TARIJA - Our first venture

Finally, a chance to travel! All of the missionaries from EFCCM gathered in Tarija for a three day retreat headed up by our faithful leader, Steve Neufeld, of Red Deer. We have known Steve and Myra for a number of years so it was great to see them again. But they also brought along a goodie box from our kids and that was a real treat.

Steve led sessions during the day on different aspects of ministry. These were very thought provoking and left us with many things to ponder during the next year. It was a bit different for us since we have only been in language school and are just starting our project. We expect that next year things will be different.

Tarija is an interesting place. It has access to natural gas so most of the places have ‘piped’ gas; whereas, in Cochabamba we use propane bottles. There was a landslide in a remote area south of Tarija and the gas lines were broken. This meant no gas in the city. It also meant no hot water, no cooking. In addition to this problem there was a rationing of electricity. The lights would go off for the night at about 6 p.m. so we would eat by candlelight. Imagine sitting outside by a beautiful lake, eating by candlelight! It really was not that bad. We had power for a couple of hours in the morning but that was all. The hot water was heated by electricity so we could have a hot shower in the morning.

We stayed in a family house that was 150 years old. The present owners decided to fix it up and run it as a hotel. Since they have recently become Christians they want to operate camps etc. from this site also. So some of us stayed in the original building and others stayed in modern cabins. It was a beautiful place to stay, with a great view of the lake.

The last couple of days we stayed in a hotel in the city. Half of the city would have power while the other half lived in darkness; then things would switch. We lived in the half that had power at night. Although there was electricity, there was no gas so we did without hot showers. Some tolerated very cold showers while others settled for a cold sponge bath. Thankfully, the last morning we could all treat ourselves to a hot shower! The things we think are important in life. Throughout the weekend, the others told us they were just preparing us for life in Patajusal.

A good time was had by all and we were able to meet the other members of the team. Jake and Dorothy Fehr work mainly with Radio Transmudial in Santa Cruz and Pailon. Also in Santa Cruz are Rudy and Erna Friesen and their family. They are in language school and will start their active ministry later in the year. In Tarija there are four missionaries. Larry and Colleen Loewen and their family are active in the establishment of a church. Many who attend would be considered upper and middle class. Merle ministry has been the establishment and operation of a coffee house in downtown Tarija. What a wonderful place! Both the church and the coffee house are called Candelaro (Candlestick). Connected with these ministries is a streetkid ministry called Candelarokids. Heather heads this ministry. Heather is also active in another church that ministers to college and high school students, as well as many single mothers and their families. It was heart warming – and humbling—to see these projects.