Bolivia, South America
BLV04 - Carpentry Workshop: Partnership Reports
Report Date: December 23, 2015
Update from BHW Sth America Partnership Facilitator
When we visited Eli and Raquel out in Monteagudo earlier this year, Raquel talked about trying to get some of the women together for Bible studies. She has been able to do this and sent through the following report;
The womens’ Bible studies started on 03/08/15 and we held our last meeting on 26/10/15. It was held on Mondays at 6.30pm until 7.30pm. Each Monday I gave them a verse to memorise for the next class and afterwards I asked questions regarding the previous subject and everyone took notes.
When I started I gave them an incentive, I said that the one who accumulates the most points would get a prize in the final class. They would bring visitors and one day I had 15 people in the meeting. I am really happy and I give thanks to God for this.
Unfortunately my photocopier cooked itself so I got the studies done in town, in colour and then had them laminated so that the ladies can take them anywhere without fear of getting water damaged. The subjects that we looked at were David and Bathsheba, the birth of Samuel, the announcement of Jesus’ birth, Zacchaeus, Jesus healing the demon possessed man, Lazarus and the rich man, the 10 lepers, and Peter’s denial of Jesus. Sometimes if the ladies didn’t turn up, I spent the time praying, but if just one turned up we would still pray and do the study.
As we finished all the subjects I gave them a test with true or false answers or circle the correct answer. Then I would ask them questions and they would have to respond. They did this very well and it gave me a lot of satisfaction to see that they discussed the answers amongst themselves. They said, “don’t forget the sister said that we are all courageous”. I felt happy to see this, that they weren’t going to forget what had been taught.
The prize was won by Gleniz, Ercuilano’s daughter-in-law. She didn’t come to church but she was faithful in attending the classes punctually so much I was really encouraged. I put together a basket of foodstuffs and I added a very special gift for her, gift wrapped. For the other ladies I gift wrapped a hair dryer and I thanked them for their time for the past three months, then we shared a small refreshment together.
Thank you for your prayers, we need them.
Eli and Raquel
