Serving in Bolivia
Tim and Kallie are working with the staff of CBM’s partners, the Bolivian Baptist Union (UBB) and its development arm, OBADES, to build and support effective programs and ministries. They are working to get churches involved with strategic community development projects as well as expanding the capacity of the seminary to train effective leaders. Another important focus is improving accessibility to theological resources and other vital information that can be challenging for Bolivians to access.
Latest Ministry Updates
Praxis
This past month we had the privilege of hosting the Praxis team once again. Praxis is an incredible scholarship offered through CBM that’s available to those studying in Baptist Seminaries at the graduate level. This Course allows students to learn about missions by experiencing the field first hand. They learn about how CBM works, visit projects, experience cross-cultural ministry, and focus in on a chosen theme. This year's focus was the intersection of our faith and care for the environment. This is the second year our Bolivian team has had the opportunity to host this dynamic program representing
The Good News in Bolivia
A Photo Essay
Hit the Books
One part of this work that we love is that it takes us to remote places that are often overlooked. Last month we travelled to churches around the provinces of Oruro, Potosi, and Santa Cruz to encourage them to be missional in creative, practical ways that show Christ’s love to their communities. In the little town of Cruce Culta on the border of Potosi and Oruro, we received an incredible honour. The pastor had heard us speak previously and was exited not only for our visit, but to share that their congregation had already started to actively care for the
Introducing Union de Jóvenes Bautistas de Bolivia (UJBB)
The UJBB (Union de Jóvenes Bautistas de Bolivia) is the National Youth Union of Bolivian Baptists. This institution focuses on supporting the needs of youth throughout the country, provides training, and works to promote mobilization. The term “youth” in Bolivia is a bit broader as it roughly includes people ages 13 to 25 years old. Each Bolivian Baptist church has a Youth Union—like a youth group—with an elected president, treasure, etc. These church unions are represented by larger regional youth unions (ten in all) based on geography. Finally the UJBB represents these ten regional associations as the
Association Conventions
Over a late November weekend, each region of the UBB denomination holds its annual association convention. This is a time for pastors and leaders within specific departments (provinces) to address regional administration, provide various institutional reports, and fellowship together. It’s also preparation for the national convention held in March. We were invited to join the Oruro Association as guest speakers. This allowed us to speak with and lead the group in an official capacity, but also provided a chance to talk with people one-on-one from throughout Oruro. As it can be hard to get out to every
Water Shortage
Bolivia has been making international news over the past few months for the drought it has been experiencing—the worst in 25 years. The water shortage is affecting 5 of the 9 provinces representing an estimated 125,000 families, 716,605 acres of agricultural land and 360,000 head of cattle. As the weather shifts into rainy season, we are starting to experience a bit of relief, but the impact of the drought is far from over. Cities like La Paz, which have traditionally had good water access, are struggling from both an absence of rain and because the glaciers that
