One Year Anniversary in San Fernando

I got to thinking earlier today that this was the month last year that Katie headed out to San Fernando to begin her ministry there.  So, I did a little research (looking at last years blog post) and the actual date was June 11, 2010!  Katie will be coming in soon for a city visit; I think that I heard the end of next week. 

Wouldn't it be fun to welcome her back with anniversary wishes or just plain old greetings would make her day, I know. If you have a chance, take a moment to leave a comment here, on Facebook, or via email!

Oh,and Happy One Year Anniversary in San Fernando Katie!

The Problem with Being Determined

Note from Katie (sent in via USB)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 3:41p.m.

From the last time I wrote, I feel like the conclusion was basically that prayer is good and necessary… and needs to be constant.

It had been months since I had visited the two families on the other side of the river. They have the canoe, so they need to be with me to cross, or I need to go down to the bank and yell. I asked Paola how to yell; I knew there must be a special way. She could not accompany me because she had classes in the afternoon. The way to yell is “WHOOOOOOOOOOOO”.
 I saw the younger couple on Sunday in the “town” and they asked when I was going to come over. In the dry season when we could walk across, I went often to visit them and their aging parents, whom I truly enjoy and respect. Soooo, today I determined would be my day to pack my little bag of things they might need… Ibuprofen and new glasses and since it looked like it could rain I grabbed my umbrella. I locked up the church and went on my way. There is a longer way to go on the main town road, or a little path behind the church.  I took the little path, which is mostly used by cows. I didn’t pray about going; I just went. I didn’t stop to seek God first. Sure, this morning I prayed that God would lead me to go where he wanted me to go, but I HAD PLANNED to cross the river today. Well, I got down to the bank and my “WHOOOO” worked.  I saw a little person very far off, up on the other bank but way back in by their house.  They “whooooo”ed back, I “whooooo”ed again, so I guess I made contact. As I waited for them to come down…far-off thunder got louder and louder and the wind picked up. There was a window of time that someone could have come and got me and I could have spent the afternoon with them…. But my very-pregnant friend who I finally saw on the other side up on the bank waved but didn’t go down to the canoe… She was too far away to yell any actually words like “ Tomorrow”.  As I turned around to head back to the church, up the path, the rain started. Soon my little path was a little stream. The wet weeds that were across the path plastered my old thin blue jeans to my legs. My umbrella helped some to keep the rest of me dry. If I prayed about going first before I set off, would I have sensed God leading me not to go? I may have gone back to Hermana Bella's house.

I went over to Bella's for a lite dinner last night, with hopes of afterwards learning more songs she knows, so that I can sing them in church.  We had a nice visit, but the mosquitos were too bad, and the lack of light was not condusive to anything else but eating together and talking a little while. Bella is the oldest believer in the church, and is seen as the church leader. I came to San Fernando to help her, and the church. I believe we have been effective here, strengthening the believers and evangelizing the rest of the town. I realize lasting change does not come quickly.

The last few weeks I have had the wonderful privilege of giving people SIGHT! In the church services I always talk about “spiritual sight” when we sing the song “Open the eyes of my heart Lord”. Well, I can not open their spiritual eyes--that is only between them and God, but I can give them GLASSES!

I have enjoyed helping the SLOW stream of people who have come to my house. First it was 3 of the 4 ladies who are believers in the Monday/Friday discipleship class on The Doctrines of Salvation. I love when they come to study:  they all have their glasses on, and every one can read. They are all in their 40’s. Candelaria, a women I’ve been reaching out to came to get reading glasses on Sunday SO WE CAN STUDY THE BIBLE TOGETHER. What is better than that??? Nothing. It is so fun to find the right "number" of prescription that helps them see the best. Yesterday another four ladies came because the word is getting around, and I have plenty of reading glasses to go around.  THANK YOU TO SO MANY WONDERFUL FOLKS LIKE YOU WHO SENT THESE GLASSES DOWN! Those four ladies are not believers and not in any of my Bible studies, but I know them, and have visited with them in their homes. After they got glasses which fit them, I prayed for them. It was nice. God will speak to their hearts in his time. This morning Paola’s Aunt Crespa (which is really her nick name, I don’t know her real name… Crespa means curly.  Yes her hair is VERY curly ;-)  ) and her Uncle Pepe came to get glasses. It really is a joyful thing helping someone SEE! I have two sight tests:   reading the Bible, Psalm 27; and the ladies thread a needle. I pray God blesses them all, and they in return bless him with lives that honor him.  It’s all in God’s perfect timing as to when people truly turn from pleasing themselves, to truly living for God.

