In April of 2006, Scott Klooster and John Burkett traveled to Bolivia to train pastors and distribute Outline Bible Resources™. Bolivian pastors and church leaders were provided much needed teaching and preaching resources—most of whom lacked such materials.
Guayaramerin on the Rio Mamoré
A report from John Burkett, LMW Executive Director
Scott Klooster and I left the US for Bolivia on April 17, 2006. We arrived in Santa Cruz the next morning and were met by our friend, missionary Enoel Suarez.
Immediately we left the international airport to go to the domestic airport across the city. Once there we boarded a 20 seat, twin engine turbo-prop for 
a 2 hour trip to Guayaramerin in the extreme northern part of Beni, Bolivia.
This town sits on the Brazilian border separated by the Rio Mamoré. We were joined by New Tribes missionary, Daniel Gill, and Pastor Julio from Santa Cruz. From there, we drove into a beautiful jungle setting for the first of three Outline Bible Resource (OBR) workshops. Each participant would receive the following Spanish books:
- Biblia de Bosquejos y Sermones - Marcos (POSB - Mark)
- Biblia de Estudio - Romanos (POSB - Romans)
- Manual Personal Del Obrero Cristiano (What the Bible Says to the Minister)
- Oración (Prayer)
An Answer to Prayer
Some pastors shared that they traveled 90 kilometers to attend the OBR workshop because they seldom if ever have access to such training. One man shared with us that three years ago he had a vision of these workshops taking place. Then for the past three years he has been praying for such an event! He expressed his joy at seeing God's answer to his prayers.
The Church Wally Herron Founded
On our way to the next workshop I was reminded of our own Jack Walker (former Executive Director for LMW and an MAF Pilot) when I climbed into the single engine Cessna and flew across the Bolivian pampas, which are the picturesque grasslands that are flooded part of the year.
This second workshop was held in Magdalena. Magdalena is a small town of several hundred friendly people with dirt and grass streets. Ox carts are still used to haul anything too heavy to carry. A few people have small motorcycles or pickup trucks, but most walk.
Our OBR Workshop was held at a church that missionary Wally Herron started. You may recall reading a book about him called, "Condor of the Andes." Pastors and church leaders came from neighboring towns to join us. Some traveled 6 hours just to be a part of the seminar.
Flying back to Trinidad, we got ready for the last of our three-day Outline Bible workshops. These were held in the Beni capital of Trinidad. We stayed in the city, complete with three-toed sloths hanging from trees in the central plaza. Leaders from many churches attended. During the closing minutes, they shared testimonies of how God touched them with the Outline Bible materials and training given to them. Many shared that they believed God would use these resources to greatly enhance their ministries.
The Editorial Portavoz Partnership
I thank God for the partnership between Editorial Portavoz in Grand Rapids, MI and Leadership Ministries Worldwide. Jerry Kregel at Portavoz made
arrangements to supply many of the needed books. It was a generous donation, and we praise God for this long-standing partnership. Please pray for Editorial Portavoz as they continue to translate and publish Biblia de Bosquejos y Sermones (the Spanish Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible).
Also, please pray for Enoel Suarez, Daniel Gill, and Pastor Julio, as they continue their ministry in Bolivia.
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