Welcome to the TRIBE!

THANKS for joining our TRIBE!

This blog is the place where you can get:

• Information about future trips
• Updates on our partnership
• Prayer requests...and...
• Follow mission teams on the ground

As a part of the tribe you will get text messages, facebook updates, and emails - but all of those will direct you back to this site. This is where you will get the info that keeps you connected!

Go ahead and look through previous posts to get an idea of all the great experiences BPF teams have had in the past.

Thanks again for joining - I hope you will consider GOING, or going again!

Buenos Tardes! Mi nombre es Tamara ;)

Wow! Where to begin? Let's start by saying this is my first mission trip...and it has been an amazing experience! I thought that I was coming to help teach the beautiful ladies of Ruth and Naomi the unconditional love of Jesus....yet it seems He used this experience to teach me the same lesson...and there is no doubt in my mind that the ladies on this trip were hand-picked by God. Each and every person on our team has served a special purpose along the way.
After returning from Samaipata on Thursday, we were all exhausted....and needed some rest, because we still had a big day on Friday! After a great night of rest, the girls painted the living room wall of the transition home and the Women's Pregnancy Center office inside the transition home. After that, they had the opportunity to go back to Talitha Cumi orphanage to play with the children and teach on responsibility and team work. I say they, because I unfortunately caught a bug that was going around and had to stay in bed all day. =(
Today is our last day in Bolivia.... We woke up this morning and went to the transision home, where they cooked us breakfast....pancakes, pure honey, real butter and fresh squeezed orange juice...yum! Then, Carlette and Nancy taught a morning class on infant/child care and safety, which the ladies loved. While Stephanie and I juggled 2 babies and a toddler...during nap time. ;).
This afternoon, we bonded and fellowshipped as women do.... Shopping!
Tonight, we are ending our fabulous trip with a traditional Bolivian meal at everyone's fave....Don Miguel's.
...but first, we have to pack up, because our flight leaves tomorrow morning, at 9am.
To sum it up, the things I have learned in Bolivia, have been...
1. There is no set time and plans change...so, be flexible.
2. Cold drinks and A/C makes u sick. (according to the Pharmacia)
3. This country in beautiful.
4. Ketchup and Mayonaise are the only condiments you need...
And most importantly....
5. Jesus loves us ALL for who we are Right now... Not who we think we should be, not for who others think we should be or for who HE knows we can become....but where and who we are right now.
God Bless

Calling all nurses!!

Stephanie blogged about the retreat and Juanita's accident. My experience has been slightly different than the rest of the team and I wanted to share that with y'all. When Juanita came tumbling off the horse, my heart paused for a split second and then ER nurse in me came to life. I have never been more thankful for having worked in trauma centers across US than in those precious moments. I had to recall so many skills to keep Juanita's spine intact and keep her from being moved around in a way that could compromise her spinal cord. At home, keeping a scene under control can be difficult, this scene was full of people who don't speak English...and as I was trying to hold her neck in a neutral position, I was having to shoo away these spider monkeys...yes...real monkeys from the zoo. I think they wanted to comfort Juanita. There isn't 911 in Samipata, they have a hospital, but it is more lilke a band-aid station than a hospital. Someone called the hospital and they sent a doctor in a truck to assess Juanita, then they went to get an ambulance. All this has taken almost an hour or more since Juanita fell. While we were waiting, we were holding up Juanita's feet and keeping her awake and from moving her head. The ambulance ride was unlike anything I have ever experienced. We made 3 stops before we got to Santa Cruz; at the local hospital for another doctor to look at Juanita, they started an IV and gave her some much needed pain meds for the ride, the second was for a snack for the driver to stay awake and then to get gas when we we closer to Santa Cruz. The ride from Samipata was 2-3 hours...down a mountain...going very fast...the road is mostly paved but every few hundred feet, it was dirt and a we had to slow down...and I was very happy about that. Winding roads are not my friend and I was almost sick in the ambulance myself. When we got to the ER they rushed her in and assessed her, they did x-rays and a CT scan. The hospital was small and no a/c. They call hospitals clinics here...I had to ask why we were taking Juanita to a clinic and not a hospital...Vanessa quickly explained that to me. Juanita had to stay overnight in the hospital with thebhopes of being discharged the next day. The next day Vanessa and I got to the hospital and we did a lot of waiting...just like at home...waiting for x-rays and doctors. At the end of the day we finally had a meeting with 3 doctors and they decided that Juanita should stay another night in the hospital. The rest of the team wanted to go visit Juanita but, they were unable because if the doctors and nurses saw more Americans than the bill would be more. That was such a shock to me, so I went to the hospital with Danny and Dorcas ( the director of the Transition home) to get Juanita to take her to Danny and Vanessa's to make her recovery easier. I have to say that I wasn't expecting to use my nursing skills at all on this trip except for educational questions, but I know now that God had me in Bolivia this week for Juanita and the team. Praise Him for his infinite wisdom and power.

