Upon entering the small church again for the first time in many months, we were welcomed as returning friends. We didn't know it, but the church was having an "asemblea" (meeting) after services this day. 

They would be discussing the roof construction and whether to extend Pastor Freddy another year "contract" to be Pastor. We were glad to be a part of this meeting. The church did extend Pastor Freddy another year, and they are moving ahead slowly on the construction. (Things move slower here in Bolivia!) 

Current bathroomChanges to the church were done in years past that weren't according to the blueprints for the church. So in order to replace the roof and extend it for future expansion, a support column needs to be in place. Right now, the bathroom is where the support column needs to be. But before the support column is placed, the bathroom needs to be moved. The support column should be placed just in front of the bathroom pictured at the left. 

Moving the bathroom is about 95% done. (pictured to the right.) Now the church is preparing to remove the old bathroom, and put up the support column.

The next step is to tear out the entire existing roof and replace it with new cement. New bathroom

Please pray for good weather so that this can be completed before the rains come. 

Praise God for the financial gifts that were given by so many of you for the specific need of Bella Vista's roof repair! 

The letter this Bolivian church wrote, which we read to our supporting churches while in the states, was used by God to prompt his people to give abundantly to this need! And these gifts are sufficient to complete the job! 

Pastor Freddy let me tell the church family about the amount that was given from the "hermanos" (brothers and sisters in Christ) in the US. I had the privilege to share how the churches gave, through VBS offerings, individual gifts and special offerings. It was a special morning as I shared how the churches "to the north" have a heart for this church and God's work in this neighborhood. 

They were amazed and humbled to think that so many churches would care enough for this little church! Thank you for making a difference in the life of this church and the believers meeting here, AND in those who YET to step foot in this church. We are all expecting great things from God.

There are more pictures in the Bella Vista Church picture album in Our Photo Gallery. 

Thank you!