After living with Paola for a month now, and having daily devotions from Psalm 139 and Joshua 1:9, just this morning I got talking about how we can have two birthdays, by being “born again” and what that means. Also I explained why the evangelical church and I believe in adult baptism. Paola’s cousin Elaina was with us this morning for breakfast and devotions. I’ve gone with them both to a few evening Mass services in the Catholic church, out of curiosity. I am very glad I went.  Every child is baptized in the catholic church, most children of San Fernando know what to do in the Masses. Through recited prayers they have asked for their sins to be forgiven MANY times. With the exception of the 4 families of believers, all of the adults, youth and  children who come to our church services also go to Mass.  What are they thinking? Are some starting to see, know, and feel the difference? Pray for THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SPEAK TO QUESTIONING HEARTS AND MINDS:  that the truth would be clear. I need more Bibles. Everyone wants a Bible in their home. It is great. Through the grape vine I hear how people are changing.  It’s slow.

Ok the rain has stopped.  It’s 4:44 p.m.  I am going over to visit with Bella again. I would  LOVE to learn a new song and make guitar chords to go with it, so I can play and sing it in church. A new song to me, mind you, will be an old and comfortable song to them, a song which they all know.

 Oh, to be transparent, as you are praying for all that I have mentioned…please  also pray for my heart’s desire to be married. I know that must not be any surprise to you. In whatever direction God leads you to pray. I desire what God has for me. If that is to never marry, pray for contentment and joy if that is God’s perfect plan. Currently I am praying God would prepare me to be the best wife and mother possible. I have loved having Paola in my house this last month. It has been good "mother practice". I also pray God is preparing my husband… if indeed he exists ;-) God’s timing is perfect.

Walking in Faith together.

A Little Bit of Everything

Note from Katie (sent in via USB)

9.15 P.M. Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Another great day; very different from yesterday, but both great. I can really tell many people are praying for me.  I feel like I go from victory to victory. What a great season of life to be in. My days start and end with prayer, and it is sprinkled all through the day. That is so key:  constant communication with GOD.

I had been reading Jeremiah after I had previously read Isaiah. Now for my personal study of The Word, I have jumped to 1 Peter, for a change of pace.

Friday I stopped by Rosemary’s house to chat for a while.  She attends the Wednesday afternoon Bible study I have at her aunt Candelaria’s house. On Friday,  Rosemary was telling me her husband is out of town for a while.  He went to work on a ranch. He left mad at her, because she was upset with his drinking. He is known in town for being a mal boracho (a bad drunk). When he is drunk, he’s mean. And he may continue drinking for days if others offer it to him. Just that morning I had read 1 Peter 3 about believing wives who are married to non-believers. At the risk of it sounding trite, I told her 1 Peter 3 has something to do with her situation. She was content I brought up 1 Peter! She told me she just started reading 1 Peter too THAT MORNING! I believe her. She likes to read. I gave her a book by Nancy Lee DeMoss, and every now and then I ask her about it, and she will give me a little book report. Pray for Rosemary.

Yesterday morning at 6:30 after my time in prayer, and feeding my duck & chickens ;-) I headed over to Hernan and Maryluz’s yard to sit and have our regular morning mate  (pronounced “mah tay”) with them.  They have only been part of the church a few years, but since I have been in San Fernando they are an integral part of the small body of believers. In the mornings we talk about everything from God, to Japan, to baseball, to the problem of alcoholism in the town. Pray for them.  They are in the Monday and Friday afternoon study in the church for the few strong believers, on the Doctrines of Salvation.

After a half hour or so, when I had came back to the house I had breakfast with Paola. Then we opened again to Psalm 139, which after studying together nearly every morning for the last month, we both know very well.  We compared it to Joshua 1:9.  I hope and pray that God’s word is truly sinking down into her heart, and that she will apply it to her life. She is not a Christian yet, but a very nice girl who seems interested in the things of God.  Our month has been “without event”. Calm and lovely PRAISE GOD IN HEAVEN WHO IS ALSO VERY PRESENT WITH US! We have breakfast together, then devotions. I do the dishes, sweep, wash my clothes and do whatever needs to be done.  She does her homework. Her school classes are in the afternoon from 1:30-5:30.  I make lunch.  Sometimes she will stay and eat with me, sometimes she goes over to her aunt and uncle's house to eat with them.

Yesterday, a little bit later in the morning, Candelaria came over. She needed to see which glasses worked best for her. She and I had been studying the Bible together before Christmas but it was always hard for her to see.  NOT ANYMORE!!!! PRAISE GOD! IT’S REALLY SO COOL! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SENT READING GLASSES DOWN HERE! THEY ARE A HUGE BLESSING.  Tomorrow morning another older woman is coming to my house to get some reading glasses! She wants to read the Bible too! AMEN! I LOVE THIS!

After Candelaria had gone home, it started to rain.  It rained the rest of the day. It was a calm day that I spent mostly in my room… rain is permission to stay home. In the evening it seemed like it would rain again, so I didn’t have a youth service, but the little neighbor kids came over anyway. So on my larger lap top I showed Prince of Egypt. That was fun. One of the girls, Elana, knew the story. She is a very smart 13 year old girl who lives near by. She and Paola are first cousins, through their mothers.

This morning, after mate' with the neighbors, I got ready for Sunday school and the church service but it started to rain. I was going to teach the kids--sitting on benches behind the church--today, and Bella was going to lead the others in a study on Luke 8:22-28, but how things change! We were supposed to start at 8:15, and finish at 9:00, so they could go to the town meeting, but no kids came and a few adults sprinkled in at 8:45. Bella saved her study until the evening (which was great because it was packed tonight, about 40 people!) and this morning I shared Ephesians 6:1-4, and Colossians 3:20-22. At the end of our little devotional together, in attendance were Bella, Hernan and his wife, and also another couple who have started coming to the church regulary since January (PRAISE GOD!). They all seemed to be very content to hear these passages and to pray about applying them. It was nice.

This afternoon I went visiting, which is always enjoyable. Later on we had our evening service.  Many “non-churched” women, men, kids and youth came.  PRAY FOR CHANGED LIVES. Wednesday we had visitors:  the missionary pilot, Greg, had brought a few other missionaries for a visit. So our Wednesday night prayer service was WELL attended by curious San Fernando folks, ~30 kids, 18 women (age 12-40ish), and ~20 men(age 12-40ish). Greg shared a very clear message on prayer, then we broke up into 3 groups and we prayed . It was AWESOME. PRAY FOR LIVES TO BE CHANGED, AND PEOPLE TO TRULY BEGIN TO FOLLOW CHRIST. It is such a struggle. It’s now 10:45 at night and I can hear music in the distance… music late at night means some one found a battery that works for their radio and men or youth are drinking.

This struggle is not against flesh and blood…….. 

En La Manana

28 de Marzo 2011, 11.45 A.M.

      Chicken in one hand, yucca in the other, along with a bag full of corn, sugar cane and chitimoya. I am walking back to my house.  It’s been a good morning, though the sweat is rolling down my face and arms. My goal: showing people Jesus loves them.
      One family lives a ways outside of the town.  The matriarch of the family is named Mercedes (yes, like the car). A while ago she asked if I could bring her some size14 sewing machine needles. I wanted to bring her the needles that had come in with Greg's last flight a week ago. I also had a few more things I wanted to give them. She and her two grown daughters were out in their field. I went out to join them. They have a little shelter to rest in, between working and chasing birds from their corn. We had a lovely visit. They are pleasant folks, who smile and laugh easily. They asked me how much the needles cost.  I told them I had asked Tom Throssel the SAM missionary Aviation Mechanic (also  my boss) who bought the needles how much they were, and he told me they were so cheap, that I could just give them away. When I told Mercedes that, rather than be happy, she insisted on paying me.  She gave me 10 bolivianos. On top of that, I  left with my bag full of corn to eat and to give to my chickens.  We had such a nice visit, and talked about many things. She asked about my mother. I am always so blessed when people ask me about my family or how I am doing. I can ask them about their families, their feelings, their lives but they share little with me until they see me as a person, and truly trust me. I truly enjoy visiting people in their homes, seeing into their lives, sharing time and a laugh together. Every one in town knows who I am, though they might not know my name, they call me “Hermana".  I am everyone's sister. They know I teach in the evangelical church. The children see me at school when I teach art, Bible, and English. I enjoy visiting all the families of the town. Some families I visit more frequently than others. It always blesses me when I visit a family, and they have many questions for me about my life. Then, in following days, I see them at the church service! I love it when people come for the first time when I didn’t even ask or beg them to come. They know when the services are, and I expressed interest in their lives, then… they come. If people don’t come to the service I am NEVER offended. It’s only the Holy Spirit who prompts people to come. That is His job. Other folks want to come, but can’t leave their home at night due to many reasons. I am always surprised to see older youth come to the services. I know they are the same guys who drink when there is a party of any sort. When I share God’s Word I spare NO PUNCHES, and direct much at them. I find myself speaking in a very loud voice when talking about true repentance, and God’s desire to bless those who seek Him truly with their whole lives. God’s way is best. "The devil desires destruction and death," I share as loud as I can.  Alcoholism is very prevalent here. Children go hungry due to their fathers spending all their money on liquor.  Women are beaten when their husbands are drunk and angry. When I visit peoples homes I share God’s love, and often pray for them before I leave, but I do not share very "heavily"… it’s in the church services… when people choose to come to the church that I speak black and white, very clearly with the  authority God has given me to share the truth. The last few days and weeks I can feel the power of God flowing through me. There is nothing better. Now I must put this little computer away and get ready for the discipleship class I have at 2 p.p. in my house. Five believers from the church will come and we will study a little booklet (one of seven) on the Doctrines of Salvation.  This current booklet is on the Doctrine of Faith.  Thanks for your prayers.

