Heavy flooding in the lowlands of Bolivia in February left many people homeless in the Beni region. SIM missionary Lesley Kayser reports that through generous gifts to the Trinidad emergency project, she was able to partner with SIM-related churches in the area to reach out with help in Jesus' name.

The flooding was so extensive this year that the dike around the city of Trinidad had to be built up higher to stop the rising waters. Several thousand people lived in 33 tent cities for over three months—men, women, children, dogs, cats, and even chickens were sheltered there.

Providing Aid and Hope in Jesus

Because of your goodness, we were able to join forces with the SIM related churches to minister to many people in practical ways. The regional women's committee that I advise worked hard with ladies from several churches to prepare over 500 bags of basic food supplies.

The ladies from our church invited 100 women living in the tent city near my house to a meeting on a Sunday afternoon. We had a program with singing, short testimonies, and a meditation from the Bible. When we told about Jesus' love, 16 ladies chose to believe in him! Then after a light snack, we gave each one a bag to help feed their families. From then on, a meeting was held every week, and many men and women came to follow Christ.

All the churches conducted classes with the children in the camps. Hundreds of kids heard the gospel message, learned Bible verses and sang lots of praise songs. Many gave their hearts to the Lord. Your gifts helped to buy teaching materials, Bibles, and Christian literature. At each meeting, a nourishing snack was served to each child.

Medical Relief

As you can imagine there were many medical emergencies, and we were able come to the aid of many people. For those who had skin infections, especially those whose feet were constantly wet and in polluted water, we were able to help supply medicinal soap.

Groups of medical personnel and others came from other areas of Bolivia and from Canada to visit the different communities. Our house was a place where they could rest, take showers and enjoy a good meal. It was a privilege for us to serve these dear people.

Rebuilding Again

The campsites are now empty, the tents folded and taken away. Most people have returned to their homes to begin to rebuild their houses and their lives again. There are new Bible study groups meeting each week in several neighborhoods. The people have asked to learn more and show a real desire to grow in their new faith.

Pray

• thanking God for the many ways he worked during this time.
• for all those who made decisions to follow Jesus.
• for all those who work faithfully each week with the hundreds of kids in their Bible clubs.
• for Lesley and her roommate Rosa who are quite tired.