Words of thanks from Marcos and Joanne

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 First of all we want to thank you for all of your prayers and support on our trip to Bolivia. Your prayers were felt each day as we encouraged and were encouraged by our brothers and sisters in Florida Norte and the San Martin family. God was faithful throughout our whole trip and brought all of us through various minor illnesses  rather quickly so we could get back to our ministry. 

It is good to be home sleeping in our own bed although we deeply miss all of the wonderful fellowship from the Florida Norte community and the San Martin family. On this trip, both Joanne and I felt as if we were a part of a Bolivian family. The warmth and love that was shown to all of us was another example of God’s faithfulness.

 We look forward to sharing some of our experiences on Sunday so please come and hear about God’s faithfulness to all of us.

 In Christ,

Marcos and Joanne

Connie speaking at the women's retreat

Joyous singing and endless hugs; dear friends in a church family among the Andes Mountains...by Connie

Upon our return from Cochabamba, I was struck by the incredible blessing of being allowed to be a part of the 2013 team to Bolivia. I had gone on the trip so hopeful to be a blessing to a people I had never met. When we said our good-byes and I looked into all of the teary dark brown eyes, I knew that indeed our group had indeed encouraged, loved, and ministered to their church family.  What a blessing that I could share in that ministry. I returned feeling that I now had dear friends in a church family far away among the Andes Mountains.  I pray I was a blessing to those I met at Florida Norte Church, but I know that my own life will never be the same because of those ten days.  Whenever I remember the joyous singing or endless hugs and kisses of that dear group of brothers and sisters in Christ, I am humbled and inspired to be more loving, joy-filled, and just plain thankful.  They are certainly evidence that joy does not come from material things, but rather from an understanding of our Savior and His incredible love for all of us. 

Finally, I want to thank OSLC for allowing me to go Cochabamba to serve in their name.  I was both humbled and honored to reach out with the love of Christ to the precious people at Florida Norte Church.  I also want to thank Matthew for his endless hours of prayer and preparation for our trip.  Everything was so well planned and organized, that I felt like we used our time to the utmost to be a blessing and encouragement to church in Cochabamba. God is good . . . all of the time!

Thank you Lord Jesus for whom without which we could do nothing!  Praise and honor to His holy and everlasting name!  Amen!

In Christ's love,
Connie 

God's power at work...reflections from Paige

My experience in Bolivia was life changing.  God provided an enormous blessing by allowing Pastor Jensen and me to minister to about thirty Bolivian pastors and their wives.  He allowed me to be the voice these women have never had.  I strongly felt the Lord moving through that opportunity.  Please pray for wisdom and discernment about how we can continue to support and encourage these brothers and sisters in ministry.  God also moved mightily in other, perhaps less grand but equally important ways.  He provided what seemed like miraculous physical healing for myself, my husband, and Noah through the medicine provided by Pastor Jaime.  It tasted more than a little nasty ("no me gusto!"), but it worked.  God blessed us with the most loving and supportive team anyone could ever hope for.  He protected us on the roads and when faced with (literal) roadblocks.  And, perhaps most importantly, He blessed me with a new understanding of how the power of relationship trumps any need for physical comfort.  Dios es bueno, todo el tiempo!

 

Paige Jensen

Home safely; thank you for your prayers; keep checking for new updates and photos

Thank you, OSLC senders and family members and friends! Our team arrived home safely yesterday afternoon.  This was a Holy Spirit led mission trip, filled with joy and encouragement!  Please keep checking the blog for new photos and updates throughout the weekend.  We love you and thank God for all of you!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow for an amazing mission trip!

True Bolivianos! Marcos, Kerry, Paige, Connie, Pastor, Evelyn and Esteban had clean plates after eating saltenas!

Kerry and Max, the Florida Norte Youth Ministry leader

Pastor Jensen preaching on Sunday night; Noah playing guitar with the Florida Norte worship team

Orphange Visit on Tuesday morning

Mateo and Esteban and Evelyn. Esteban is in his 3rd year of seminary and Evelyn just finished her paralegal studies and is in a 2 year 'partners in ministry' seminary program. They coordinated the VBS this year and are wonderful teachers and church leaders.

Having Fun at Dumbo's while waiting for ice cream!