Photos and Notes from Christy

Christy took a ministry trip with SAMair with a stop in San Fernando on March 31ST and April 1ST. I asked her to send me a few photos and notes from her trip.

Katie and Paula (with Greg).  Paula is the 15 year old orphan who is living with Katie.

Katie and Dina. Dina has raised her support.

Katie is currently meeting with four women every week doing discipleship/evangelism. They are going through the Bible from creation to Christ. These weekly meetings are going well. Pray that Katie would continue to have the words to speak truth to the people in San Fernando.

Katie and Christy spoke about ways that other believers can start taking on responsibilities for the weekly meetings. Pray that the Lord would give Katie wisdom to delegate tasks to the other believers in San Fernando who would be incorporated into the discipleship of the local believers.

Christy and Katie

All-Surpassing Power

March 13^th, 2011 Sunday night, 10.28pm

2 Corinthians 4.17

“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this ALL-SURPASSING POWER is from God and not from us.”

When I stop and think about who I am; my natural bent, my preoccupations, the disorder of my mind and my the lack of knowledge, as well as my “not-married ness” I think WHAT AM I DOING HERE? WHAT DO I HAVE TO GIVE??? I AM A MESS. THERE ARE SO MANY MORE PEOPLE WAY MORE CAPABLE THAN I AM WHO COULD DO A BETTER JOB THAN I AM HERE. A MAN WOULD DO ALL OF THIS WAY BETTER THAN I COULD. A BOLIVIAN COUPLE WOULD REALLY BE BEST!

My solace is found in GOD. He brought me here. He made me on purpose. It is part of HIS PERFECT PLAN THAT I’M NOT MARRIED YET. He equips me in His perfect time, to do what he wants me to. Being here in San Fernando is a HUGE responsibility! I AM THE MISSIONARY OF THE TOWN! AUH! THERE IS NO PASTOR! I TEACH THE BIBLE.  I don’t preach, I’m not a preacher ;-) but God has put this huge responsibility in my hands to TEACH 4 TIMES A WEEK IN CHURCH, AND to lead 2 discipleship groups, one of which is Believers from the church, the other with women from the village who want to know more about God.  I've also been given the responsibility of TEACHING ENGLISH, ART AND BIBLE IN THE SCHOOL!

This semester it looks like I will be teaching more than I have ever taught before. With much preparation, reading, studying and praying as well, I NEED THAT ALL-SURPASSING POWER that comes from GOD ALONE TO DO EVERY THING WELL. I am naturally a weak jar of clay, which most of the time feels like it didn’t retain much from its great college education.

But today GOD MOVED… and HAS BEEN MOVING! He is giving me enlightenment into understanding HIS WORD in order to teach it. He is clearing my thoughts, and making order out of my disorder. As I step out in faith, He is firming up the ground I walk on. He is speaking through me and people are turning to HIM! EVIL SPIRITS ARE LEAVING HOUSES THAT THEY HAVE DWELLED IN FOR YEARS!  Yet my faith is still so weak. I’m amazed when I hear that God is truly moving and changing people.

WE NEED TO EXPECT TO BE AMAZED.

DO WE SEEK THAT ALL-SURPASSING POWER IN OUR LIVES OF MINISTRY?

