Paz y Esperanza- Bolivia

Ann and I have been connected to Paz y Esperanza for some time now and we have volunteered to go to Bolivia to help in the work there. In Santa Cruz, the work we will do is currently focused on the issue of domestic violence. Paz y Esperanza is working to help support women and children who have been victims of physical and sexual violence through all the means mentioned above and by working to train and support local churches to be agents of social and cultural transformation through the Gospel.
As well as working on these issues, we are also going to begin a new project in the same neighborhood focusing on the indigenous groups of the Amazon and Chaco regions that have migrated to the city by training Christian leaders in these groups, helping to defend their rights, and working to build a culture of peace between people groups in this conflict-ridden region. All of this we will do while seeking to be faithful witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, we believe that caring for people’s physical needs is an integral part of the Gospel, like Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Thus we are not going to Bolivia simply to help people, but we are going there to offer the true hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people who have been marginalized, abused, and lost all hope.

We fully trust that God will provide for us and more than
anything, we ask you for your prayers-- that God would grant us wisdom,
strength, humility, and grace to serve these people for whom he has given us
such a heart. We are convinced that this is what God has for us. This is a
long-term commitment for us, but for it to happen, we need your help. The total cost to run the programs that we will be helping is $52,000 per year. Of that amount, about 30-35% will go to administrative costs and our own salaries. The rest will go directly to funding projects that will help to strengthen grassroots leadership in order to participate in local development processes and defense of their rights; train pastors and lay leaders in conflict resolution, holistic mission, biblical justice, sex education, peace building, domestic and sexual violence; come directly alongside and be advocates for women, children, and indigenous groups pushed to the margins of Bolivian society; as well as program planning, monitoring, and evaluation in all these processes.

Please pray about partnering with us to help bring true peace and hope to the people of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. If you are able to help us financially, you
can make a tax-deductable donation right here!

We are very excited about this opportunity and we are looking forward to sharing our experience with you. We hope that you will share in this work with us through your prayer and financial support.

If you would like more information about our organization or work, go to www.pazyesperanza.org and click on the “English” button on the right or check on the enclosed envelope that you want to know more. You can also follow our blog at www.anndrewinbolivia.blogspot.com and feel free to email us with any questions at either jenningsdrew@gmail.com or annkgrisham@gmail.com.