Less than Three Weeks???

It is hard to believe that three weeks from now these nine Gringos from Canada will be in Bolivia.  Our time of preparation is nearing an end and soon we will be in the doing mode.  This is exciting and fearful at the same time.  I have the great joy of returning again to Bolivia.  This gives me an advantage over some of my teammates but I still have some nervous anticipation of what will really happen.  I guess that is all part of the adventure of this journey we are on.  I know that once again God will be faithful and we will come back full to overflowing of what we have seen and how we have been touched by our Bolivian brothers and sisters.

This past weekend our team had a great time together affirming one another's gifts and strengths.  I really could sense us bonding together as a team.  I am so looking forward to being with these guys in Bolivia and watching them see things with new eyes.

talk to you later

Wayne

Spanish Music

As we prepare for our trip to Bolivia, Donovan and Wayne have been discussing music, and how we might be able to enhance some of our experiences through sharing the gift of music.  With Donovan/Henry playing guitar, we plan to learn some common hymns and modern worship songs in Spanish, and be able to sing both the Spanish and English versions in various appropriate settings.  We are already learning songs such as "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  What are some other common songs that you, as our reader and support, would love for us to be able to share with our Bolivian brothers and sisters?  Please post a comment below with your suggestions.  Gracias!

Donovan Mutschler

My name is Donovan Mutschler.  I have attended Westhill Park Baptist Church since 1999.  I have never been on a mission trip to foreign soil before.  However, in 1997, I took a group of high school students to southern Manitoba to assist with flood cleanup after the Red River Flood.  In spite of my lack of experience, I felt a call to join the Step 1 Team, but circumstances did not allow for me to go on the first team.  When the opportunity for a second team was announced, I still felt the same sense of call and proceeded to apply for the team. 

 

I am excited to travel to Bolivia to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ there, and to minister to them and allow myself to also be ministered to and encouraged by them.  In spite of their deep poverty in relation to many Canadians, I have been repeatedly impressed with their sense of joy, contentment and high rate of literacy and employment.  It is an encouragement to me that money does not bring happiness.

 

I am seeking prayer for focus and protection.  I know that Bolivia has a high first nation population with a tight tie to the customs and spiritual ways of the Inca and Aymana, including practices of witch doctors.  I am very sensitive to ways of witchcraft and pagan worship and can sometimes become distracted and overwhelmed due to these sensitivities.  Therefore, I ask for prayer to be protected from these things.

 

We are embarking on a mission to build relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I ask that if you are interested in this journey, please continue to check in with our blog site to find out what's new, see pictures, and hear of our experiences. 

 

My dream comes true

            Hola, my name is Dolores Wilcox.  I've been attending Westhill Baptist Church for a little over two years.  I've never done missionary work before nor do I have any experience at foreign travel.

            I remember that day Wayne Rempel was telling everyone at church about his previous mission trip to Bolivia, and that they needed more people for a Step 2 team.  At that time only two people had signed up. A voice kept telling me to go and sign up. What are you waiting for ? This is something that has always been in the back of my mind to do,  but never thought I'd have the opportunity to do.  But thanks to the great people at Westhill Baptist Church my vision is being fulfilled for myself and my husband Bob.

            I have fears that I won't be able to communicate well with the people of Bolivia.  I just have to remember that God will be there with me and everything will be fine.

            I very excited about meeting my brothers and sisters in Bolivia to see how they live and worship. Based on what I learned so far about Bolivia and the churches there, I am just amazed to hear how simple they live, but yet they are  so content and happy  with life.

            I pray that all the people left at home will continue to pray for a successful journey for all the team, and that everyone going and staying  will have good health.

                                                                        Mucha Gracias

Countdown to Bolivia

Yes, as Pastor Henry said only five weeks to go before we leave for Bolivia.

There have been quite a few waves smashing into our boat over the past few weeks,fears,doubts,etc..

Remember team, God is with us, this is his mission, we are only his servants.  We are praying for each and everyone of you and your families.God bless you all.

Bob & Dolores

Preparations Continue

Hello!

Last Saturday (Feb 28th) our team met at our place (Henry & Eleanor Friesen's) for Brunch and a team meeting.  It was great to sit around the table & just chat about a variety of topics. It was good for team building!

 

Our meeting was also good not only because we talked about entering another culture & clearly communicating our love for them but because we talked about our fears now that the trip is becoming a "near reality".  As we had done at our first team meeting, we read the story of Peter walking on the water and imagined where we were in the story.  Some of us felt as if we were less eager to walk on the water this time and others of us felt like we were sinking & need Jesus to "save us".  We were encouraged to read the words of Jesus:  "It is I, do not be afraid!"  At the same time this did not take away all our fears - we committed ourselves to be supporting & praying for each other in the weeks ahead.  We really would appreciate others doing the same.

Pastor Henry