November 17, 2007
Dear Friends,
Greetings from the…United States? I am currently in the middle of a short visit Stateside to present our work in Cochabamba to new churches and report to some current supporters. I visiting be in five states during a two month tour. It is difficult to be away form my family for so long, but Cynthia and determined that this was the most faithful way to use the resources you have entrusted to us. She and the kids stayed behind in Cochabamba, “holding the fort.” What a blessing modern technology can be! We are contact nearly every day via email and internet phone.
Let me tell you what the team is up to while I am visiting churches in the USA. Cynthia has been presenting craft classes to some ladies organizations in the city, and was asked to serve as an interim officer for the Cochabamba Woman’s Club. This group is sort of combined ladies auxiliary/rotary/chamber of commerce. Our goal is to use these opportunities to network with the business people of “Coch”, preparing for ministry among them.
Thomas is planning some special outreach events for the months to come. This involves the coordination of location, resources and personnel to make these evangelistic events successful. Nicholas has the assignment of putting the music programs together. This more to crafting a meaningful worship service than translating the lyrics The music must speak to the local culture, and speak about the love of Jesus!
There are times I think my job here is going to Wal-Mart! I have long shopping lists of vitally needed supplies ranging from guitar picks to socks and computer parts.
Seriously, the purpose of my trip is two fold. We need more partner churches to help to fund the works planned for Cochabamba. There are many opportunities to share the Gospel, and we need the resources to move the work forward. Continuing our language studies is vital! We can function in Bolivian society, but to communicate clearly on a heart to heart level demands mastery of the language, and that means we have to continue in school.
My other purpose is to raise funds for a vehicle. We have purchased a terrific 8 passenger Toyota van. (Pictures will be on the web site soon www.exhort.com). By the time all the paperwork and mechanical work are complete the cost will be approximately $9,000. We need to raise this money quickly, to pay off the loan and put the van on the road!
I have been asked many times if I was homesick during the last year. The answer is no, but I am now! I cannot wait to get back to Cochabamba. God has planted our hearts there! As I share the vision for the work with churches across the US, I am burdened with the need to be about that work. It is wonderful to be with you, but we yearn to be with our people in Coch. The need is great and the time is so very, very short.
Please pray with us that these needs for support and the vehicle will be met quickly. There is so much to be done!

Serving Christ in Bolivia
Steve, Cyn, Thomas, Nicholas, Staton and David Johnson