March 16, 2011 Update

"Things are going really well",

Katie exclaimed to me over the radio today. She usually sounds happy but today despite the fact that her voice was growing softer because of the connection, I could note the extra bit of refreshment and joy.

Some of the news to pass on is as follows:

• She and her new roommate are communicating well and enjoying each other. What a praise and reason to celebrate! 
• God is moving in San Fernando and Katie can feel a strong sense of the power of your prayers there. She mentioned that many of the women seem to waking up to a desire to know more about Christ. Presently, there are discipleship meetings on Mondays and Fridays in the afternoon to begin sharing about faith. 
• On Wednesday afternoons, she is starting a meeting with one lady who is interested in learning more about God. Katie plans to begin with creation and then move towards the salvation message. She has well-founded hopes that more people will be there next week.
• On Wed/Thurs./Fri, Katie will be found teaching art, Bible and English in the schools there.
• Along with all the above, she continues teaching in the church on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 

Pray for Katie to be filled with wisdom as she seeks to disciple, teach, and reach San Fernando with the Gospel. 

Mosquitoes

Just stopping in for a very short update. I went to the hanger last Wednesday to try and connect with Katie and we could not make contact at that time, so I have not personally talked to her since she left Santa Cruz.  However, my husband did let me know that she was asking for prayer. 

There are lots of mosquitoes in San Fernando now and it is Dengue Fever season. Please keep them in your prayers as she and Beth seek to stay healthy. Greg recently contacted Dengue and just yesterday was released from the hospital and another missionary, Jason, has it as well. For that matter, please keep all the SAM Bolivia missionaries in your prayers.

Katie will be coming in next week for our annual field conference so I am sure she will have some updates for you herself very soon.  Her mother is coming down to visit and help with conference. We look forward to meeting her and I am sure it will be a welcomed encouragement to Katie.

Keep praying!

Welcome Back to Santa Cruz Party

Katie, Jimena, Dina, and Greg flew in to the hanger this morning. 

 Can you see the airplane approaching?

Tom thought it would be nice to have a welcome party and so people gathered.

Here is Katie as she was getting off the plane.

unloading the luggage

Dina, Katie, and Jimena

I am sure that Katie will be getting on here soon to give you some first-hand accounts so be watching...

A Very Short Chat

So, I got to the hanger with plenty of time to connect with Katie before my kids had to be at art class.  Unfortunately, the radio cut out long before we would have been finished.  I felt like we had just scratched the surface.  I even waited a bit to see if the radio would  revive, but to no avail.

This is what I did learn ...

• Katie and her roommates were in the process of using the mud oven for the first time.  Cake was being baked.
• She found hydrocortisone cream hiding in her apartment and was excited.
• The mosquitoes are alive and well and incense seems to keep them away.
• and most important...

Yesterday she met with Candlearia (I have no clue how she spells her name), whom she meets with weekly.  They have been studying Romans and the nature of sin.  During this weeks talk, she asked her if she wanted to pray to accept Jesus to be her Savior and she said yes!  They did not end up praying right then as Katie was sensing some nervousness and did not want her to feel pressured, but shared how to pray when alone and plans to follow up.  Please pray for her and Katie as they continue to meet.

and that was all that I got from our talk, but I do know that...

There is a team coming (actually they should be there now) of YWAM young people being flown in by Greg. They will be there this next week helping serve San Fernando with Katie, Dina, and Jimena.

Also, Katie is planning on coming back to Santa Cruz on December 9TH or 10TH and will be able to reconnect and share first hand some of her stories. I know that you will look forward to hearing from her directly and in the meantime, why not fill her inbox with emails and messages!

Fruit of the Spirit Mural

Here is a recent photo of the mural courtesy of Katie's cousin, Danielle. It features Dana and Ally from their recent trip to Santa Corazon.

What a blessings that Katie can use her talent to brighten up the space in which she lives. I am sure that it is enjoyed by many.

Sunny's Chat With Katie on Monday (11/15)

I just recieved this email from Sunny.  Bless her for being so detailed and helping to keep you all informed.  Thank you, Sunny

I had the privilege of talking to Katie on Monday and I´d like to pass on what she said:

"It´s sosososo good to have Dina back, wonderful, wonderful"- those of us who know Katie I´m sure can hear her saying that - I´ll try to put below a couple of expressions that she uses and as much as possible put it in the words she said:

It´s a huge praise to have Dina back - she´s got so much humor, is so positive, wise, gives me perspective, keeps me on track and is always looking for ways to disciple and teach others.   I´m really thankful she gets up early and stays up a little later and helps around the house - kind of keeps the same hours I do.  She´s also now my jogging/walking partner...we walk more than jog right now...and that gives us a chance to talk about things and pray together about things.  I love our walks...the other day we saw monkeys.