A brief account of the last 3 days (Crazy!!!)

As Jason wrote earlier, we had a crazy accident in Samaipata. We were visiting a wildlife refuge outside of town and Juanita was riding a horse for her very first time. The lady led her on the horse and then let her go to finish the ride. Somehow about 100 yards from where we were all standing, the horse turned around and began to run toward us. It began to run faster and faster until it was racing past us. Juanita's foot slipped out of one of the stirrups and she came flying off and fell on her left side. She was unconscious for about 5 minutes as we tried to assess her. Thankfully, we had 2 nurses with us and Carlette and Nancy were able to keep her stable and assess the situation. She was carried by ambulance with Vanessa and Carlette back to Santa Cruz. She has one broken rib and a bruised lung. They are observing her at the hospital and will probably release her tomorrow. Thank you for your support and prayers. It could've been much worse, but God really carried all of us! A little shaken up, the rest of us stayed in Samaipata to finish the retreat. Despite the craziness of the day, God really blessed our time. To give you a brief overview of the retreat, each day we had worship (in spanish and english) and a speaking session where several of us shared our testimonies and spoke on how God can do infinitely more than we could ask or think in our lives. We encouraged them to rely on his power and love in our lives and not our own strength. For the second session of the day we had support group sessions talking about self worth and forgiveness. The first day, after the support group session, one of the girls from the transition home, Carolean, accepted Christ! Last night after the accident we had a foot washing service where we washed the ladies feet. It was a very sweet emotional time as we served the ladies. They seemed very humbled by us serving them. And today when we had a closing share time, one of the staff of the transition home shared that seeing us serve gives her a stronger passion to serve. They all seemed very blessed by our time together. I had an opportunity to spend a lot of time with Eli, the counselor of the transition home, and I feel God ordained for our hearts to connect. She became our only translator after Vanessa left. She loved the material we were teaching and seemed eager to learn all she could and opened up a lot to me. I am looking forward to working with her in the future and helping her in any way I can to get the girls the help they need to heal from emotional hurts. All in all, we know that God has every member of this team here for a reason, and He has used us in crazy ways we never thought on this trip. Thank you for your prayers! There is still more to come!

Pray Please

Please be in prayer for our team this evening. They were out at an animal reserve in Samaipata horseback riding today when one of the transition home girls, Juanita, was bucked off her horse and was hurt. They think that she may have broken a couple of ribs, has a few lacerations, and probably a concussion. Vanessa, Carlette and Nancy are riding with her in an ambulance back to Santa Cruz (4 hours away) while Stephanie, Tamara, and Lindsey will stay and lead the retreat for the rest of the girls. Everyone is a little shook up. Be in prayer for Juanita for healing and pray for our team as the are now half in Santa Cruz and half in Samaipata leading the retreat. I will update as soon as hear anything new.

Retreat in Samaipata, Bolivia

Our team made it to Samaipata late this afternoon to lead in the retreat for the girls, babies and leaders of Ruth and Noemi Transition Home. There are 5 of our team and 13 them to make a total of 18 on the retreat. There isn't any internet access from where they are staying so we will probably not get any updates for a couple of days. Samaipata is about a 3 to 4 hour bus ride up into the mountains west of Santa Cruz. They described the weather as "sweater weather" up in the mountains.

