On Sunday 26th July the team joined worship at La Trinidad in Cochabamba. The church is led by Tammy Smith-Firestone (the first woman ordained to the priesthood in Bolivia) and a committed and wonderful lay team. There was a lovely atmosphere at this communion service. The congregation was a good size and included people of a range of ages and backgrounds. Young people from two Children’s Homes close to the church come along each Sunday.
Bishop Maurice from the Birmingham Team preached and presided at communion
Maurice preached on Philippians 1. In verse 4 and 5 we read:
‘In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’
Maurice spoke of this partnership in the gospel, the depth it has and the joy it brings. He related it to the wonderful and evolving partnership between Bolivia and Birmingham.
The Anglican church in Bolivia is exciting, it is however young (being just under 40 years old). Partners in the gospel are both key and a real blessings. It is with much prayer and consideration that the future flourishing of the Birmingham- Bolivia partnership is being considered. This partnership is two way – there is much we can learn from one another and many ways we can support and share with one another. It is a real gift. Please consider your part as a partner in the gospel with Bolivia and please do pray for the churches, their leaders, the congregations, their discipleship and their mission.
We, the members of the 2015 Birmingham team, are so grateful for all the hospitality love and care we have received in Bolivia and the many new friends and partners in the gospel that we now have.
Here is a picture of the Pastors of Anglican churches in Bolivia and the Birmingham team
We are also grateful to our partners in the gospel in the UK – our families, friends and church members who have been praying for us and supporting us – THANK YOU
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