Evangelism, Discipleship, and Culture

I arrived in Bolivia one week before starting language school in order to attend a 3-day conference hosted by Word Made Flesh here in Bolivia. Two members of the Mission Society, one of which was the seminary professor of our ministry director here, travelled to Bolivia to teach during these three days. So many people signed up for the conference that we were way beyond the capacity of the small retreat center where the conference was hosted. People came from all over Bolivia, including over 50 pastors, as well as missionaries from around the world that work in Bolivia. 

The major themes of the conference were (1) sharing the gospel across cultural barriers and (2) the importance of discipleship in the church and how to do it well. The teaching was awesome! And it was so fun to watch the reactions and reception of all the different people at the conference. In Bolivia alone, there are so many different people groups! And historically, the church has been quite divided across denominations, people groups, and generations. So it was really cool to see so many different regions and denominations represented at the conference. And it was clear that the teaching really shook many pastors out of their comfort zones, in a good way. It was really cool and challenging to reflect on the core truths of the gospel and discern what we might be tempted to add to the gospel from our own cultural framework. 

Making Bolivia My Home

I arrived here in Bolivia over a week ago now. It's still very surreal to be here. I've had the desire to make a long-term commitment to Bolivia for several years now. But knowing the somewhat indefinite length of my commitment makes everything feel very different. While I was so excited to land in La Paz (especially since there was snow on the ground!), I instantly felt a little panicked. "Holy crap, I just moved to Bolivia." 

And along with this long-term commitment comes many new logistics to figure out. I can no longer enter as a "tourist" and come and go as I please. I entered the country with a "specific purpose visa," demonstrating my intention to make a legitimate commitment to this place. With my visa, I have 30 days to complete my application for residency. (But at this point it's more like 20 days!) It's difficult not to feel overwhelmed and slightly clueless about the process. I'm trying not to let my anxiety overtake me. 

This first week or so here has been full of emotions - great excitement and anticipation, joy in reuniting with good friends, anxiety about all of the unknowns, and extreme sadness to be so far from my family. Since I've spent quite a bit of time here in Bolivia and already feel quite sure of my love for this country and its people, I seem to have skipped over the typical honeymoon period of living in a new place. I seem to have jumped right into culture shock. The difficult thing about culture shock is that there's really no telling how long it will last. I can feel myself grieving the distance from my family and friends, a process which cannot be rushed or pushed aside. 

While I am truly excited to be here and make this place my home, I have come to realize that this process will not come without some major stretching and growing pains. One moment I am marveling at the reality of being here, but the next moment I find myself struggling to find joy in the pain of this grieving period. I seem to always be on the verge of tears. 

I often find hope and consolation in the Psalms, and today the Lord brought me to these verses in Psalm 94: "When I said, ' My foot is slipping,' your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." (Ps 94:18-19)

So it's in this valley that I find consolation from the Lord. While I am currently overwhelmed with anxiety and grief, I have great hope that the Lord will lead me to a place of great joy. My heart is full of anticipation for the future, for the day when Bolivia truly will be my home. 

Spreading Love thru Coffee

A couple of friends of mine here in Denver opened a coffee shop in April. Not only do they serve delicious specialty coffee, but they are also using this platform as a job skills training program for young people that have experienced homelessness. Even though I could only devote a couple of months to the coffee shop, I was so blessed to be able to work with some amazing people and gain some valuable insights that will directly translate to ministry among the women in Bolivia.

If you're ever in Denver, check 'em out! 

www.purpledoorcoffee.com

ONE WEEK!

Written: August 22

After months of preparation and years of anticipation, my departure date is just one week away! It's a miracle that this update is getting written because it seems like I've been in a season of chaos for the last month! And with just one week to spare, I continue to be overwhelmed by my to-do list. But I'm confident that everything will come together and I'm doing my best to savor these final days with my family and friends. I have so much to be thankful for in this season. I have been showered with love and encouragement and the Lord has been so faithful to provide all I need. Sharing the work and vision of the ministry of Word Made Flesh Bolivia with my broader community has been a real joy! And thanks to the generosity of churches, family, and friends, about 90% of the monthly financial commitments I need have come in! I cannot begin to express my gratitude. Thank you for encouraging me and sending me off well to Bolivia.

I fly out of Denver around noon on August 29th, arriving in La Paz early on the 30th. I will try to send news upon my arrival! Initially, I will spend one week in La Paz, connecting with friends and ministry partners, and then I will spend the next 6 weeks at language school in Cochabamba. In mid-October I will return to La Paz/El Alto to get settled and ease into ministry. More news to come! Thanks for joining me on this exciting journey!

And thank you again for your friendship and partnership! I would love to hear what's going on in your life!

Overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement,

Ali Fraze