Our team has prepared a great retreat! Be in prayer for them that God will use them over the next couple of days as they share their lives.

If you are interested in seeing the website for the place they are staying in Samaipata then visit here:
http://www.lavispera.org/

Monday in Santa Cruz

We had a full busy and very productive day today! After a morning of shopping all over Santa Cruz for items for the transition home, we were invited to have lunch with the kids at Talita Cumi orphanage. We got there before the kids got home from school, so we got to tour the facility and meet some of the staff. They have some EXCELLENT people on staff. We were very blessed to meet Heidi (on their board and very much the "mom") and to hear her heart for these kids.

After we ate lunch, the kids sang Happy Birthday to Nancy (today is her birthday!). Then we did a quick talk about hand washing (which they do very well with but always need reinforcing!) and then did a lesson and an activity about protecting their self-worth and finding their value in Christ. They seemed to have fun, and could tell then the message had an impact on them.

Pray for the staff because one of their administrative directors is moving on to another opportunity. The remaining staff will be filling in the gaps until they find a replacement.

In the afternoon we finished up our shopping and did some work redecorating the downstairs bathroom and planning for our painting day we will have at the end of the week. There were a couple of things we haven't been able to find yet, so hopefully we can find them before we leave!

Tomorrow we will leave for the retreat in Samaipata. We have gotten to work around the girls at the Transition Home and gotten to know them some (and their sweet kids!)

Pray for our retreat preparation tomorrow morning, for safe travels up the mountains to Samaipata, and for genuine relationships to build tomorrow evening.

PS - and we got fried plantains tonight! YUM.

PPS - There's definitely a different dynamic this year with an all women team. Lots of laughter!

They have arrived safely!

I heard from Stephanie this afternoon. The team has arrived safely in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Everyone is doing well. They had a bolivian breakfast this morning (chicken empanadas, fresh fruit and fresh fruit juices) at my brother and sister-in-laws home. For those that don't know my brother Danny, and his wife Vanessa and their 3 kids are missionaries based out of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Danny leads a ministry called Agua Yaku, which provides clean water for those need, and Vanessa leads the transition home that our church helps support which is called the Ruth and Noemi Transition Home for Girls. Our team, this week, will be spending most of their time leading a retreat for the girls and babies of the transition home as well as the leaders of the home.

Our team will spend tomorrow at the orphanage that most of the girls in the home come from which is called Talita Cumi. Then Tuesday through Thursday they will be in up in a mountain town called Samaipata leading the retreat.

Continue to pray for our team as God uses them in great ways this week!
Jason Beams

Bolivia Mission Team leaves Saturday, September 10

Bolivia Mission Trip – September 10-18
We have a team away to Santa Cruz, Bolivia this week leading a retreat for the girls, babies, and leaders of the Ruth and Noemi Transition Home. This is a ministry that we support that is a safe place for girls to live that are walking through a crisis pregnancy (no family support, abusive situations) or age out of an orphanage and need a place to land and gain life skills, job training, and discipleship. Please be in prayer for Stephanie Beams, Carlette Thibeault, Tamara Rice, Nancy Massey and Lindsey Hiatt as they lead share their lives with these ladies this week.

We had an incredible, life-changing week!

On the Way Home!

Well our team has begun their journey home. They are currently on a flight to Miami, Fl where they will have a short layover and then will connect to Houston Intercontinental Airport where they will arrive at 12:10 AM tonight!! Please pray for safe and restful travel! We are all anxious to have them home again! (Especially those of us with small kiddos;) We are looking forward to lots of stories and pictures! Thanks for all your prayers! I know that they have made this trip the success that it has been! -Stephanie

