Small steps aimed at generational change

Teodocia Paredes Carbrera (left) and other women show off their crocheted items in Chilimarca, Bolivia.

CHILIMARCA, BOLIVIA―Culture often changes slowly. In the mountain communities of Chilimarca, Bolivia, nurse Teodocia Paredes Cabrera is bringing about a kind of change that can last for generations.

It may seem unlikely that crocheting flowers could become a pathway to transformation, but this is the simple and creative approach Teo uses to reach women in the small villages surrounding her hometown. She brings supplies, gathers women together and teaches them the crocheting skills she learned from her grandmother. Before long, the women are creating beautiful flowers they can display, sell or give as gifts.

As the women spend hours together working with their hands, Teo builds relationships, shares Bible stories and tells them about the love of Jesus. She listens to their concerns, encourages them and shares practical knowledge that can help their families thrive. She teaches them, for example, how to protect their homes from the triatomine bug, which can cause Chagas disease.

Each year, new groups of women gather to learn, laugh and grow together. As friendships deepen, so does their sense of hope and possibility. The women are gaining skills that they can also pass on to their children. More importantly, the truths they are hearing about Jesus are taking root.

Teo’s mornings are spent running a medical clinic, while her afternoons are divided between the women’s groups and teaching life skills to children alongside her sister, Sofia.

Let us pray for ministry directors who are finding creative ways to meet people where they are. Pray that God would use these relationships to bring healing, hope and the transforming message of Jesus to entire communities.

To read the full September GAP newsletter, including requests for prayer and praise, toggle between the two images below.