December 27, 2007
Dear Friends,
First let us thank you for a wonderful Christmas! Several churches sent us extra gifts. Along with goodies for the kids, Nicholas was able to have emergency dental work done, and urgent repair was done on our “new” van!
The last praise deserves some explanation. Speed limits are not enforced by traffic cops here in Cochabamba. Instead they use huge speed bumps, nicknamed “axle breakers”. It is normal to “speed” down the road at 25-30 miles per hour, then slow to 2-3 miles per hour to slowly creep over the axle-breakers. What did us in was a HUGE pothole, followed by a newly installed axle-breaker. Even going very, very slowly, the twin dangers were too much for our old rear suspension. Thanks to your sweet kindness, Nicholas is out of pain, we are back on the road and everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!
This month I want to share several prayer requests with you.
First, fears of political troubles and even civil war in Bolivia have prompted the other independent Baptist missionaries to return to the States. One church was disbanded and its building sold. Another new work was closed. A third work continues, but under difficult circumstances. Our careful evaluation has shown us that it is premature to leave. I assure you that we are in no physical danger! Missionaries from other groups and denominations are not leaving Bolivia. We will continue to monitor the situation, and keep you informed. However, the impact of these things is that we, the newest missionaries in Cochabamba City, with the least resources, are left to carry the ministry alone. As we are still in language studies, and struggling to raise work support, we are ill-equipped to fill the gap. However, God has placed us here, and we will see His work accomplished!
Second, we have been given a wonderful opportunity. Bolivian Christians are persuaded that our ministry is vital here, and are offering to help. Normal tuition in the best (and least expensive) language school is $480 per month for full time classes. They have offered to allow me to have full classes for $120 per month. This means that one teacher is giving me free time, while others are cutting their fees by more than half. Because we have not received enough funds to pay off the van ($7,500 is still needed), even this reduced amount is too large for us. Pray we can either pay off the van loan or receive special gifts to take advantage of this short term opportunity!
Third, we need to move! Our landlord has sold our house wants us out ASAP! Unfortunately, houses in our price range that are large enough for our family are hard to find. Additionally, the road to our current house has been blocked due to the laying of sewer lines. This project will last 2-3 months, perhaps longer. To get to the field where we now park our van, we must cross construction trenches that are 2-3 feet wide, 5-6 feet deep! It is “interesting” when we have to walk home in the dark.
Fourth, we are struggling with parasites. This is not life threatening, but it is debilitating. Pray that we will respond to the medication!
Fifth, Steve has to come to the States for a month to seek new church partners! We need help to cover the ticket.
Serving Christ in Bolivia
Steve, Cyn, Thomas, Nicholas, Staton and David Johnson
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