World Of Witness - Bolivia

Ministry

The Evangelical Mennonite Church of Bolivia grew out of Mennonite mission work in the 1960s and includes eight congregations, three in the city of Santa Cruz and five in rural areas. Total membership is 250 persons with regular attendance of 400. Mennonite Church Canada helps with leadership development, Christian education, and subsidizes retreats for children, youth, and leaders. The church offers a one year voluntary service program for 18-28 year old young adults called PROJUSE, which has expanded to include other Latin Americans, as well as other international participants. This is a model program in South America and is teaching Bolivian church young adults, as well as Mennonite young people from other countries, about the value of service. Gifts which the church has identified include discipleship, evangelism, planning camps for children and youth, social work, handicrafts, teaching, and writing.

Celebrations

• Exciting connections with other South American churches and young adults.
• In 2007, Church leaders participated in two Latin American regional gatherings and MC Canada’s IMPaCT program.
• New Samuelito Day Care Centre provides outreach and service opportunities for the Esmirna congregation and youth volunteers.

Challenges

• Unstable political and social context and a suppressed economy.
• Providing theological and leadership training with Anabaptist emphasis.
• Initiating new congregations.

Partners

• Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Boliviana (Evangelical Mennonite Church of Bolivia)
• Mennonite Mission Network (MMN)

View Larger Map