In a world that has become increasingly materialistic, Bolivia is no different. Many people there believe that if they only had more, their lives would be fulfilled.
That’s why Will Graham is going to the Andean country to proclaim that true meaning and satisfaction in life can only be found in Jesus Christ.
Local churches have worked tirelessly to bring the Esperanza Cochabamba Celebration on April 5 to this city set high in the mountains. They are passionate about helping their neighbours find the hope of the Gospel.
And that includes the next generation of believers in this country, where 60% of the population is under 30 years old.
On February 22, BGEA worked with local churches to hold a youth rally called Generación Esperanza (Hope Generation) in which 2,500 young people were equipped to boldly share their faith with others. The speakers emphasized the need to take advantage of every opportunity, reaching one person at a time through a ministry of presence and compassion.
“Tonight will remain engraved in our hearts,” shared Lucas*, one of the young attendants. “Without a doubt, the Lord has moved with great power. I believe this is the beginning of something special here in Cochabamba. I can tell that the Lord is with us.”
After the event, Jonathan Fuentes, youth pastor at the Kairos Casa de Fares church could barely contain his joy. He shared that he can see how “esperanza” (hope) has already arrived in Cochabamba, even weeks before the outreach takes place. “This event has already filled us with so much hope,” he said.
After the launch of Esperanza Cochabamba in September, his church decided to get deeply involved, longing for their community to be reached for Christ.
“The desire of our hearts is that thousands of people who do not yet have Jesus in their lives fill the Félix Capriles Stadium this April, and that in this way the local churches will also grow and continue to fill the earth with the knowledge of God,” he said.
A Family With a Heart for Service
When Emanuel Del Carpio and his wife Margarita Quispe heard about the upcoming evangelistic campaign, they decided they would help in any possible way.
First, they signed up as general volunteers for the campaign. When they heard about the Christian Life and Witness Course and the need for teachers to take this training to other churches in their region, they felt God’s nudge to sign up.
The Christian Life and Witness Course (CLWC) is the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s training that equips believers to boldly and effectively share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those around them.
Emanuel and Margarita had witnessed the need for this type of training in their area.
They had only one special request: They wanted to bring along their 3 children to the classes. They believe that getting them involved in ministry and working together as a family will leave a mark on their faith that will last for the rest of their lives.
The CLWC leader said the kids would be welcome to attend the classes with their parents—and even encouraged them to help along the way with small tasks.
So far, the family has taken the training to 12 churches, even to rural areas a few hours away from home.
The churches in rural Bolivia usually speak a mix of Spanish and Quechua, an indigenous language. Though these congregations are small and poor, they have a big heart to serve the Lord and share the little they have with those who visit.
“The churches in rural areas are so hungry for the word of God,” Margarita said. “They were so welcoming and grateful! And we could tell that they really needed this training. They didn’t have a foundation for evangelism,” Emanuel added.
“It’s been a blessing to serve as a family,” he said. “Our teenager daughter helps with the attendance list, and our eight-year-old son can’t wait for the end of the training when he collects the ‘I Am Andrew’ cards.” The cards record the names of loved ones that believers are committing to pray for each day and invite to the outreach.
“But most importantly,” Emanuel said, “our kids, like those in attendance, are taking in the lesson, learning themselves how to share their faith with boldness.”
*Name changed for privacy.
Please pray for believers in Cochabamba to be strengthened in their faith and to proclaim the Gospel faithfully. Ask God to draw many non-believers to the Esperanza Cochabamba event on April 5.