Beautiful Feet

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, 

who proclaim peace, who proclaim salvation," Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)

Missionaries are sent to be the hands and feet of those who send them––those faithful servants who pray and give so we can be on the field proclaiming the Good News. But today, I want to highlight the rest of the body––those we came to reach who received Christ. Now they are taking the gospel to their own people. They are the national workers for God in Bolivia. You'll meet our Bolivian co-workers––missionaries to their own people.

Pablo, Nathaly, and Emily Grace

One of the blessings of being in Bolivia for 32 years is being able to see how God continues His work through the generations after missionaries leave or work themselves out of a job. Pablo, Nathaly, and little Emily Grace are God's blessings to us. Nathaly is the pastor's daughter of our city church. Her parents came to visit us in 1994 with a request that we help them start a church in their house. They had already begun a weekly children's ministry in their yard. Of course, we said yes. Church services began in their yard, then in a rented pavilion, and finally in a permanent location where a church building stands today as a testimony of God's faithfulness.

The beginning days of our church. Nathaly is seated beside my daughter––left-hand side by the pole.

Nathaly's parents––Charo and Pastor Fernando

Nathaly's college graduation––with her other parents :-)

But what happens when missionaries leave their field of service for one reason or another? Who will continue God's work? Of course, the national missionaries will continue the work––those burdened to take the gospel to their own people. Pablo and Nathaly have answered the call and are serving God in their church. They also help us in our ministry to the Quechua people at Rumi Rancho. Pablo is supporting his family as a veterinarian and also uses his professional skills to help poor farmers who can't afford to vaccinate their animals––another avenue to share the gospel. God is using this sweet couple to continue His work that was started when both were small children.

"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." 

Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

Kids' ministry in our beautiful church today.

Take a look at these "beautiful feet" serving in their country of Bolivia.

Pablo and Nathaly leading the church music group. Pastor's son on piano.

Pablo vaccinating animals in remote mountain regions while proclaiming the Good News.

Pablo and Nathaly helping with Rumi Rancho's Quechua couples' ministry.

Nathaly helping with my cooking and Bible classes for teen girls.

Egg white facial––we have fun too!

We know God will continue His work in Bolivia––with or without us. He is raising up His most faithful Bolivian servants to carry on. We're thankful He allows us the privilege to spread the Good News in the valleys and mountains of this beautiful country. We answered His call, and we've seen His faithfulness over the years. We hope that He will allow us to serve here until our last breath or until He returns to take us home––unless, of course, He has other plans! :-)

"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV)