Episcopal Diocese of Albany

Business Office: 68 South Swan Street - Albany, NY 12210 - (518) 465-4737
Christ the King Spiritual Life Center: 575 Burton Road - Greenwich, NY 12834 - (518) 692-9550

Bolivia Mission Trip 2007

“I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your
faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your loving-kindness and Your Truth
from the great congregation.” -Psalm 40:10

What would this world have been like if God the father chose to withhold from us his great love by not sending his son into the world? What becomes of the world around us when we in turn withhold those things God has graced us with? Such is the core question of missions as we share the good news with those around us. Sometimes, it is not us as missionaries who tell the gospel as much as we hear it in its purest of form, perhaps for the first time: on the mission field.

20 people this year went to Bolivia for the first ever diocesan mission trip to the area. Many of us did not know what to expect as we were establishing a relationship for the first time. What we were met with however, exceeded all of our expectations and more. 20 people comprising of laity, youth, ordained and ecumenical met over a period of seven months in preparation for this trip that involved opportunities for fellowship, building a church, evangelism, street outreach, and most importantly building relationships.

Nate Miller in the Shoe Shine Ministry

As we arrived to La Paz, the view was beyond spectacular, the first of many spectacular things we were to observe and experience.

Our brothers and sisters of Cristo El Salvador (Christ the Savior), the Anglican Church we were connected with through SAMS (South America Missions Society) is a vibrant and growing community of believers deeply rooted in evangelism. As many of us took advantage of the first several days to acclimate to the high altitude, part of the acclimation process involved not doing any heavy work until we could get use to the new environment. Some of us became part of a very unique ministry, “Lustra Bota.” Lustra Bota means Shoe-Shiner. Some of us on the team went along with others to see the world through the eyes of a shoe-shiner for the day. This entailed wearing masks as many of those involved in this ministry did not wish to show their identity to the public. This was an extremely humbling experience as we were able to see the world from a totally different perspective.

Josh Klapper on Isla del Sol, helping to build the Church

In the city of La Paz we were in addition, able to help rebuild a local pastor’s home who needed much work. We helped in restoring a family’s home in order that God might continue the work of this brother in the community.

Also while in the city of La Paz some of the group visited the children’s hospital and prayed with patients in the Burn Unit and a Surgical Unit. The needs here were very real and praying with the patients and families touched our spirits deeply.

Tom Iwinski, Christopher Steckline, Aidan Scott and Catie Love surveying Isla del Sol after the long hike to the top!

After La Paz, we went to Isla Del Sol (Island of the Sun) where legend has it was the birth place of the Inca civilization. This island was the place of much pagan worship, brutal human sacrifices and shedding of much blood. At Isla Del Sol we helped in building a church that was the site of the first place the gospel was brought to the island by missionary Bruno Frigoli. Upon his arrival to the island, Bruno shared the gospel message and almost lost his life as he was badly beaten by those he came to bring good news. Bruno returned to the main land, received proper medical care and returned to the island six months after to bring the message of the gospel to the people of Isla Del Sol. Such was his passion, his call, and his service to Christ. While at Isla Del Sol, under the direction of Bp Love, we were able to hold the first ever service, consecrate and dedicate the church as a house of prayer.

It is our hope and prayer that the beginnings of a relationship was started, will be nurtured and be the source of many more mission trips.

“I have not hidden...I have spoken....I have not concealed.”

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