Bolivia 2021 Jul 22-Aug 1 Construction on Service Training Center
Cochabamba, Bolivia
Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Opportunity Type: Work Trip Adventures
Dates: July 22 - August 1, 2021
The ministry started in 1998 and the camp purchased in 2005. It opened just a few months later with over 700 campers showing up for the first week! They slept in tents and used make shift restrooms. These were days to remember with great impact for the Lord but accommodations have sure changed! WOL Bolivia has reached tens of thousands of youth with the gospel of Christ since 1998. The camp is filled to capacity every season and they still don't have room for everyone that want to come. New larger dorms are needed to house more campers. A new Service Trainer Center concept in ministry has been launched in Bolivia and they need instructors for areas such as carpentry, plumbing, welding, cabinet making, sewing, hair cutting and styling, computer drafting, electrical, automotive repair, small engine repair, food production using hydroponics and more.
You'll love the ministry and staff. You'll meet some wonderful young people that have come to learn how they can serve the Lord better with their lives. The property is absolutely beautiful! Pastor Sonny said it is "One of the nicest camp properties Word of Life has anywhere in the world and we were treated like royalty." The Bolivia ministry has a 2 year Discipleship Training Center with around 80 students. Evangelism is a key component to their training and you'll take part in some of these activities.Our main project will be helping with the new Service Training Center. This is a career vocation center where young people are taught skills to help them support their ministries and serve their communities. You'll work alongside the staff, hear the testimonies and be thrilled to serve the Lord together! What a tremendous opportunity to serve the Lord! This trip we'll be working on the hot water system for the Training center. Solar panels and propane boiler will be combined for efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Details
Travel
Most flights enter Bolivia via Santa Cruz or La Paz then connect to Cochabamba. Did you know that La Paz is 13,000 feet high so the air is pretty thin! Flight from FL or TX are about 7 hours. After arriving and going through customs you'll fly for another 1.5 hours. As of this update yellow fever shots are not required when flying from the US to Bolivia however there are some restrictions for Covid.
Visa
A entry visa is required, $160 (good for 10 years), and can be purchased ahead of time in the US or in the airport in Bolivia. The process takes about 10 minutes per person so if there is a large group going this should be done here in the USA before you leave. A Yellow Fever shot to travel to this part of Bolivia are NO LONGER required but could change at any time. A negative Covid test in the US is required for now but could change as well. You must enter Bolivia as a tourist and be careful not to note on your paperwork you are going on a work trip. You will need a schedule of where you will be staying and an invitation letter from Bolivia is required for your stay. WOL Bolivia will send you this invitation letter.
Food
You'll enjoy the excellent care of the WOL staff. The food is really good and always fresh. You'll eat with the some of the WOL staff every day and hear their testimonies. What a great way to start the morning.
Housing
Housing is in the student dorms. You'll be taken VERY good care of.
Transportation
WOL Bolivia has a tour bus and will arrange to pick up our team at the airport.
What To Bring
Depending on the size of the group you might need to take along your own bedding. You will need personal items like soaps and shampoos. A list of necessary tools or gift ideas will be sent to you closer to the trip dates. Simple things such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, saws, tape measures, etc are always good things to take along. Electric is 240 volt so different than the USA. Many cordless tools will handle this voltage but check before you plug it into their outlets. Most computers and phone charges handle this voltage. They do have step-down transformers for these tools that you can use. Because you are allowed 2 bags of luggage, consider packing your clothing in one and filling the other with items you can take for the staff and students. What would they need? Consider taking clothing, office supplies, kitchen utensils, household items such as towels, pots and pans, cooking dishes, serving dishes, etc.
What To Wear
Temps vary during the day so best to dress in layers. You may work in shorts and T-shirts but some prefer jeans. It does cool down at night into the 40's and could even be in the 30's. Church is business casual dress. Take along a coat for the evenings as July-August is winter in Bolivia and at 8,700 ft it gets cool.
Qualifications
These projects are designed for everyone to attend. A love for the Lord to serve and a willingness to be blessed are what we are looking for. If you can do these things, you qualify!
Other
There is so much that can be done at the camp and all skills and talents are needed. There is room for the entire family to go along. Work trips are great opportunities for grandparents to introduce their grand children to missions.
Finances
Cost
$770.42
About the Finances
Trip cost covers food, lodging, transportation, background check, travel insurance and $120 host cost plus $125 work funds. Airline tickets and Bolivia entry visas are not included in the trip price. Deposit of $200 due June 1, 2021 and balance due July 1, 2021 This is an amazing ministry and incredible adventure! Don't miss this one!