Our Week in Bolivia

We are back in Santa Cruz after a week in the Bolivian lowlands. La Brecha was the community where we camped, drilled, ministered, and spent time our week. What an awesome and humbling experience we had. This area is so remote it is like driving to El Paso on a single lane dirt road, most of which is so ate up with ruts and potholes. The drive is like a constant rally race to keep from getting stuck. In the middle of jungle, cactus, shrubs, wild animals, and livestock communities pop up that seem to spring up out of nowhere and for no apparent reason. These communities have been here forever. Land and homesteads handed down through generations. There are schools and churches, but practically no basic necessities like electricity, running water, and stores. The indigenous population live in ways that we could never imagine, yet they are kind, generous, loving, and happy. We spent 3 days digging 2 water wells and it was back breaking, bone jarring work. Everyone was wiped out by the end of the day. We all smelled bad, looked bad, and our bodies ached, yet I don´t think I heard 1 person say they would not be willing to come back and do it all over again. The blessing that we received from this experience is much more than the blessing that the community received from our water wells.

On the first night there we attended a local church service that seemed to be given just because we were present. Jason spoke for a few moments, Nathan reviewed one of the daily devotionals we had been doing, and I got to share my testimony. All this was done through translation by our foreman. The young ladies of the church sang some beautiful songs for us and it was an awesome, holy experience. I wish I had known the words. One of the things that touched me the most was that this community came out and put on their best for us. They dressed up in their best clothes, they put on their best service, sang their best songs, and opened their doors and hearts. That was all followed by watching the Jesus video in Guarani. I didn´t understand 2 words but that didn´t matter. There were over 200 in attendance which was just amazing. Even though they do not have much in a materialistic sense, they have an abundance of love and kindness. They put on their best for us in everything they did. They were always kind and friendly even though most of us were terrible in our attempts to communicate with them. One thing that was definitely displayed this week is that love knows no language

On the third day, we almost lost the second well. A section of PVC came unscrewed and the well pipe dropped into a 40 meter hole. By the grace of God, Marcos was able to fish the pipè out of the hole hanging on by a thread. Nathan´s Ninja reflexes got a pipe wrench on the pipe before it dropped back into the hole. We then extracted the pipe, reclaimed the hole and completed the well before dark. All to the applause of the local community. It was totally awesome! I found out later, in talking to Mike, that several of us had been silently praything that God would not let our last 2 days work go to waste. How our prayers were answered and answered immediately was just one of the many miracles we have experienced on this trip! Just being able to grab that pipe out of the hole as it hung onto the edge of the fishing apparatus by no more than .25 inches and the quickness and agility of the whole amatuer team working on the well to reclaim is testimony to the presence and goodness of God.

Another blessing and miracle is the team of missionaries we worked with. Danny, Vanessa, Warren, Jackie, Juanita, Marcos, and Eric are absolutely some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Their love for the Bolivian people is not only evident in the drilling of water wells and bringing in missionary teams, but also in the transition home that they manage in Santa Cruz. I would highly encourage any of the ladies from our church to try and visit this coming fall. We got to spend a little time there today and help move some furniture and it is evident that the hand of God is present in this place and on these ladies. Vanessa, Juanita, Terry, Jamie, and Caeser prepared most of our meals, coordinated our activities, and held bible study and VBS during our trip! That is an amazing load! They literally took care of us like kings. That was not an easy job. For 2 days the wind blew at what seemed like 30 to 50 mph. Sand blew everywhere and into everything yet they made sure we had everything we needed to keep going on the task that lie before us. They had to fight tents being blown over and torn up, yet they kept everything intact and we did not miss a meal, go thirsty, or lose a thing. In fact I probably gained a few pounds! Danny, Marcos, and Eric are excellent at what they do. They were able to take a bunch of individuals with little knowledge for drilling water wells and turn us into a functional, coordinated team in just a few hours. I don´t think there is any problem they could not have resolved.

I also don´t want to leave out the fun we had and the relationships we developed. Trust me, being around 10 plus stinky, testosterone laced men in tents for 4 days is no picnic, yet we bonded and came together for a greater cause. To bring glory to God and to serve Him in whatever capacity we each have. We each have different gifts and abilities, and God gave us all the opportunity to serve Him through serving others this week.

Gideon

Great Week!

