Bolivia Mission
OCCM-VA is planning a mission trip to Bolivia in 2025!
Background:
In 1997, Fr. Aghathon Amba Boula heard of and began to visit a few Copts who were living in Bolivia. He continued to serve them for four years until they requested a permanent priest. His Holiness sent Fr. Youssef Amba Boula to serve them. Fr. Youssef had minor courses in Spanish prior to coming to Bolivia. He arrived on December 14th, 2000. Fr. Youssef started services in a rented flat located in a poor area. However, only one Copt remained in Bolivia. The other families returned to Egypt or immigrated to the U.S.A. He prayed his first Liturgy in the hall of his flat three days after his arrival. At this time, there weren’t any Liturgical books in Spanish but within 6 months, he translated them. He continued to pray in the hall for two years.
Fr. Youssef began teaching Coptic Hymns to children and youth in Coptic and Spanish. He arranged trips. He started to communicate regularly with many Bolivians. Frequently they asked him about his clothing, his beard, and the cross he wears. When they knew that he was a Christian, they started to ask him about his beliefs and the Coptic Orthodox Church. He explained Orthodoxy and showed them the love of Christ. Fr. Youssef loved them and they loved him back. He spent time with them, listened to their problems, aided them with solutions, and gave them spiritual advice. He started various spiritual and social services. They learned about the Coptic Church, embraced it, and were baptized. Fr. Youssef performed the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, marriage, and unction of the sick multiple times. He wrote a book about the Coptic Church in Spanish and published the Coptic Spanish Liturgy Book. With the guidance of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, the help of Fr. Michael Edward priest of St. Mark Church in Cleveland, and the determination of Fr. Youssef, the service continued to grow.
The Coptic Orthodox Churches in Bolivia include St. Mary and St. Mark Cathedral in Santa Cruz, Bolivia - Headquarters of Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Bolivia, St. Verina Church in Santa Rosa, Bolivia, Archangel Michael Church in Paquio, Bolivia, St. Philopateer and St. Mehrail Church in Montero, Bolivia, St. Mary and St. Joseph in Valle Sánchez, Bolivia, St. George Church in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and New church project in El Torno, Bolivia.
Country Overview:
Bolivia is bordered to the north and east by Brazil, to the southeast by Paraguay, to the south by Argentina, to the southwest and west by Chile, and to the northwest by Peru. Bolivia shares Lake Titicaca, the second largest lake in South America (after Lake Maracaibo), with Peru. The country has been landlocked since it lost its Pacific coast territory to Chile in the War of the Pacific (1879–84), but agreements with neighboring countries have granted it indirect access to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The constitutional capital is the historic city of Sucre, where the Supreme Court is established, but the administrative capital is La Paz, where the executive and legislative branches of government function.
Bolivia is traditionally regarded as a highland country. Although only one-third of its territory lies in the Andes Mountains, most of the nation’s largest cities are located there, and for centuries the highlands have attracted the nation’s largest amount of mining, commercial, and business investment. In the late 20th century, however, the demographic and economic landscape began to change as the eastern lowlands—particularly the department of Santa Cruz—developed rapidly.
The country has a rich history. It was once the center of the ancient Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco) empire, and from the 15th to the early 16th century it was a part of the Inca empire. After the arrival of the conquistadores, Bolivia was subsumed within the Viceroyalty of Peru, and it provided Spain with immense wealth in silver.
What to Expect:
Village Visitation/Homeless Outreach: For visitations, prepare to share Quiet Time verses and pray with people in their house-to-house visits. If possible, invite them to the local church. Seyidna will guide you in preparing food to deliver to the homeless.
Prison: There is both a boy's prison and a girl's prison. Prepare to sing songs, give biblical sermons, and provide gifts to each of them (Bibles, Toiletries, etc.).
Sunday School/Youth Meetings: Prepare skits, Bible lessons, activities, and songs, and come with games and outdoor activities (Sports Balls, Jump Rope, etc.). It is a good rule of thumb to have candy and gifts to pass out everywhere you go.
Children Program: Develop programs for kids at schools, daycares, and Churches. Prepare Sunday School stories for kids, prepare 4 or 5 Biblical skits, prepare games & activities for kids, prepare arts and crafts, teach kids songs with movements.
Praise and Worship: Prepare to teach and sing songs In Spanish with the local people. Learn songs ahead of the trip.
Adult Program: Prepare to talk on topics of hope and joy because they face adversity. Prepare talks on Marriage and prepare fun games and activities for adults.
Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming Bolivia Mission trip!