Jonny speaks up for Jesus in Bolivia

By Tim Allan | Bolivia in South America

Pioneering mission comes in all shapes and sizes — just ask Jonny Anderson, who has spent the last three years learning the South American language Quechua.

SIM started by taking the gospel to those who had never heard it, but a key part of today’s strategy is helping those who have met Jesus become good disciples. Jonny, sent out from the UK, knows there is a desperate need for Quechua churches to hear Christ-centred preaching in their own language.

Two million Bolivians have Quechua as their first language," he said. "To explain the gospel, you really need to do it Quechua.”

Jonny now lives in Sucre, Bolivia, with wife, Olga, and two of their three children: seven-year-old Joanna and six-year-old Jonah. Their nine-year-old son Joel is at boarding school in England,  close to Jonny’s parents in Somerset.

Near Jonny’s home in Sucre stands a small Quechua church. Most of the 50 or so adult members are aged around 30, with a slightly older leadership. Several people have recently been baptised, but the continuing challenge is to ensure they are well-discipled.

Jonny said: “If you teach or preach in Spanish, you are using the language of the education system, so people feel they are being taught rather than discipled. But the gospel is all about relationship with Jesus. By using the Quechua heart language, I can emphasise that and it is easier to show Christ is part of everyday life, rather than just for Sunday; and that Christ is for everyone, not just those with special knowledge.”

Jonny ‘s two key preaching techniques are the narrative sermon and the white board with stick men.

In the sermon, Jonny goes through a Bible story and then applies it to the lives of those in the congregation. He also encourages others to give their testimony and helps them understand how Jesus met people like them (rich man, poor man, ill person, and more).

By using a white board and stick men, he can go through a Bible story visually, which is especially effective in a primarily oral culture.

Jonny, who has just started preaching in Quechua, said: “The big challenge is to put Christ at the centre of the Quechua church, so that people understand the need to repent and find forgiveness.”

To do that effectively, Jonny knows he needs to improve his Quechua still further — and longs for other people to join him in the work. "After three years of learning the language, I’m just about able to preach in church but it is still tough. I’d say I was a beginner in the advanced class. But if God is really calling you, he will enable you to get through the language-learning and you’ll be motivated.”

Do you love learning new languages? Is your heart set on discipling God's people to become strong, well-grounded disciples of Christ who will go out and lead people to Him? If so, SIM may have a place for you. Contact us today!

 

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Agrégateur de contenus

SIM Asset Publisher Portlet

Agrégateur de contenus

Related stories

In Carrie’s classroom, Jesus is shaping hearts and minds for his kingdom

When mission workers with young families leave their home country, a major concern is how their children will get on. While the parents are out serving, the kids need stability, education, and spiritual nurturing. That’s where teachers like Carrie come in. Originally from Kansas, Carrie now teaches at a mission school in Liberia, part of Dakar Academy in Senegal, shaping young hearts and minds for God’s kingdom.

Ken & Gwen Baker have spent 40+ years engaged in mission work and adventures with God

Ken and Gwen Baker have retired after 43 years of faithful service with SIM — a life devoted to God, to their teammates, and to equipping others for ministry. They spent decades planting churches in West Africa, fostering intercultural ministry, and shaping mission training that continues to impact workers worldwide. As they step into a new season of life, their story serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses ordinary people, willing to follow his call, to build His church and transform lives.

What might God do in 2025?

As we step into 2025, there is a sense of excitement and expectancy among those serving in mission work worldwide. From remote villages to bustling cities, SIM’s Entity Directors are preparing for what lies ahead, trusting God to bring transformation and hope to unreached and underserved communities. To gain insight into their vision and prayers for the year, we spoke with leaders across the globe about their hopes, challenges, and how the global Christian community can pray and support their work.

How the local church in France adapts to secularism and a changing society

France is a country of contrasts: rich in history, arts, and culture. Yet, as French native Vincent, Head of Communications for SIM France/Belgium, explains, it is also a nation of deep spiritual need. Things are starting to change, though. There is a growing openness to faith and a pressing need for mission work.