La Niña Becomes Instrument of Love
During 2007 and 2008, La Niña, the cold phase of El Niño weather phenomenon, was blamed for the worst flooding in decades across Bolivia’s tropical Beni region. Hundreds of thousands were displaced by the floods. Loss of life, homes, livestock, and crops was compounded by health epidemics related to contaminated water supply. A BCM Bolivia ministry team of doctors, nurses, and pastors was able to take clothing, blankets, and food as well as medical help to three communities beyond reach of government aid efforts. The spiritual ministry was even greater as many children and adults received Christ as Savior through the witness of the team.
The mission was not without its adventures. The entire plain had become one big lake, only treetops showing above water. As the BCM team traveled in a small boat, they soon lost all direction. When night came, they continued to float aimlessly, now with the added danger that the boat’s motor might snag on one of the barbed wire fences ranchers used to mark property lines. There was also the hazard of venomous snakes and predator animals that infest the jungle zones.
An area pastor accompanying the team tried to cheer things up, announcing in a loud voice, “Brothers, in these parts a pastor has to carry three things with him at all times—his Bible, his machete, and his pistol.”
With that, the pastor pulled out his pistol and fired it three times in the air. Within a few minutes, a group of men in another boat pulled up alongside to help. The BCM Bolivia ministry team returned home rejoicing for the opportunity to be a channel of blessing to these communities in need.