We made it back to the hotel late last night from our water well adventure. Everyone is doing great! We were able to complete two wells in a regional village in the Isosog area of South Bolivia. The people that live in this area speak an Indian language called Guarani. The first well we did was at a church. We loved digging this well for them because it will hopefully help them minister to the people in this area at an even greater level. The day we did this well we were able to participate in a great worship service at night where there were at least a couple hundred people who came to the outdoor service. There was lots of singing and celebration. They asked us to share a little bit so I intro´d our group and thanked them for letting us be a part of their community, Nathan shared a scripture and Gideon did an incredible job sharing his testimony. After that we showed the Jesus film. It was a great night. Day 2 and 3 consisted of drilling a well for the hospital in town. La Brecha was a village of probably 100 or more families but also served as a regional area to the hundreds of other families that lived throughout this region. The hospital only had water available to them when they had diesel(which was hard to come by) to pump their well. We were able to put a well in for them so that they have water now whenever they need it. What a privilege to be part of this project. God is good. Thanks for your prayers! Jason

Back in Santa Cruz

Jason called through Face Time back at the hotel in Santa Cruz tonight. It was great to see his face and let the kids talk to him! They finished their second well after dark last night and got up early this morning to head back to Santa Cruz. Half way between the village and Santa Cruz they pulled off the road for what Jason called the ultimate off road experience! They drove about an hour and half (truly off road, back road, dirt road, etc.) to a scenic hike and overlook. Jason said there were beautiful cliffs and rock arches and at the end of the hike they enjoyed an amazing panoramic view. He said that if the team hadn't felt like they had gotten enough adventure, they certainly got it today! He was tired but seemed very excited about how well the trip has gone! Tomorrow they will have a day of rest and shopping before they fly out Sunday. I know they will have tons of neat stories to tell, since we have only gotten to hear bits and pieces during quick conversations over the satellite phone. The showing of the Jesus Film , which was new this year, seemed to really draw a lot of people. Jason said that he was sure there were at least 250 people that came. Terry and Jamie had lots planned for working with the kids there as well, so I'm anxious to hear their experience. One thing that was exciting for me to hear is that one of our girls from the Ruth Y Naomi transition home, Juanita is who went to be the cook on this trip! It's great to hear that she is doing well! She has graduated culinary school since being at the home and now she can put that into practice!!! Awesome!

Hundreds see Jesus Film

Hello Friends,
This is Lisa Rodriguez. I spoke with John and Robert early Wednesday morning. Everyone is doing well and feeling super excited. They completed one water well and Monday evening someone had a generator so the team showed the Jesus Film. John said a couple hundred folks walked to see it, they heard about it word-of-mouth. Praise God for the word spreading and allow so many to hear about Christ' sacrifice for all mankind. Everyone is well and have been able to make calls home to relay all the good news.

Robert has been spending time the children in the area which is a larger community than they have visited in the past. This is the reason they are able to do more than one well this trip. They also have a restroom of sorts, no digging holes this trip. Thank you for all your prayers and continue to pray the messege of Christ be spread through this community like the water that will soon be flowing, fresh, free and fulfilling.

1. Complete first water well in a day...Check!

Jason called on the satellite phone this afternoon. It was great to hear his voice and know that they are safe and having a great time. He said they had just completed their first well and all they have to do is cement the pump in! Awesome! For those of you who have been in the past you now that sometimes a well can take 3 or 4 days, so this means great things. The ground is softer and they are able to find water at much shallower levels. They are planning on drilling a well a day while they are there, so they will start on the next one tomorrow. He said that the team was all having a blast and loving every minute. They are staying on the property of a little Assembly of God church that was started by a Korean missionary and traveling a couple of miles each day to the community to drill. Jason let some of the team members call and let their family members know that they were there. It was a quick call but I know everyone back home was excited to hear news from them!

They made it...I think!?

