December 2011

Dearest Loved Ones,

As we write, the Holiday’s are coming upon us.  We’re enjoying warm, Spring days before the rains come, and anticipating joyful times ahead: a blooming garden, shared meals, gifts given and received, vacation days and time with beloved family and friends. May you enjoy the fullness of this Season and extend Christ’s love to all those around you.

Epically Epoch

This October, Andrea was invited to attend the classy Epoch Missions Gala at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA (epoch2011.com). There she was recognized for Outstanding Work in the Lives of Individuals, highlighting “the individual that cares more about people than projects and is touching the lives of others every day.” 438 nominations were received from 6 continents, 25 countries and 38 states.

Although this award honors Andrea, it celebrates the work of our community over the last 10 years. We’ve chosen to walk in relationship with the poor. We know them, their names, their families, their homes and their stories – and they know ours. We share life together and in the process we learn the beauty of mutual support and the joys (and pains) of sacrificial love among the broken.

Transformation matters, and we work towards that end everyday. But, it all begins with relationship. And we’re honored that there are others who find value in that too.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body

you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

Ministry News

  • This Fall has been busy as we’ve outlined plans and dreams for the upcoming year.  We hope to continue all that we’re doing, as well as begin a desperately needed preventative children’s program. Funds are extremely low though, and we can’t do this without you, so if you’d like to help sustain the fight for justice and hope, consider giving:
    https://npo.networkforgood.org/Donate/Donate.aspx?npoSubscriptionId=7466
  • Mauricio and Andrea Meneses are halfway through their training as National Directors. We see so much giftedness in them and are excited to see how they will lead us in the future.
  • Adam and Becky Thada welcomed tiny, sweet Lydia Pauline into their family this August. Their Bolivian family anxiously awaits their return to La Paz.
  • Ten girls are currently participating in the Suti Sana program, off the streets, enjoying dignified work and moving towards full healing.  Please pray for Ana, Louisa, Deidad, Alicia, Delia, Cinthia, Delcy, Maricruz, Jenny and Ely, as they confront their pain and learn to trust their Savior.
  • Miriam, Rosmery, Jonatan & Mario, 4 children visiting the drop-in center, recently gave their hearts to Jesus!  Pray that the Lord would continue to cultivate His truth in their hearts.

Stay Up to Date!

In our desire to stay better connected and keep you informed in real time, we’ve gone super tech savvy (or maybe we’ve finally just caught up!). Anyway, check below to see the different ways you can contact us and keep up with daily happenings and prayer requests from Bolivia:

   WMF Bolivia Andrea Andy
E-mail amigaslibres@gmail.com andrea.baker@wordmadeflesh.org andy.baker@wordmadeflesh.org
Facebook Suti Sana Andrea Toledo Baker Andy Baker
Twitter sutisana boliviamama
Skype boliviamamita a2bolivia

Additionally, you can find news, articles and blog posts from others in our community, here: www.wordmadeflesh.org/bolivia

Family News

We Bakers have had a full couple of months.  Andy finally summited Mt. Illimani, at 21,122 ft. Elias is becoming an accomplished reader, Luke has adjusted to Kindergarten and the twins are potty-trained (nearly!).

After a whirlwind trip to the States, Andrea returned to a house full of sick boys.  Andy actually spent a night in the hospital for severe kidney stone symptoms.

And finally, this has been one of our most difficult financial seasons for our family. We’ve definitely hit our all-time low.  But the Lord has continued to show us His faithfulness and care.  With many loyal friends and new partners, we’re finally on the uphill. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s full and constant provision.

As always, we’re extremely grateful for your partnership, your encouragement, your friendship, prayers and on-going support.

Blessings from our home to yours.

Love,

The Bakers, Andy, Andrea, Elias, Luke, Owen & Asher