Sarah writes – It is winter here in Santa Cruz, Bolivia! Lately, it has been quite windy which reminds of how the Holy Spirit is described in Acts 2. On the first Pentecost Sunday, God’s spirit came down as a powerful violent wind and filled the room where the disciples were. The wind helps me to remember that story and how the Holy Spirit is moving around us and through us and that God is present with us! 

About a month ago, I was walking around the city and I realized how hyperaware I was of my surroundings.... Then immediately, I had this conviction and I asked myself, “Am I this hyperaware of the Holy Spirit?” Since then I have been wrestling with that question. Honestly, it was hard for me to answer with a quick yes! I’m sure it has to do with the transition that I have been in since moving here, but once I realized it then I started to pay attention. Over the last couple months God has given me opportunities to see where he is at work through different ministry opportunities he has given me in Cochabamba and in Santa Cruz. 

During my last visit to Cochabamba with a team from South Parkersburg Baptist Church, Parkersburg, West Virginia, I saw firsthand God’s spirit moving. I went to help translate for the team as well as use the time to learn more about the ministries of House of Hope. We had the opportunity to serve alongside a Quechua congregation. They have been building a new sanctuary because they outgrew their current building space! This congregation has become a light in their community and people are interested to learn about Jesus and the hope he gives.… 

• Thank you for your prayers! I have my three–year temporary residency visa and my Bolivian I.D card! This is a huge praise after three months of immigration appointments.  

• Pray that I will continue to discern where God’s Spirit is leading as I help start a new House of Hope in Santa Cruz. 
• Pray for doors to open and I can have meetings with pastors in Santa Cruz in these coming months and hear the needs of their ministry. 
• Pray for my transition to life here. 
• Pray for me that I will give myself grace through all the cultural, ministry, and language learning. 
• Pray for the relationships that I have started to establish here will continue to grow and deepen. 

• Praising God for each of you who pray for me and who make my ministry here possible! 
• Yay God for a great June and July. I got to help with two summer mission teams with the House of Hope! It was a joy to see how people love and support the ministry of House of Hope and keep coming back year after year. 
• Praise God that I am feeling more settled and at home here in Santa Cruz! 
• Praise God for all the support that I have received from International Ministries staff to help me with my transition to life and ministry here. 

Read Sarah’s full journal at https://internationalministries.org/seeing-gods-spirit-move-in-bolivia/