Update from Corey S

I thought I would update you all. Please look at facebook for photos…

In Bolivia the day was pretty much a repeat as far as schedule wise. Up at 6:00 a.m. with some devotions and prayer. Breakfast is served at 8:00 with the Chapel Service at 9:00 followed by a Bible study time for all ages. The adults; the teens; and the children each go their separate ways for about 1 hour of study. Lunch at Noon followed by a little ‘siesta’. At 2:30 the games begin with Andrew and Corey Riniker leading them. Today they played relay races and capture the flag. Watermelon to follow in order to cool us down and refresh us. Supper at 7:00 p.m. with the evening service at 8:00 p.m. Tonight was talent night where any of the folks from camp did anything they liked! Most everyone sang a special musical number. Yes, they are really talented here with their music. And they just sing out. About 10:00 it all ended and then it was a ‘torchlight’ race. Just a fun time of playing in the dark! By that time the team was exhausted and ready to catch up on their individual communications and hit the sack!

Breakfast consists of the individually packed yogurt; a banana; and a bun. One can have as much as they like but it is just a little bit. I’m sure it is just right for the kids. Oh, Pam also makes the most delicious ‘Starbucks’ coffee which is her own brew. Everyone has just caught on and loves it. It is evidently a mixture of fresh milk, coffee, sugar and whatever else she puts in it. But oh is it good! Really, just like Starbucks! Makes Pam feel right at home!

The services are about ½ hour singing in Spanish. There are only a few songs that I am familiar with. I sit next to Larry Lindahl and he translates the songs into English for me so I know that the other songs are not American. And they are true to Spanish culture and tune. And the people clap and shout and sing their hearts out. How great it is! After the singing I get up and preach/teach. The main passage of Scripture has been the Good Samaritan. Although there is a theme and there are topics with each day. Monday’s topic was that Jesus takes care of our sicknesses and sorrows and sins. I have no idea if the alliteration of ‘sss’ comes through in Spanish or not! But, you know me and the alliteration!

The people are just great! They all come along side each one of us and just love teaching us Spanish. At least I think they do. Maybe they are just laughing at how silly our Spanish is and they want to hear these silly Americans trying to speak it. Nonetheless, everyone is so kind and happy.

The camp is held at an orphanage center. I have asked many questions about it. The set-up of the camp would almost be like a Bible camp setting or a small campus setting. It has a few offices; a kitchen (very small to service the 150 people here but it works); good size classrooms (about 6 of them) which function as sleeping quarters for the people at camp this week. It is like two 24X48 rooms connected by bathrooms with showers so they can be used by both classrooms/dorm rooms. It works well. Corey R. and Andrew actually sleep in one of these rooms with the teen boys. They are acting as chaperones for the week! Each has a mat or mattress to sleep on. Corey R. and Andrew have a brand new mattress they sleep on so it is fairly comfortable. Oh, the Orphanage is literally an Orphanage. There are typically anywhere from 50-100 kids of all ages here whose parents have either died or left them for a host of reasons (money; death; left town and abandoned them; etc.). Last evening there were 3 of these orphans at about 18 years old who sang at the talent night. This Orphanage is run by the Mennonites out of the States. What a ministry to this city! I can’t imagine where the kids would be if this ministry were not here. Amazing!

The Team is doing just great! Andrew just fits right in and plays with the teens. I can’t believe how well he gets along. I really seldom see him all day long as he is just participating with everyone and everything. He sleeps with them; eats with them; plays the games with them; you name it! He has done so well, you would be proud of him. No hint of homesickness or dislike at all. He is a trooper!

Corey R. loves experimenting with his Spanish. He actually does quite well. He too would rather be with the Bolivians than with the Americans. He is doing a great job of ministry by simply connecting with them. And he is so happy and excited all the time. A great attitude.

Pam has been the highlight of the team. Really, she is just herself if I can say that. Bubbly and perky all the time. And what a hard worker. She sees something and she jumps right in. She cannot sit still. She cooks; does the dishes by hand (for like 1 ½ hrs. at a time and 3x’s per day); mops the floors; cleans the tables; and then does all the people connecting while she is doing that. The Bolivians in the kitchen just love her. She has a great attitude as well. Her mind is going at it all the time and she has set out to ‘organize’ everyone and everything at camp. She is teaching them how to set up for a better flow of food distribution; cleaning; dishes; and anything you can think of. She has been great!

Cathy just chimes in. She is quiet but the little girls all flock to her. She lets them sit on her lap and coddles them. She too pitches in at the kitchen and helps in just about anything or any assignment given to her. Mainly just loving on the little ones though. And a great attitude too.

Me – well I try to connect with the adults. I sit at the tables with Larry or with Ruth and try to converse with the people. It seems it has mainly been counseling. People have spiritual problems and they just want some Biblical input. So I am having a ball just listening to people and giving them Biblical advice. And then I teach my lessons as well. Oh yes, I join in on all the activities and fun too!

Okay, there you have a bit more of what is going on in Bolivia. Today, Tuesday, is the last day of camp. The schedule will be about the same. Tonight we go to a hotel where we will be spending nights from here on. The days will be mainly with the Lindahl’s helping around the house. We do get to go sightseeing with them on Thursday and Friday. Saturday will be spent with the church people and Sunday at church!



Corey Sateren, Sr. Pastor
Bethany Evangelical Free Church