My garden´s growing, looks great, I´ve got these cute beans and some cucumber thingies that Jason gave me.

For the Romans study, we´re moving on from Romans 3 to 4.

I have a really encouraging basic "tenets of the Bible" Bible study with Candelaria and her family.  We´re studying the Bible and memorizing basic verses together once a week.  She puts the verses up on her wall.  The other day her son came to church here in San Fernando for the first time since I´ve been here, although from what he seemed to know about the Bible, he´d had contact with it all before.  Candelaria is one of the only ones who seems really eager to keep having these home Bible studies.  We´ve memorized John 3:16, Rom. 3:23, etc.  Candelaria goes to the Catholic mass on Sundays, but during the week comes to the church for meetings.

My fruits of the spirit mural in our kitchen is finished and it´s such a good reminder to me of what I need.  The other one in the church is close to done.  I keep adding things and people enjoy observing the new details I put in.  The other day I decided to fill it up with alligators and that big redneck (chuckle) bird with a black head (jabiru mycteria).  So the kids (and others) have fun with finding all the alligators, kind of like "Where´s Wally".  I tell them, "It may not look like it, but there are 11 alligators in there!''  I haven´t finished it yet not so much because of time, but I paint when the inspiration hits me, so I´m waiting for it to come again.

I´ve been reading through Jeremiah and I´m finally to chapter 17, which gives a relief from the doom and gloom of the previous chapters.  It was so good to read about the one who trusts in the Lord being like a tree by a stream of water that has something good in every season.
 
Dina´s involved in a women's Bible study every Tuesday afternoon and also disciples a couple - it´s so good to just sit back and watch that.

From talking with Dina:

Dina talked a bit, said she hasn´t had so much pain with her wrist, just at the end of the day, it can get kind of sore.  She has some physical therapy exercises to do, which she forgets to do some.  She asked for prayer for the women´s Bible study and for the discipleship she´s doing with the couple; it seems there are other couples who also are interested.  She also asked for prayer for the 3 of them, that they would support each  other and that they would be able to resist different temptations and keep each other in line. 

The radio started cutting out a lot, so we had to "hang up", but I think that´s the gist of what we talked about. 

News from Wednesday, November 3RD

I had the opportunity to chat with Katie this past Wednesday, here are some things to note:

• This past Tuesday was the Day of the Dead here. Katie mentioned attending a mass at the cemetery. 
• She and Bella painted names on wooden crosses which consisted of two rustic boards nailed together. The names were Bella's two sons and husband who were killed four years ago. 
• On Tuesday, they attended a Quinceanera for which they got dressed up including hair, make up, and painted nails. There were a lot of people in attendance. There was pizza served and others dancing.
• The garden is going well
• They started studying Romans 3 today.
• Katie is hoping that the believers in the church will begin to take over different parts of the prayer meetings and take ownership.
• Dina flew back this weekend. Greg and a Pastor from Santa Cruz are there now and will be flying back tomorrow. 
• They had a great time when the group visited from Santa Corazon.  Pastor Eric held a high-energy and well-organized youth meetings and church service.  They came with 19 youth to serve in San Fernando. 
• Katie was asked to be Madrina of decorating for an 8TH grade graduation which means she gets to purchase and put up the decorations for the party.  I passed on her list of what she wanted from Santa Corazon and we all know that she will do something creative and make the party look fantastic.

Please send emails to Katie's mom or to Greg for him to download and take to Katie the next time he goes out. She enjoys hearing from everyone. 

Continue to keep her in your prayers..

Note From Katie from Oct.11TH

This came to my inbox this morning and so I am passing it on to you.  Katie sent this back with Greg.

Monday October 11, 2010 - 9 P.M.

