by Diane Guta, Boliva
1 December 2006

	Diane Guta photo

Rainer failed the tenth grade. Yes, failed. Not because he’s unintelligent, but because of his impossible home situation. His mother and stepfather went to work in Spain and left him in charge of his four disrespectful and stubborn step-siblings. He had no time to study. Many times he would come to my house and simply weep uncontrollably. I ached for him, I prayed with him and did all I could to encourage him.

I invited him to camp, where a counselor also prayed with him and encouraged him. The messages he heard at camp transformed his attitude. He has become one of the key leaders in my youth group, and he exhorts the other young people to serve the Lord no matter what struggles they’re facing.

The Lord Is Faithful

In answer to prayer, He provided someone to care for the hard-to-manage children, and now Rainer is back in school and able to study. Rainer’s story illustrates the dead-end hopelessness facing so many children and youth in this barrio called Villa Busch, a suburb of Cochabamba, Bolivia. These young people face all the issues of poverty and dysfunctional families, sexual and verbal abuse, and responsibilities of looking after younger siblings.

In these stormy situations, our Youth Center shines like a lighthouse for them. The children’s club draws large groups of children who enjoy the compassionate touch of the workers. It’s a safe place where they can play, sing, set aside their anxieties, experience love, and learn about God. Many teens in the youth club have come to faith in Christ, and some are now helping with the children’s clubs. We also

	Diane Guta surrounded by children Peter W. Morris photo

meet with the mothers of the barrio, trying to lead them to God’s help for being better parents. Once a week we serve a nutritious soup to all who come—up to 150 at a time.

Last year in the midst of all this activity, we learned that the building we were using was to be sold. Again the Lord showed His faithfulness. The Committee of Villa Busch voted to give us the community hall. It lacked tile on the floors and plaster and paint on the walls. God provided the funds, and we did the work. The grand opening of the new Youth Center was January 21, 2006. We invited the entire committee, and they were amazed at the way God had provided for us.

Go

We are bursting with ideas for more ministry among the children and families of Villa Busch, but we need help. Will you come? Learn about opportunities in Bolivia