Carolyn Price, Novemeber 26, 2011

I am writing using the computer of my friend Cynthia. She has a Mac – the Cadillac of Computers – and I have to admit, it IS nice! And since the computer is Cynthia´s – that means I am in Sucre! It has been a blessing to see so many of my friends, Deaf and Hearing alike! I came on Monday so that I could spend some time with Antonieta who had to travel on Tuesday. She has promised me that she will attend church with me on Sunday since she will return to Sucre on tomorrow. Rene and Rafahel arrived on Wednesday! (We were all able to fly because of a price war between airlines – a 35 minute flight beats a 17 hour bus ride any day!) Needless to say, we have been packing, unpacking, repacking, selling, and giving away item after item. I had no idea that I had accumulated so much stuff – but I guess that happens when you spend 25 years of your life in Bolivia! We hope to finish up everything by Monday so that we can return to Santa Cruz on Tuesday. I don´t know where I would be were it not for all those who are helping – Rene, Rafahel, Lucy, Chato, Paolina, Eunice, Reina, Allison, Paola, and so many others. It is good to have friends!
A young man by the name of Juan has taken over the work while the Maries are on furlough. He is from Peru and because his parents are Deaf, he signs fluently. I really like the heart of this young man. He taught on Wednesday night and it was fun for me to watch. He is going to reach out to Reynaldo who has been struggling spiritually the past few months. I was able to encourage Reynaldo who works nights and has a difficult time getting up for church on Sunday mornings. 36 years ago, I worked nights at a nursing home, so I all too well remember how I struggled with this. I learned that if I wanted to be faithful in church, I could not try to get in an hour or two of sleep beforehand. The body demands more and I can´t tell you the times that I did not hear my alarm clock, no matter how loud or close to my ear I put it. I even tried having friends call me. I finally decided that staying up was better, then I could crash after church. Many were the times I had to stand up in the back of the church, but I was there and God blessed! Please pray for Reynaldo as Juan reaches out to him.
I want to share a portion of a prayer letter that Bro. Bud Rader sent out. I have to admit I got a little teary eyed when I read it. I thought it might be a blessing to you (Bro. Bud is the director of Baptist Pioneer Mission):

¨Recently, our dear brother and friend Rubén Terrazas went to be with his Lord. Rubén was a faithful brother and member of the Christian Baptist Church of Vilcas. He was a real back country man in the best sense with several mountain lion kills to his credit. This he did by necessity as the lions would often invade his land and steal his meager livestock.
After a lengthy fight with cancer, God called him home. I would have liked to have been at his funeral but with the 24 hour burying law and slow communication I was not able to be present. Last Sunday we went to Vilcas and were in the service with the brethren of Christian Baptist Church. Before the service my family and I climbed the steep trail to the local cemetery. It is on a jungle covered hill near the river´s edge which runs far below. We located the fresh grave and I felt compelled to remove my sombrero as I recalled the life of my fine brother. He lies next to the crude tombs of his parents. On his father´s tomb it says, “Eulogio Terrazas March 23, 1983.” As young missionaries Karen and I were present that day. It is quite a hike to the cemetery and the cadaver had to be shouldered as there is no road. The path is steep and narrow in places so that, at times, 2 men must bear the load alone as the casket swings beneath the poles from which it is suspended. It is a difficult task. Rubén was much younger back then and several tried to take his place as he bore his father´s body that damp morning but Rubén kept saying, “No, this is my last earthly journey with my father. I will make it just fine.” And he did. The epitaph on his father´s marker says, “Christ is my Savior.” A few years later his mother, Margarita, went to be with the Lord. Her epitaph reads, “Only Christ saves.” I viewed the graves of a few other Christians with similar words of testimony. It struck me that these were amongst the first Christians to pass on to heaven in this region. There was a time when no testimony for Christ could be found in these mountains. By God´s grace that is no longer true for not only do the epitaphs testify of Christ´s saving power but many of their descendents are following Christ today. Yes, by God´s grace tucked away in this nook of the Andes there lives, survives, and thrives a small body of believers who stoutly wave the Gospel flag.”

God is so good…
Have a wonderful week!!!
Your sister and co-laborer in Christ,
Carolyn
P.S. Please pray for my Pastor (Pastor Bill Phillips) who is undergoing treatment for his cancer. So far everything looks good for which we are all very thankful.
Psalm 18:28
Mission Address: Baptist Pioneer Mission, P.O. Box 5114, Kincheloe, MI 49788