Hello Mom, friends and family,

It’s been a quiet few days, as my team mates have been out of town. They left Wednesday October 6, in the afternoon, and are not back yet. I think they will come “home” late this evening or tomorrow . I was hoping to travel to the city of San Matias with them to help Dina get another x-ray of her arm (and enjoy the Internet and phones) but there didn’t end up being room for 3, only 2 to travel. So I chose to stay here in San Fernando. That Tuesday and Wednesday there were town meetings all day with officials from San Matias and Santa Cruz about the needs of not only San Fernando but also 4 other villages in this region of eastern Bolivia. I was told that these meetings were the FIRST of their kind to happen! San Fernando and these other villages are very primitive and isolated, and they are ready for change. The largest concern and plea is for a good road! Six months out of the year the roads are impassable. Life is very hard for people in rainy season. Heath and water were also concerns. The need for doctors is huge. There is a town nurse here, PRAISE GOD, but he is limited in his knowledge and ability. I have helped a few people, but I am far from being a doctor. The concern for water is with the town water tank, it’s plastic and has a crack, so it leaks. Also the town motor that runs a few times a day to pump the water to the extremities of this pipes (which are not very far) is old and has been failing. The other issue presented from the people of San Fernando to these authorities was about education. Currently the school is first grade through eighth grade. And students that want to continue to study have to go to San Matias which is 5 hours away in the dry season, or go to a boarding school with is also about 5 hours away in the other direction. The director of the school is asking if they can start 9^Th grade, and have more teachers. A lot of youth are not able to leave to study because they need to help their families with taking care of their land. The meetings went very well, PRAISE GOD again! Pray for help in San Fernando. And that the people would thank GOD when change comes. This next week starting October 18^Th, there will be a group in San Fernando to educated the people about the natural resources around them, to help they value what they have. The bird life really is amazing! There is a hope that the people of San Fernando would get a vision for tourism, which would bring income into the village.

There is also a company coming to present a business venture to the people of San Fernando. In our river there are always lots of crocodile, and this company wants to buy crocodile eggs. Pray for San Fernandos economics and I hope you are praying for their spiritual well being.

This Friday Greg is flying in with 5 other people to see me! I really looking forward to their visit. He will give this, via flash drive, to Amy, and she will put in on my blog FOR YOU TO READ.

Well, friends, more tomorrow.

Katie's Cousin, Danielle, Shares About Her Trip to San Fernando

So, here is what Danielle sent me, in her own words....

 

San Fernando, bueno, it was great!  Very tranquillo. A lot of animals roaming around and making animal noises. The most memorable animal noises were the baby alligators!..so cute.  After visiting the river animals, Katie and I explored a path on the other side and discovered two families, (one of which attended the church, whom Katie meant to find and visit but hadn't until this point).  They showed us how they squeeze sugar cane and grow yucca and all that cool rustic rancher stuff.  We took lots of pictures and pretended that we were tourists, making every pose imaginable with the cane press, I think our San Fernando friends probably got a good laugh out of it (I probably would if someone came to my house and did the same thing). We also got to witness Dina in game facilitator mode with the youth Saturday night.  Most of us got in the games, until we realized how competitive they young boys are. It was intense, yet hysterical at the same time, as the parents and younger children were there the whole time to cheer and support. Overall it was a wonderful weekend full of fellowship, adventures, candlelit group dinners to save electricity for the movie, and opportunities to witness God's awesome ministry in San Fernando!

Katie Had Visitors

Katie's cousin, Danielle, along with Ally and Dana went to visit Katie in San Fernando this weekend.  Presently, the visitors are on the way back to Santa Cruz via a SAMair flight with Greg at the wheel probably arriving sometime around 4 P.M..  I know this because I was just at the hanger where my husband is helping flight follow and I had a chance to chat a few minutes with Katie.

Katie sounded elated that she had the opportunity to have American visitors and speak in English. It sounded as if it had been very refreshing to her. 

She shared that Dana brought a projector and they showed the movie, Magdalena, on Friday night finishing on Saturday night to packed crowds.  She was trying to explain how many people there were as they had to add planks to blocks for more benches and people sat along the wall of the church as well.  It sounds as though many who do not attend the church came. Saturday night concluded with group games that were fun and brought much laughter.

Dina's brother was a last minute addition to the trip as a few people had to back out. Katie mentioned how surprised she and Dina were that he was free because he is a Pastor.  We both discussed how God has a way of working things out as he was able to preach both Saturday night and Sunday, sharing evangelistic messages.  He and Greg also were able to have a short meeting with the four men who attended church Sunday morning.  A meeting that Katie felt compelled to call at the last minute. She was excited to have the men talking with men. I am not certain what all transpired but we can pray that the men of the village will become strong men of God and come forth to take some leadership roles in the church.

The last thing to mention is that Dina is on the flight because her arm needs to be checked up on.  You may recall that she hurt it before she went to San Fernando in the first place. Please pray for her healing and quick recovery so that she can get back out to San Fernando asap. 

