*This story is taken from the April 2009 "Bolivian Post," Steve and Mary's newsletter.

This is our 20th year in Bolivia as co-workers with God in his mission to bless all the families of the earth! To that end, we have invested in countless relationships, projects, teaching sessions, and patient encounters—trusting but not often knowing that there is some eternal benefit. Recently, we met with two former acquaintances who gave us some heartening feedback.

During a consultation on how we can improve theological education among the Quechua, we had lunch with Juan Carlos. He attends the Alto Mesa Verde Quechua church in Sucre where we went when we lived there in 1996-1997. He was telling us of the recent dynamic growth in the church when he suddenly turned to Mary and said, "Do you know that all the young leaders in our church today were students of the Sunday School teachers you trained back then?"

	Mary with a few Quechua girls.

The church leaders had asked Mary to lead a week-long training workshop with 12 Sunday School teachers. They studied teaching methodology and the personal spiritual preparation one needs to reveal Bible truths to children. Mary continued to support them with lesson preparation. She took them to visit another church to observe their youth program and took them to a resource center where they could obtain flannel graphs and materials for crafts. I still remember one little boy bursting into the service from his class, breathlessly waving a card he had colored to show his mother.

In April 1997, Mary wrote in the Bolivian Post:

For several months I met during the week with Justina. We became good friends as we peeled potatoes together and talked. I encouraged her to pick out a passage of Scripture to study ahead of time and I would supply her with some form of craft or activity related to the topic as well. I was so pleased when they finally asked for a formal, intense training program to be adequately equipped to bring the truths of God's Word to the many children in our church.

The group formed a true bond of friendship and purpose during our time together. Teachers are very eager to do their best. I have a feeling they will really fly and grow when I go. They are very capable people and just needed some help getting started.

We haven't been back to that church since we left for Potosí 12 years ago, so it warmed our hearts to learn that Mary's feeling that the teachers "will really fly and grow when I go" came true. The children they nurtured are now using their gifts to build up the body of Christ.

One Saturday night in March, Mary and I went to visit a group of believers on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. Some of the people who go there are Quechuas from Potosí, and they invited us to come to the church's anniversary celebration. A pastor from a large church in the city was bringing the special messages that weekend.

After the service, I was thanking the speaker for his words when he said, "Don t you know me?" My blank look was answer enough, so he went on, "You taught me New Testament my first year of seminary in 1991!"

Then vague memories stirred of a skinny, curious kid who squinted. He went on to tell us of his life since then, and introduced us to his lovely wife and family. Best of all, he thanked me for imparting a lasting love of God's Word.