Photos from the Breakfast for the Pastors and wives on Monday morning--over 25 pastors and their wives attended and heard Pastor Jensen and Paige share about perseverance in ministry

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday happenings in Bolivia...ice cream, retreats, breakfast for pastors and wives, and more!

July 18, 2013 10:02 a.m.

Buenos dias!  We are in Miami airport waiting for our flight to Boston.  The past few days have been spectacular and once again a demonstration of the great faithfulness of God. 

 

Monday:  Pastor Jensen and Paige spoke at a pastor and wives breakfast on Monday morning to more than 25 Bolivian pastors and their wives.  The theme was 'perseverance in ministry' and the pastors and their wives very much appreciated what the Jensens shared, so much so that they asked them to come again and share for a longer time.  The women’s retreat on Monday went very well and our OSLC ladies were blessed to encourage the women of Florida Norte.  Wait until you see some of the photos of Connie in her 'ocean/swimming gear!'  She is an excellent and fun teacher for sure!  Monday evening we were privileged to dine with Lorna Bailey, an SIM missionary who previous teams have met as she has been the Guesthouse manager at SIM for years.  We then took the ministry leaders and other church members to Dumbo’s, an ice cream place in downtown Cochabamba.  What a blessing to encourage these dear brothers and sisters in Christ and share in delicious ice cream with them!

Tuesday: Tuesday was a wonderful and emotional day as we visited an orphanage in the morning with Evelyn and Esteban, two of our dear friends from the Florida Norte church.  The orphanage had about 35 children, some with special needs.  We sang Bible songs, shared a Bible lesson using the Evangecube, played games with balloons and visited with these precious children whom God loves very much.  A Bolivian couple runs the ministry and uses the funds that the husband earns from his work wages to fund the orphanage.  We were honored to meet them.  We were able to give a donation to the orphanage through the Florida Norte Church, and the members of the church are going to begin working with this orphanage in the days to come.  Praise God!

      Tuesday night found us at the church for a farewell celebration and missions-focused evening.  Pastor Jensen preached a message on the Great Commission of Jesus, and we celebrated what the church has been doing in their missions ministries while encouraging them to consider some new options as well. We also reviewed some of the ministry activities that had happened earlier in the week to reinforce those.  This fall the Florida Norte church family is sending Ruth, a young adult woman, to Pakistan to work in medical missions.  Ruth is currently raising funds for this, and we are bringing back many of her prayer cards with us.  Because of the generosity of our church family and friends, we were able to donate $500 toward Ruth’s fundraising efforts.  She shared with me on Tuesday night that one of the main motivations that God used to encourage her was our church’s missions ministry and example.  What a humbling thing to be used by God to raise up more go-ers to take the great message of Christ’s triumphant love to the nations!  Only God could use a church from Massachusetts to help encourage a young woman from Cochabamba, Bolivia to go to Pakistan!  To Him be all the glory! 

Wednesday:  Wednesday was a day of packing, shopping, a delicious Bolivian meal cooked by Ruth San Martin (the best cook in Cochabamba), and tearful goodbyes.  I will post more photos upon returning to Boston and other team members will blog as well.

   We love you and thank you for your prayers and love for us!  Together God used all of us, go-ers and senders, for His glory!

Dios es Bueno todo el tiempo!

Mateo Beish

Our Vist to the Orphanage

Monday, July 15, 2013

Beunos Tardes!

I continue to be amazed with the Bolivian people, especially those who are members of Florida Norte.  Their love of life and love for others is truly remarkable.  Even though we are relative strangers, our brothers and sisters in Christ continue to embrace us and enrich our lives. 

I previously wrote of two highpoints in our trip, at least from my perspective.  They were the opportunities I had to speak with Pastor Jaime and with Pastor Jouse, respectively. (He is, you may recall, the director of the Berean seminary where the church retreat was held.)  Well, I had another highpoint   Late in the day on Saturday, I stepped into the courtyard of the seminary.  Pastor Jouse surprised me.  He had an American football in hand and was eager to learn.  He and I, along with Noah and Micah, played catch for half an hour.  In the process, we taught him a few things about running patterns and how to catch the ball.  When the members of Florida Norte finished with their finally session of the day, a few of the boys and some of the older men sought me out.  They wanted me to show them how to throw an American football.  I enjoyed teaching them.  A few of them were quick learners and were soon throwing good spirals.  As some of you know, I am a huge football fan (American style, that is) and could have easily spent hours throwing and catching.