Well, I didn't know when we would hear from the team, so I was a little surprised when last night at 9 o'clock I checked my phone and saw that at 8:23 there were missed calls from a really long number that appeared to be the satellite phone. We were outside playing with the kids and came in about 8:40, so we just missed him!!! :( I tried to call back, but no connection. He didn't leave a message and called several times within that 15 min. period, so I think he was having difficulty making a connection. Jason had told me that he would probably let a couple members of the team call home to let everyone know they were there, but no one else has heard, so I am assuming they are having difficulty getting a signal. He hasn't tried to call back, so I am assuming there is no emergency and they made it there and that is why he called. They are probably busy getting the well started this morning. I will keep everyone updated if he tries to call again! Please keep them in your prayers as they work very hard to give the people of Bolivia clean drinking water and share about Christ! ~Stephanie

Face Time

We got to talk to our guys tonight on Face Time. Technology is such a wonderful thing! They are getting everything ready to leave at 5 in the morning to take the 7-8 hour trip to the village. They asked for extra prayer because there have been threats of road blocks, which is why they are leaving so early. In Bolivia, there is a big gap between the rich and the poor and a lot of political friction between 2 parties. So... when the poorer class party wants the government to do something, they stage road blocks in protest. This delayed our team by about 27 hours a couple of years ago. (And definitely increased the adventure aspect of the trip, driving through winding dirt roads and holding the bus up around curves!) This year, they are hoping to get through ahead of any road blocks, so keep them in your prayers. The only contact we will have the next 5 days will be through a satellite phone. Jason said that he would let us know that they made it safely, but that is probably all we will hear while they are in the village...in tents...with no electricity...or running water....remember that's why they are there drilling a well! This will have a huge impact on this village!! Be praying for their safety and for God to prepare the hearts of the people of the village to receive His word! So, on the night before they enter the jungles of Bolivia, to prepare for all the ministry they are going to have there, our boys are watching the Mavericks in Spanish!!! Yay Mavericks!!! That's all for now! I will keep you updated as I hear anything else! Thanks for your prayers! -Stephanie

Waiting for news...

Hey Guys...this is Stephanie
Well, we know the team has landed safely in Santa Cruz. They got off the plane no doubt to a wonderful Bolivian breakfast with fresh fruit and juice (Bolivian fruit is awesome!) Im jealous! We are still waiting any further word. Jason has tried to call a couple of times from his Ipad, but we haven't been able to connect, yet. I'm just glad to know they are safe. They are getting rested for a big trip tomorrow down south to the village where they will be drilling. Keep them in your prayers, as road travel is not quite what it is in the U.S. (that is a huge understatement!) I'll keep you posted as I hear more!!!

Second time Around

Robert and I are serving together again along with other BPF team members in 2011. Second time around for this father/son team. Putting God first was a challenge this year. Lots of work obstacles and limited time with family before departure. Pray for God's here in Bolivia and back home with our family members. I would not have missed this for the world. A few airport, visa, and luggage issues but things were otherwise uneventful. Long road trip tomorrow followed by hopefully a bountiful 4 days drilling for clean water.

...and they are off!

The Bolivia Team is officially at the airport. I think they are all eager to get there. :) 8 members of the team have been before, so there are 6 newbies ready for adventure! Saying good-bye for 9 days leaves room for adventures both on the state-side and in Bolivia. (Like, when my husband decided to start potty training our 2 year old this morning and then leaves the country! hahaha- I'm ok with it. It will be and interesting week!)

I'm looking forward to hearing what God is going to do this week!

Bye Daddy! Love, Sarah & Caleb

AguaYaku

Check out AguaYaku - learn what they do, how they do it, and how to make a donation if you are interested

And They're Off...

We have another team headed to Bolivia! This is a water well team that will be working in the jungle. (We will be sending a Ruth & Noemi Transition Home team to Santa Cruz later in the year.)

This team will leave on Saturday, June 11. Here is how you can be praying:

-Pray for the last minute details as they prepare to GO
-Pray for safety as they travel to Bolivia and in country
-Pray for success in drilling the water wells
-Pray for connections and catalyst opportunities with natives
-Pray for our friends and partners: missionaries Danny & Vanessa Beams, and family; and Warren & Jackie McCaig and family
-Pray for long-term relationships between BPF and a Bolivian community or people group

Check back often. Just keep in mind that when the team is in the jungle - they have no communication (other than a satellite phone that is used for emergency only). But, we will update as often as we hear some news!