Words of thanks from Marcos and Joanne

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 First of all we want to thank you for all of your prayers and support on our trip to Bolivia. Your prayers were felt each day as we encouraged and were encouraged by our brothers and sisters in Florida Norte and the San Martin family. God was faithful throughout our whole trip and brought all of us through various minor illnesses  rather quickly so we could get back to our ministry. 

It is good to be home sleeping in our own bed although we deeply miss all of the wonderful fellowship from the Florida Norte community and the San Martin family. On this trip, both Joanne and I felt as if we were a part of a Bolivian family. The warmth and love that was shown to all of us was another example of God’s faithfulness.

 We look forward to sharing some of our experiences on Sunday so please come and hear about God’s faithfulness to all of us.

 In Christ,

Marcos and Joanne

Connie speaking at the women's retreat

Joyous singing and endless hugs; dear friends in a church family among the Andes Mountains...by Connie

Upon our return from Cochabamba, I was struck by the incredible blessing of being allowed to be a part of the 2013 team to Bolivia. I had gone on the trip so hopeful to be a blessing to a people I had never met. When we said our good-byes and I looked into all of the teary dark brown eyes, I knew that indeed our group had indeed encouraged, loved, and ministered to their church family.  What a blessing that I could share in that ministry. I returned feeling that I now had dear friends in a church family far away among the Andes Mountains.  I pray I was a blessing to those I met at Florida Norte Church, but I know that my own life will never be the same because of those ten days.  Whenever I remember the joyous singing or endless hugs and kisses of that dear group of brothers and sisters in Christ, I am humbled and inspired to be more loving, joy-filled, and just plain thankful.  They are certainly evidence that joy does not come from material things, but rather from an understanding of our Savior and His incredible love for all of us. 

Finally, I want to thank OSLC for allowing me to go Cochabamba to serve in their name.  I was both humbled and honored to reach out with the love of Christ to the precious people at Florida Norte Church.  I also want to thank Matthew for his endless hours of prayer and preparation for our trip.  Everything was so well planned and organized, that I felt like we used our time to the utmost to be a blessing and encouragement to church in Cochabamba. God is good . . . all of the time!

Thank you Lord Jesus for whom without which we could do nothing!  Praise and honor to His holy and everlasting name!  Amen!

In Christ's love,
Connie 

God's power at work...reflections from Paige

My experience in Bolivia was life changing.  God provided an enormous blessing by allowing Pastor Jensen and me to minister to about thirty Bolivian pastors and their wives.  He allowed me to be the voice these women have never had.  I strongly felt the Lord moving through that opportunity.  Please pray for wisdom and discernment about how we can continue to support and encourage these brothers and sisters in ministry.  God also moved mightily in other, perhaps less grand but equally important ways.  He provided what seemed like miraculous physical healing for myself, my husband, and Noah through the medicine provided by Pastor Jaime.  It tasted more than a little nasty ("no me gusto!"), but it worked.  God blessed us with the most loving and supportive team anyone could ever hope for.  He protected us on the roads and when faced with (literal) roadblocks.  And, perhaps most importantly, He blessed me with a new understanding of how the power of relationship trumps any need for physical comfort.  Dios es bueno, todo el tiempo!

 

Paige Jensen

Home safely; thank you for your prayers; keep checking for new updates and photos

Thank you, OSLC senders and family members and friends! Our team arrived home safely yesterday afternoon.  This was a Holy Spirit led mission trip, filled with joy and encouragement!  Please keep checking the blog for new photos and updates throughout the weekend.  We love you and thank God for all of you!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow for an amazing mission trip!

True Bolivianos! Marcos, Kerry, Paige, Connie, Pastor, Evelyn and Esteban had clean plates after eating saltenas!