Dearest Friends and Family,
Forgive us for not writing sooner. It seems more and more time passes between each update. But let us reassure you, life in Bolivia is good! As ministry progresses and our relationships deepen, we are more and more fulfilled here. Actually, Aug. 2 marked two years here, and we’ve decided to renew our contract for another 3 years!! Yes, it is great to be content in the Lord’s will.
Well, in our last letter to you, we told you a little about the possibility of a center for the women who prostitute. This June, Andy signed a two-year contract on a building perfect for our needs!! We are so excited about the possibilities! In order to guide us in our planning, we conducted a survey with 70 women. The following are some highlights: (If you’d like to see the complete, detailed survey results, we can e-mail those to you. Just write to us at: andy.baker@wordmadeflesh.com).
- 66% responded they would like assistance in finishing school. The majority of the women had dropped out of school by Junior or Senior High.
- 60% said they want help in finding a different kind of work
- 59% want to play sports (wallyball, volleyball, soccer, etc.) in the new center
- 53% would like for us to offer field trips (to the zoo, pool, tourist sites in Bolivia)
- 52% reported being between the ages of 20-29. However, in order for the girls to be working legally, they have to be at least 18 years old. We know that many of the women give false ages to be legal.
- 51% are interested in taking classes of some kind. Of the classes we suggested,
- 50% want to learn how to budget their money
- 44% want to learn how to read and write
- 51% said they would be interested in Bible studies. Some topics they suggested include:
- What does the Bible say to me?
- How can I understand the Bible?
- The end of the world
- 46% want an evening childcare facility for their children. The majority of their children are ages 10 or younger.
- 43% expressed interest in a Hospitality Room, where they could fellowship, drink coffee, play games, etc.
- 43% said they would also be interested in small groups of friendship and support
- 40% want drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation
- The majority of the women responded that they entered prostitution because of financial needs or family problems.
The ladies listed the following as some of the most difficult aspects of their job:
- Men
- Drunks
- Brothel Owners
- Police
- Schedule
- Sickness/Pregnancy
- Bad Environment
- Mistreatment
- Loneliness
- Everything
- To Leave
When asked what other type of work they would like, they responded:
- Business Owner
- Secretary
- Nurse
- Seamstress
- Pastry Maker
- Student
- Cook
- To be Happy
- Mechanics Assistant
- Hairstylist
- Painter
- Zoo Keeper
- Teacher
And finally, we asked them, if they could ask God one question, what would it be? The following are just a few of their responses:
- God help me get out of this life. Help me save a little money so I can get out of this life I have, and so that I can be with my kids. Help me God. Please don`t leave me here in this life that I have.
- I would ask him to take me out of this place.
- That He would care for my children and give me clarity and wisdom.
- Why was I born?
- Why is my destiny this way? Because I didn`t seek you? Is that why I am here?
- My life is destroyed. How did I fail you?
- Why have you abandoned me?
- Why are you waiting so long?
- Why do I suffer so much?
- My God, why am I here?
- Why do I work like this?
- How can I start a relationship with God?
- I wouldn’t ask him for anything. I would just thank him because in one form or another, He helps me and protects me every moment.
With the results of the survey, and our experience with the women over the past year and a half, we have much more direction for our future ministry. As a community, we have decided to start slowly, opening the center twice a week for lunch, games and fellowship. We will also continue visiting the streets in the evenings twice a week. Once a month we may offer some type of sports tournament. And in the near future, we hope to also begin small groups and Bible studies, as well as some empowerment classes on budgeting and literacy. Our long-term goal is to eventually provide some type of economic option to these ladies. (We are investigating possibilities for exporting hand-made goods to the States). Please pray with us as we continue on in this adventure. We are already so excited about what the Lord has done.
Goodness, there is so much more to tell, but it will have to wait until next time, which will be sooner than later, we promise. We hope all is well with you and your families. Know that you are so often in our thoughts and prayers. We love and miss you.
So thankful to be your friends,
Andy, Andrea and Elias Baker