This morning, Paige and I were privileged to speak to 30 plus pastors and their wives.  I was asked to speak about persevering in ministry.   It went well, I think.  Paige, however, was a huge success.  The pastors’ wives said they would love for her to return and do a day-long retreat just for them.  As I have already written to a few of you, Paige gave voice to some of the struggles pastors’ wives have.  Evidently, this is not a subject that is talked about often, if at all.  I believe the pastors benefited from what she said, too. 

The bulk of our work is done.  Tomorrow, we will spend some time at an orphanage.  In the evening we will gather for a tearful goodbye celebration with God’s people at Florida Norte.  On Wednesday, we will do some more shopping and sightseeing.  Then, we will prepare for a very long journey home. 

I trust all of you are well.  You are in our prayers, even as we are in yours.  I look forward to seeing all of you.

In Living Hope,

Pr. Jensen

Worshiping with our Brothers and Sisters at Florida Norte

July 15, 2013

Hola Everyone,

Yesterday was a wonderful day of fellowship and worship with our brothers and sisters at Florida Norte. We heard powerful testimonies from Paige and Micah and celebrated Noah's birthday. Pastor Jensen gave an excellent sermon and Joanne, Noah and I helped illustrate how Christ can tear down walls that families erect. Then we went out to a Brazilian Steakhouse for lunch. We worshipped again in the evening and heard a wonderful sermon from Matthew. It has been such a blessing to worship with everyone and spend time laughing and talking about life. Of course my Spanish isn't the best but I should be fluent by the end of the trip!  Thank you all for your prayers, they are being felt each and every day. Today we will be playing wallyball(sp?) against some of the people from the church. Pastor Jensen was challenged to a game so we will put in our best effort!

In Christ,

Marcos

Matthew with Armena(sp?)

Micah giving his testimony

 

Pastor preaching on how Christ can bring marriage back together. This was an Oscar winning performance on my part!

Eating at the Brazilian Steakhouse!Mmmmm Beef:)

Matthew sharing his message how Moses was called by God

 

Monday, July 15, 2013

Oh how a missions trip can push you and pull you out of your comfort zone. Last night, with knees knocking, I gave my “testimony”. When we were preparing to come to Cochabamba, Matthew had asked for people to either present how they conduct their prayer life or give a testimony. I jumped to give a testimony for two reasons. One, I knew I wouldn’t have to speak until Saturday at the retreat (I really don’t like public speaking) and two, my walk with God at the time was tenuous at best.

Well, the retreat came and we didn’t get to everything we wanted to so I didn’t get the chance to give my testimony. I was nervous all day for naught. Then for Sunday morning service I was a bit under the weather (I am feeling fine now!) and had asked Matthew if I could go later that night instead. Half hoping that there wouldn’t be time and I would just skip it altogether. But that didn’t happen! Which is such a blessing.

I had struggled deciding what to talk about, but in the end I talked about my walk with God and how over the past weeks it has transformed from limited to stronger. I told them about my struggles and how with God I am working to overcome them. I wanted the people at Florida Norte Iglesia to know that Christians around the world have struggles and not to give up. But to work faithfully each day.

When I was done my team gave me a good pat on the back and said I had done well. Honestly, my nerves had me not sure of what I had even said! I just hope and pray that my two minutes of honesty was enough to encourage someone in the congregation to push on and dedicate the time with the Lord we need to.

On a completely different note, travelling with this team is a great joy. It is vastly different than the last time I came due to personalities and having the boys on the trip but it is wonderful. It is amazing to watch everyone grow and learn. Everyone is picking up so much Spanish so quickly I am amazed.

This morning as I type, there is the Pastor’s and wives brunch. Pastor, Paige and Matthew left early this morning and let the rest of us sleep a bit more. This afternoon is the Women’s Retreat and tonight is a night of fellowship and food.

Gracias a Dios for todos.

Joanne

 

Joanne climbing the Andes Mountains!

Joanne and the ladies. (from left to right, Evelyn, Brenda, Ruth, and Milu) Milu is has been cooking for us!

Sunday morning worship at Florida Norte Evangelical Church; Pastor Jensen preached on reconciliation in families and Mark, Joanne and Noah were actors in a drama; Micah and Paige shared their testimonies

Mateo and Hermana Armeenda, the oldest Florida Norte church member who has prayed for OSLC for many years!

