Light Shed in the Darkness to the Unreached of Bolivia
By Miguel Sanchez
Bolivia is a country with many ethnic groups and languages, rich in history and unique customs in each region, and one of a few South American countries with yet many unreached people groups.
The last little town where I went to visit some Christian brothers in their homes, and resume the services on their premises, is El Palmar, 10 to 12 hours of travel by bus. In this place lives brother Leoncio (the one with the two books in hand), born in the Guaraní ethnic group, a student hungry for the Word of God.
The life story of Leoncio before partnering with SLM was very sad. He was widowed, alone, and unable to understand the wonders of God in the Word, because he knew of no one to teach him or to provide him with literature for growth. But he was always looking to serve God.
He was a man who did everything possible to win souls with his little knowledge. His life experience with Christ was his only training, with his own testimony.
It was Leoncio who got his brothers to help serve and build the church in El Palmar. I knew of his commitment and leadership well; I managed the roof of the new construction, while he and another brother assembled the structure. He has never wanted any recognition for himself; he does not like them to know what he is doing, because he firmly believes everything he does is for the Lord Jesus Christ. I can personally testify that the El Palmar brothers do not even know that he personally fully financed the roof.
He became a self-supporting missionary 13 years ago, following the example of other missionaries who were visiting distant towns like those in El Palmar.
Many years ago, we met with Leoncio, and when we introduced him to the Source of Light materials, he was overjoyed. Finally, he could be trained and challenged in the Word of God. He immediately began using them for his personal study, for his teaching and preaching ministry in La Abra, and at home.
As he continued to learn through the lessons of Fuente de Luz (Source of Light in Spanish), his eyes were opened and his joy was so evident that now he is constantly learning and teaching all the lessons, both to the brothers in El Palmar and to the neighbors in different cities who do not know Christ. He is a faithful companion in the ministry in El Palmar. For me, he has been a welcome support in the ministry in this region, since I am unable to visit as often as I would like.
Leóncio receives no support, only the affection of his Christian brothers, who take care of him with their food. To support himself in the ministry, he works with his hands repairing bicycles. He buys them very damaged and after repairing them, he sells them. He is a man similar to the apostle Paul. He lives quite simply, caring for a brother’s house, and he lives alone. He has no family, only his Christian family, which keeps him quite content.
At this time, El Palmar is experiencing a very sad and needy reality. First, it hasn’t rained in quite some time and the drought is very acute. Because of this, many wild and domestic animals are dying. Secondly, forest fires are a very big concern; we look forward to a rain that will put out the fires. This is the reality of many towns in the southern sector of Bolivia, including Tarija where I live. We are breathing a lot of smoke in the city.
We ask for your prayers, and please do not forget to pray for Bolivia and for me, Pastor Miguel Sánchez Vacaflores.
