanada) ab den 7. September, zwei Monate lang hier aushelfen wollen. Seine Zimmerman Faehigkeiten werden hier sehr nuetzlich sein!

Bitte betet:

- besonders fuer Familie Jakob Friesen – dass sie die Wahrheit verstehen und erkennen koennten

- Bewahrung und Erfolg am Bau, Gesundheit und Weisheit fuer die Bauleitung

- Dass wir die noetigen Baumateriallen zur richtigen Zeit bekommen (das ist in Bolivien nicht selbstverstaendlich!)

Danke im Voraus!

JS

Please pray for workers / Bitte betet fuer Arbeiter

Please pray for workers at the building project especially this week. A few weeks ago the 11 year old son of our best Bolivian worker (Choco) died tragically at his home while swinging on a rope from a tree. This week he needs to lay the bricks for his sons grave (to save money). Please pray that God might comfort Choco while he does this difficult job – that this may be healing rather than hurting for him.

Choco generally helps supervise the others. When he’s not there we really miss him.

We are also lacking workers in general. On July 24 – five men from Herford are coming to help (Eduard Hagel, Alex Schwarz, Georg Fitz, Richard Kimmerle, Oskar Witt). We are VERY THANKFUL for the answer to our call for help.

Please also pray that wecould find dependable, steady, skilled workers here so that the work could steadily progress.

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

JS

Bitte betet diese Woche besonders fuer Arbeiter am Bau. Vor einigen Wochen verunglueckte der 11 Jaehrige Sohn von unserem besten Bolivianischen Arbeiter (Choco) beim spielen mit einem Strick an einem Baum in seinem Garten. Diese Woche muss er das Grab fuer seinen Sohn mauern (um Geld zu sparen). Bitte betet dass diese Arbeit ihm zum Trost und nicht zum groesseren Schmerz dienen koennte.

Choco hilft mit der Aufsicht ueber die anderen Arbeiter. Wir vermissen ihn sehr wenn er nicht da ist.

Uns fehlen auch Arbeiter im ganzen. Am 24. Juli kommen fuenf junge Maenner aus Herford uns zu helfen (Eduard Hagel, Alex Schwarz, Georg Fitz, Richard Kimmerle, Oskar Witt). Wir sind SEHR DANKBAR dass sie unserer Bitte fuer Arbeitskraefte gefolgt haben.

Bitte betet auch dass wir hier zuverlaessige und faehige Arbeiter finden koennten damit die Arbeit voran gehen koennte.

VIELEN DANK im Voraus!

JS

Visit to the old colony villages

Last Sunday afternoon was my (Lorraine) second visit to the old colony villages (Doerfer). The young unmarried people in the colonies have an interesting tradition of literally being ‘out on the streets’ every Sunday afternoon, and these streets aren’t even close to the equivalent of any small-town main street in Canada. These are simply country dirt roads with farms along the way. Sometimes there are groups of guys lounging against a fence, perhaps huddled around a ‘verbotenen’ cassette player or discman. Last Sunday was very cold, so one group had built a small fire for some warmth. The girls are typically walking rather than sitting around. Perhaps they want to get in a little exercise!

This tradition presents a unique opportunity for us to visit with the young people and share the gospel with them. With the youth from our church (there are usually 9-10 of us), we drive out to the villages every 2^nd Sunday afternoon. Our trip usually begins at 1:30, and ends at 6. Typically we’ll pull up beside a group of people, roll down the window, and ask if they want to hear some “Leider” (songs). Most are open to this, and then we all get out and start singing. Currently our favourite song to start with is “Wissen sollte jedermann”. Usually someone will say something, and then we’ll sing a few more songs, depending on the level of interest. Sometimes the young people don’t understand high-German that well, so one of our youth will translate. Before we leave again, we ask if they’d like some CD’s (“discos”) of songs or low-German sermons. These are always very much appreciated. People who’ve received CD’s before often say that they’ve listened to them and enjoyed them. Of course, CD players are strongly ‘verboten’, so there’ll usually only be one available amongst a group of guys.

There are of course always those that think this is some great joke, and mock us, but there are also those that do seem to show a longing on their faces, or at least appear attentive rather than scornful. In larger groups, the guys often feel the need to appear ‘macho’, and laugh off the need for salvation, but in speaking to some of them individually, some of the barriers start to break down, and they admit their longings for something different in their lives. In any case, it is only our job to scatter the seed – God needs to prepare the hearts and bring the fruit. Prayer is absolutely essential in this work!

A few other interesting observations: The girls are more scared and rather ‘skittish’, and you can tell by their expressions that they know listening to us is ‘verboten’, and they aren’t totally comfortable with it. Some of the guys are often more openly rebellious overall, (they quite nonchalantly drink beer and pull out their cigarettes), and aren’t that easily scared off. It also seems as if the guys are somewhat easier to reach; perhaps with their more openly sinful lifestyles, they see their need of Christ and redemption more clearly.

Please pray:

- That God would prepare and open hearts for our next visit.

