Partnership Ref.:	BLV01
Partner:	Octavio & Justina Alvarez
Commenced:	25/06/2005
Funding Status:	Fully Funded
Partnership Type:	Evangelism / Church Planting
Funding Size:	$0 - $2,999
Annual Budget:	US$ 1,628
Connected To:	BLV02

Partnership Overview

Octavio and Justina live in the south of Bolivia in a city called Villamontes, where the Paraguayan and Argentinian boarders meet Bolivia. When they originally moved to the area they encountered a small church that had been struggling for many years with a range of trying issues. Once Octavio and Justina began working with the church old problems were resolved, people were reconciled, new young people were saved and the church came alive. That was in 2003 and, since then, the church has grown to around 70 members. This brought about the need for the church to expand its building, doubling the seating capacity.

In 2015 Octavio and Justina started a new church plant on the outskirts of Villamontes. They set up their home there and, with a base of a few Christians living in that area, began holding services in their house. They also lead outreaches known as "happy hours" in other areas of Villamontes where young people, and children in particular, are hearing the Gospel.  

Octavio travels to remote villages accessible only by walking around three hours to reach each one. This area of Bolivia is very remote and there is frequent danger from wild animals such as cougars.

 

History Of Partnership

Octavio and Justina were already evangelising and discipling before Bright Hope World became involved in the partnership.  We have been financially supporting them for a number of years. 

 

Beneficiaries

People living in the city of Villamontes and surrounding towns.

 

What We Like About The Partnership

Octavio has a real passion to share the Gospel and lives are being changed. Octavio is an evangelist and he and Justina are very involved in the training of Christians for their spiritual walk and outreach. They are passionate about seeing Bolivians accept the Gospel and their ministry and efforts are totally focused on that end.

 

Key People 

Leadership Profile

Octavio Alavarez is from Ipati, a small Bolivian farming community. Prior to becoming a Christian he played guitar and composed songs in the Chaqueno country style but following his conversion he promised to play only for the Lord. Octavio met his wife Justina, a believer from northern Argentina, at a Bible conference. Rght from the time of their marriage they have thrown themselves into the Lord's work, initially in Portachuelo, north of Santa Cruz where they worked for one year before serving the Lord for 15 years in Boyuibe, and then subsequently in Villamontes.

Octavio and Justina have four children: three daughters and a son. All of them are baptised and the girls are active in the Lord's work.

 

Vision And Annual Strategy

Ocatvio and Justina's vision is to evangelise the area of Villamontes and the villages surrounding it so that the locals have the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

They go door to door and village to village sharing the gospel and in 2015 started a church plant on the outskirts of Villamontes. They also disciple others to fulfil the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20.