Youth Group Activities on Saturday night: Kerry, Noah and Micah led games and Kerry shared about God's plan for sexual purity in our lives--she did a fantastic presentation! (can you find Noah playing the drums in one of the photos?)

Studying God's Word together, setting new ministry goals and evaluating current goals, and team building games at the Saturday Church Retreat

Church Retreat Photos--what a great day of learning, fun and growth as Christ followers!

Saturday Church Retreat and Saturday Night Youth Group

Saturday, July 13, 2013

 

Hola from Cochabamba!

 

Today was our retreat day!  It was another bright sunny day with a clear blue sky.  We were up early and we all piled into the van to drive to the seminary on the outskirts of Cochabamba. The seminary was a beautiful facility for our retreat.  Shortly after we arrived at the seminary, in pulled a brightly painted bus overloaded with members of the Florida Norte Church.  The bus was filled to the brim with about 60 people of all ages.  By now many faces were filled with familiar smiles.  We shared handshakes, hugs, and kisses of welcome with everyone as they came off of the bus.  When they were all out, I was not quite sure how they had all fit in!  But they had and we were all happy to begin our retreat.  As we all stood in a circle and sang praises to God together, tears filled my eyes.  As I looked around at the weathered faces of the older women to the round young faces of the children, I felt so humbled to be praising God with these precious people.  Their warmth and love continually amazes me.

  

 Pastor opened the retreat with a talk on church unity and using our spiritual gifts to build the church of Christ wherever we live.  Mateo then lead the congregation through a spiritual gifts questionnaire that culminated in each person signing their name under one of the seven key ministries at Florida Norte Church.  It was a joy to see those attending chatting together as they shared their results of the spiritual gifts survey. To shake things up a bit, Marcos then took everyone outside for some fun and energetic team building games.  Much laughter and learning was enjoyed by all.  The games were followed by a delicious lunch of pork, chicken, corn on the cob and sweet potatoes. The flavorful food and cheerful conversation were a pleasure to enjoy!  In the afternoon we celebrated the accomplishments of the different ministries at the Florida Norte church during the past year.   The day ended with more fun games that reinforced the importance of listening to others while working together.  The day was truly blessed by the Lord and I believe everyone was uplifted and reminded of the great love of our Heavenly Father.

 

Tomorrow is Sunday and I am so looking forward to worshiping together with my new  brothers and sisters in Christ!

 

Please keep those prayers for good health and successful sharing of the gospel coming!

 

Blessings!

Connie

 

Sunday July 14, 2013

Sunday July 14, 2013

Hola hermanos and hermanas en Christo,
Today I was fortunate enough to be able to spend my 15th birthday with the kind and loving people of Florida Norte.  I had my doubts about spending my birthday in Bolivia but the surprises that they had for me showed no disappointment.  I woke up and came downstairs to find that Mateo had put up a happy birthday sign on the cabinets in the dining area.  I wasn't completely awake when I first came down but when I came to my senses I saw that it was the work of Mateo.  We went to church and went through the normal service when Pastor Jaime asked me to stand in front of the congregation.  I was a little unsure about what was going to happen because I had heard many rumors from James.  He began to talk and Evelyn brought out a cake and placed it on a table in front of me.  Then she held it up to me and told me to take a bite out of it.  Just with my mouth, no fork.  So I went in for it and she pushed the cake back into my face.  After that we had a couple of other birthdays that were around this same time including Mateo's birthday and Micah's birthday.  The whole congregation came through the line and gave us all hugs and congratulated us on our birthdays.  Then Pastor Jaime came through and individually prayed for all of us.  After church we went to a Brazilian style steakhouse which was amazingly good and it was basically all you can eat, which is my kind of restaurant.  I had no idea that there were so many edible parts of a cow.  After the steakhouse, we came home and I played soccer for a good two hours with Micah, James, Ivan, and Marcos.  We didn't eat dinner because we had eaten such a late lunch, but went straight back to church after soccer.  The service also went as normal but at the end they gave us really good tea for the weather and really good cake again in celebration of my birthday.  Overall it was a really great day and I finally get to sleep in a bit tomorrow.  Gracious Dios!  I cannot wait to see all of you this week and tell you about our wonderful trip.

-Noah    

The team in God's amazing creation--the Andes Mountains!