Holy Cross Anglican Church
Loganville, GA

Mission Date: July 6-13th, 2005
Location: Bolivia
Project: Construction, helping orphanage

PHOTOS

When I walked back into our worship service after getting back to Georgia for the first time after nearly 2 weeks in Bolivia, I didn’t expect to be so touched. But as the church gathered around the Mission Team, I felt such a sense of family like I never had before at Holy Cross. God had brought us home.

Our time in Bolivia was rich. It had been our prayer that this trip would lay the foundation for future ones, and that we would begin relationships that open doors for years of future ministry. I believe that has happened.

We went down to Bolivia knowing we would help Padre Walter, the priest at La Trinidad, to build his house. I am glad to report that he will be moving in (with his precious family) within a couple of weeks, and that their house will be in fine shape for its owners. We helped in running the electricity, earth moving, relocating a large pile of stones for the sidewalk and patios, assisting the local contractors, providing for plaster, windows, doors, and water, and clearing the yard so it’s ready for basic landscaping.

In addition, our Team reached out to help and bless an orphanage, a ministry that serves young girls from the streets, and the Bishop himself. We helped out at La Trinidad by sorting and organizing clothes and goods that will be distributed to those in need; we brought a lot of those same goods and clothes to give away (thank you, Holy Cross!); and we joined in with the Baby Washing ministry at the town square – easily the most significant part of our trip in the opinion of our group.

Since returning, and having some time to evaluate our trip, I’ve come to a couple conclusions:

1. We accomplished what we set out to do: we served our Diocesan brothers and sisters in ways that have made a meaningful impact, and we have opened doors for mutual service in the future. Hopefully, it won’t be long before another group from Holy Cross goes to serve in Bolivia, AND that we can host a team from there who can come and give where we lack in the States, possibly by helping us to develop a ministry to the Spanish-speaking in Loganville.

2. That there is Life to be found in obeying Jesus’ command to go beyond our four walls to carry the Gospel. Whether it’s in Bolivia or Loganville, we must respond to His call to reach out to the needy and dying – no matter their financial state. Jesus said “Go,” and go we must. It’s not enough to send money and support ministries. Sometimes we have to interact with living, breathing people from next door to around the globe to discover God’s blessings there.

May God grant that we would be obedient to His bidding, that we would know the joy of friends, family, neighbors, and strangers who come to Jesus through our service, and to know the freedom and joy of obedience and self-sacrifice as we reach out to the unchurched and unsaved of East Atlanta. Amen.