World Concern Women of Purpose

For those new to the blog, let us direct you to the the World Concern Women of Purpose website.

Women of Purpose is intended to provide a means for combatting poverty and trafficking, worldwide. In many cultures, the opportunities for women to care for themselves and their families are quite limited. And, as women are the primary caretakers for most families, this inequality puts children at risk. The risks would include not only the direct effects of poverty, with malnutrition, untreated health conditions, and limited education, but also makes these women and children vulnerable to those who would exploit them.

West Puget Sound Women of Purpose continues to support the efforts of World Concern in Bolivia, where women are coming to independance and even prosperity for their families, due to the faithful work in the establishment of the microloan program. Not only are these women and their communities benefiting from this money, but they receive ongoing training in business and commerce, so that this is a sustainable plan.

Still Here!

West Puget Sound Women of Purpose has remained active, since the last entry nearly 2 years ago.  Remained concerned about the women we've met in Bolivia, and remained connected and committed to the work of providing microloans.  

In this time of a worldwide Great Recession, many of us are gaining a new understanding of the limited opportunities that are an everyday condition for much of the world.  

But, we've had word from Bolivia that the women who've been supported by the microloan program of World Concern's Women of Purpose have continued to do well.  Fatima Espinoza, a dear friend and the Country Director for World Concern Bolivia, visited with us this spring, bringing this news.  It was wonderful to see her again, having worked with her during our trip two years ago.  And to hear the Good News that the work continues.  

WPSWOP is hosting an "Awareness Raising" event later this week, where we'll share the music of David Harsh, and share more about this news and the work of World Concern in Bolivia and around the world.  Would you join us?  

They're home...

The team all made it home today, with only one delayed piece of baggage.

Wendi is tired, and has a lot to tell about the work. The Lord indeed blessed the work, with over sixty women the visited coming to salvation.

I'm sure there will be a lot of stories to share in the coming days...

Mission Day #10...Homecoming

Well, it won't be long now.

I did speak with Wendi yesterday afternoon. The team is all well, with only a few minor cold symptoms. And, everyone is tired.

The flight arrives early this afternoon, after an overnight trek.

I wonder what she'll appreciate most about coming home? And I wonder what she'll be missing from her time away?

Thank you to all who've been reading about the trip, and those who've been earnest in their prayers for the team. I'm sure they'll be happy to share some of their experiences with you soon. Keep checking back here, and we'll post some pictures and stories for you.

Doug

Mission Day #9...The flight home

Today is the last day in Bolivia. The itinerary is:

• Breakfast & devotions
• Morning shopping in Santa Cruz
• Finish packing and check out
• 12:30/1pm Lunch
• 2:30 Final Presentation-
• (A) Where is CAMS going from here
• (B) And how do we work together with Women of Purpose?
• Prayer time together
• Team meeting and final in-country debrief
• 6:30pm Dinner at Fridolin’s
7:30pm Leave for airport for evening flight

I did have an email from Wendi waiting for me when I got up this morning:

"hi honey, we are back in the city. I would have never considered this hotel high class but I could not be happier about being where there is a flushing toilet and not just a hole in the ground. I will try to call later. we have some presentations to do and lunch and dinner, they eat a lot here. I am ready to come home! I miss everyone. It has been a wild journey, both with God and Bolivia. Can´t wait to tell you all about it.
hasta pronto. Wendi"

And I can't wait to hear about it all...

Mission Day #8...Return to Santa Cruz

The team will be returning to Santa Cruz today, preparing to start the long trip back home. They will have a chance to meet with another group of women before they leave the area. The day looks to be much nicer for travel: 73 F with scatterred clouds.

The itinerary for today is:

Return to Santa Cruz
• Breakfast & Personal devotions
• 8:30am check out and depart for last site visit
• Presentation Discussion of demographics of area &
status of CAMS program
• 10:30- 2:00 –Project visit # 5 Visit Diego’s groups
Meet with clients in Los Troncos and visit their farms
• Eat lunch in client’s restaurant in Los Troncos
• 2:30 Travel back to Santa Cruz
• 5:30 Check in at hotel- showers, nap, etc, begin packing up
• 7:00 Dinner
• Team meeting & debrief

I like that part where it says "nap, etc". And I wonder how much more stuff they are bringing home - Wendi did a remarkable job of packing light on her way down. I'm looking forward to packing light for upcoming vacations as well, but I'm not sure she'll have the same strategy in mind - usually there are a lot more shoes included in her luggage!

I'm looking forward to seeing her on Sunday.

Message from our Pastor...

I'm forwarding a message sent today to the Women of Purpose by our Pastor, Rainer Kunz.

Dear Karen, Tara, Wendi and Celeste,

Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you all and praying for you each day. I just got back from Chicago and now we’re off to Anaheim for Jordan’s graduation.
I look forward to seeing you all when I get back. I can’t wait to hear your stories.
As I type this I’m looking at a quote on my wall that Ellen Skubic gave me. I think it’s appropriate for the work that you’re doing – “THERE ARE THREE STAGES IN THE WORK OF GOD – IMPOSSIBLE, DIFFICULT… DONE.”
Here’s one more for you. I need to be reminded of this verse daily -
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Keep pointing people to Jesus!
I love and miss you all dear sisters in Christ,
Your Pastor
Rainer Kunz

Thank you, Rainer, for your words.

(As Phill has commented in an email to some of you, we would certainly welcome comments and emails that you would like to post on the blog. This can either be done by clicking on the "Comment" link below each entry, or simply send an email to either Phill or Doug, so that we can post it online. The team may be able to read these messages tomorrow, when they return to Santa Cruz.)