_- That God would direct us in which villages to visit, and bring out the people that need to hear His message.

_- That the Holy Spirit would continue to work in the hearts of those with whom we’ve already had contact, and would show them their need for a Saviour.

_- That some of the young people would be interested in having us come to do a youth group with them.

_- For protection during these visits.

_- That we would continue to have the freedom to make these visits (we have already received one anonymous threatening phone call commanding us to stop making these visits).

THE DISTANCE CHALLENGE

One of the major challenges that we face is that people live so spread out. The closest village to our church is a 15 minute car ride (or at least 30 minute horse and buggy trip). Since the old colony Mennonites do not drive cars they need to come by horse and buggy. To have them attend church we need to pick them up – which for some families is a 1½ hour drive one way. Eventually the plan is for families to move away from the villages and live on our land, but that is the long term plan.

VISITING OLD COLONY FAMILIES

We visit families as well and having our children along is a great ice-breaker. If allowed, we can sing songs with the children or tell them Bible stories.

At the last visit we used Bible story pictures to help tell the story. Most Mennonite people don’t even know basic Bible stories such as the conversion of the Apostle Paul.

Incidentally, the children are not taken to Old Colony church services until they are adults.

Becoming baptized and joining the Old Colony church is usually just done so that the young people can then marry. Many young people already have a child or are expecting a child out-of-wedlock before their wedding.

Brother and Sister Thiessen regularly visit several families in the colonies. One of these families is the poor Family Knelson who have 18 children. Recently they have expressed the desire to move away from the colony and to live on our mission land. The father was excommunicated because his son apparently had a radio. When the father told the elders he did not know where it was, they accused him of lying and gave him the “Bann”. One of their sons is getting married in a few weeks and then wishes to come to our church. Please pray for this family especially.

Muttertaggottesdienst

On June 3, 2007 we celebrated Mother’s Day here in Bolivia. (Many holidays such as Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving are celebrated at completely different times here.) On that day we had guests from Campo Leon and from our surrounding colonies. In the morning we had our regular Sunday service with Sunday school. Then we had a hot dog lunch with potluck salads. In the afternoon we had a blessed program with many selections from the children and youth.

After the program we still enjoyed fellowship with coffee and cake. That gave us the opportunity to get to know some of our guests better. Some guests stayed for quite a while.

Besuche in den Dörfern

Die persönlichen Besuche in den deutschen Dörfern sind wohl der wichtigste Teil der Missionsarbeit.

Die Jugend versucht jeden zweiten Sonntagnachmittag in die Dörfern zu fahren, um da mit den Jugendlichen, die sich auf den Dorfstrassen aufhalten, persönliche Gespräche zu führe, Literatur zu verbreiten und Lieder zu singen. Die Erfahrungen, die dabei gemacht werden sind natürlich völlig verschieden. Manche versuchen uns wegzujagen, andere lachen oder spotten aber immer wieder trifft man auch junge Menschen an, die ein inneres Verlangen nach dem Worte Gottes und eine Zuneigung zeigen.

Wir bekamen auch schon einen anonymen Anruf, wobei jemand uns streng verbieten wollte, weiterhin solche Besuche in den Dörfern zu machen!

Bitte betet, dass Gott diese Arbeit segnet, und dass noch viele junge Menschen für Christus gewonnen werden könnten!

Elektroarbeiten an der Kirche

Br. Werner Krebs aus Edmonton war auch sechs Wochen unter uns um die Elektroarbeiten am Gemeindebau zu verrichten. In dieser Zeit mussten manche andere Arbeiten gleichzeitig gemacht werden (z.b. Waende im Obergeschoss aufgestellt werden) damit die Elektroarbeit vollstaendig gemacht werden konnte. Br. Krebs hat „echtes Bolivien“ mit den vielen „challenges“ hier erlebt (z.b. fehlendes Material die bolivianische Pfuscherarbeit). Leider haben die bolivianischen Maurer schlecht für die Elektroleitungen vorgeplant. Wir haetten hier in Bolivien keinen zuverlaessigen Elektriker finden koennen um diese Arbeit zu machen, deshalb sind wir Br. Krebs sehr dankbar für die treue Arbeit hier.

Wie wir euch schon schrieben, kann man hier sehr guenstige Arbeitskraefte einstellen aber zuverlaessige Fachkraefte sind sehr schwer zu finden. Zum Beispiel, haben wir vor zwei Monaten zwei Fenstermacher eingestellt die versprachen die Arbeit in 10 Tagen fertig zu machen. Es sind jetzt schon zwei Monate vergangen und die Fenster sind noch immer nicht fertig. Die Arbeiter verlangen auch vieles um die Arbeit zu machen z.b. wir muessen alles Material abholen und mit ihnen zum Bau bringen wo sie dann schlafen. Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Ende Juli vier junge Brüder aus Herford (Alexander Schwarz, Eduard Hagel, Richard Kimmerle, Georg Fitz) hier einige Wochen freiwillig am Bau mithelfen wollen. Sie werden hier bestimmt eine grosse Hilfe sein.