Weston Park Baptist Church’s mission trip to the Iglesia Bautista Nacional Ranacer, the Church in Bolivia, was invaluable. I was blessed enough to join Pastor Alan on a trip to Cochabamba in 2024. This opportunity gave me a chance to see God’s work within a Church we have been connected to for so long. Pastor Ivan is a driving force and supports his congregants to be the best they can be. The Church has grown over the last few years, and many have become medical students which is one of Pastor Ivan’s ministries. The church growth is a wonderful sign of the way God can take something small and multiply it to fruition. Each member dedicates themselves to Church life in many ways. One main way is having prayer meetings at their houses and breaking bread with Church members. This deepens their faith in Christ and creates family in the Church for all.
The Church has also participated in other ministries to assist and broaden their community. This includes the dentist, Henry, who attends their Church, and also works in a foundation that helps with checking the teeth of children and providing free clinics. Also, many medical students have finished their studies under the support and guidance of Iglesia Bautista and Pastor Ivan. These students volunteer their time to help and support people within their own communities. Everyone’s mindset is to find ways of spreading God’s love and helping those less fortunate than themselves.
During our trip Pastor Ivan and his two brothers, who play pivotal roles in the Church, took time chauffeuring us around, involving us in the Church, introducing us to the school children, spending meals with us and more. It felt like being in a different home! Everyone was so warm and lovely. There were many other Church members that fed us meals, invited us into their homes, shared their personal stories with us and prayed for us. We were truly blessed on this trip and I look forward to many more!
Marjorie Richards