Part 2

This trip showed me a few things. First, God continues to open my eyes to what missions and ministry is all about – sharing the Gospel to all. Ever since my first short term mission trip to Kenya in 2009, God has been teaching me about the importance of supporting missionaries, and ministries through prayer and finances. And from this particular time in Bolivia, I was able to see firsthand this mission work in remote areas, but also those behind the mission work. I and a few others were able to meet the family of the pastor and missionary who led this trip, his wife and his children. On one other occasion, we also were able to meet another missionary in Trinidad, where through her sharing, we learned about how God called her into ministry and what God is doing in the church in Trinidad now. Through these meetings and conversations, I was able to hear both about the challenges in serving in these ministries, as well as how God is continuing to grow their faith.
 

Secondly, I was able to learn about the health needs of those in these villages. Many of their health issues were related to their environment, their lifestyles and their culture. For instance, a lot of the adults were coming in complaining of back, and joint pain, as well as headache. And yet, much of those symptoms were due to their laborious work in agriculture and farming. Through this, I was able to understand to think “big picture” about why the people had the health needs they had – that more specifically the health issues come from a multitude of factors or influences.

Much of the needs we saw only required basic medical care and health teaching. It was very simple medicine and nursing. We did not have any fancy or complex equipment with us, but rather we practiced using our most essential assessment skills through good health history taking, clinical observations and vital signs. And even though, we were only to provide short term relief – it was for the people in the village at least some help, and encouragement while we were there.

Third and lastly, God continued to allow me to learn to trust Him under all circumstances and for our every day needs. It was tangibly seen on this trip, as often travel plans were changed last minute or when we had new experiences. For example, the first two days of travelling to Bolivia were extremely tiring and having to jump right into doing clinic that first afternoon – I felt things were going right over my head, and not knowing what to expect for the rest of the trip. I remember thinking to myself that night – this is going to be some experience (and it’s too late to go back!), and I said a small prayer that night – praying a) that no bugs gets through the mosquito netting, b) that I have some rest, c) that I would allow God would be in control of our time in Bolivia. Thankfully, God answered my prayer (one of many answered prayers). 

Furthermore, having heard the sharing and testimony of the missionaries and of the people in Bolivia about how God is changing their lives- providing for their needs and growing them in faith during good and bad times, it reminds me of God’s incredible goodness and faithfulness to all people.  

I love the following two videos. One of which is some of us singing a fun songs at the back of the truck (at the end of our trip) and the second one is of our friends on the boat singing a song of worship in Spanish. I always find it so touching to hear others sing and praise God in their own language.