I am hoping that the girls that traveled will send me some photos and impressions to post soon, no guarantees but be watching...

Notes from Sunny

I have not had a chance to talk to Katie(although I did try on Monday when I was there for lunch) this past week or so, but Sunny passed on some notes from her recent conversation.  Thanks, Sunny!

• Katie is excited about a new Bible study in Romans. It seems others are excited too, pray that this enthusiasm would be genuine and continue. If someone has a specific study in Romans to lend her, that would be a help.
• Maybe people in the US could get together a donation of reading glasses? There are a lot of San Fernandites who need reading glasses.
• She had an enjoyable alone time over the weekend when both her housemates were in a nearby town to take a check up x ray of Dina´s arm. The severe lack of attendance on both the Saturday and Sunday night meetings that same weekend were a lesson in humility.
• Specific Prayer Request - With the kid´s time, Katie always has to be the grouch who shuts down the evening time because the parents have asked that she do so around 9 or 9:30pm, even though everyone´s having such a good time.  Pray that she´ll learn to deal with this, that her two house mates would support her in closing the meeting, and that she would be able to discern between being responsible and being too time oriented.

Radio Talk

Today I had an opportunity to chat a bit with Katie. It was nice since we the last time we talked she was here at my house. Here is a little overview of what we shared

• The cat is doing well and enjoys being wherever Katie is
• Jimena seems content and helps bring the youth to the church
• Dina is teaching the youth service, a women's discipleship class on Tuesdays, and the children's meetings.
• This allows Katie to concentrate on teaching Wednesday evenings and both services on Sunday
• Bella is going to start opening the services and lead singing and Katie hopes that she will also teach at times.
• This Tuesday there will be a town meeting which includes people from outside the town.  Pray for this as a possible outreach/ community involvement time.
• She is back into a routine.  Living there allows her to go to bed earlier and rise earlier.
• Dina is using the stone stove and it is working well. 
• They have a nice rotation going with cleaning and cooking.
• Team devotions began this past Monday where each person takes a turn leading after lunch.
• Prayer Requests include health, joy, and team unity.

She sounded happy and busy!
Blessings to you,
Amy

Brief Update From Katie (Via Her Mom and Tom)

9/30/10 Katie's mom sent me this update via email.  (Tom had sent her the info)

Katie is recovering from a bee sting on her hand.

She said the hot weather has been bringing out the tarantulas, and they have them in the house on a regular basis.

The team unity is doing great. Youth meetings are packed. Church services are being well attended.

Please continue to pray for Katie, her two ministry partners--Dina and Jimena--and the village of San Fernando.

When I chatted with Tom at prayer meeting last night

Tom mentioned that Katie was very encouraged by the amount of people coming to Wednesday night prayer meeting, which includes more adults than usual. 

He also told me that there have been several friends lately coming to the hangar to talk to her, which is great.  I am hoping that I can get others to write up short summaries to add to the blog sometimes, esp. when I am not making it to the hangar.

On a personal note, we are home from Peru but I have been pretty sick since last Saturday.  My hope is to make it to the hangar tomorrow.  I did talk to Katie briefly today from my house. Tom held the phone up to the radio.  I could hear her better than she could hear me, though, which could be due to my funny voice from the cold, who knows. It was fun though.

A Break From San Fernando

I realize that I just wrote a blog post a few hours ago but there is news and while I have the momentum going, I might as well throw this up here too.  (Don't get used to this efficiency :)

Katie sent out a message that she was doing well but needed someone to contact her.  It was a good trial of the system that Tom, our SAMair leader who just returned to the field a few weeks ago, explained to me was a way for Katie to contact us if she needed us. If there ever was an emergency, she could send out a message that has been programmed to a few emails and phones and we would be able to respond by heading to the hanger and finding out what was going on via the radio. I have to say that I am happy to hear this as I had wondered what would happen if she needed us and no one was at the hanger. Maybe you had wondered this as well.

So, the news that Katie wanted to pass on was that there was a truck headed to Robore and she and Jimena would be hopping on and heading out of San Fernando for about 4 days.  The 8 hour drive will land her in a bigger town that contains Internet cafes and she will at least be able to call her mom. I hope that she will also be able to update her blog and fill in any gaps that have been missed as well as any new information.  I am sure that you also would like to hear directly from her.

Now we can pray for a safe trip, a restful break from small village living, and powerful Internet access.