Through trawling the internet, Paul and Liane Hadley became aware of urgent teaching needs at Carachipampa Christian School (CCS) in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Both teachers, they had a growing conviction that God was leading them into mission. But where would He take them?

It seemed clear to them that the school was of vital importance. CCS provides support for frontline missionaries by educating their children. In addition, it offers Bolivian children an education, creating opportunities to build relationships with local families.

Paul and Liane approached SIM and began to explore the possibility of serving at CCS. They started ‘knocking on doors’, and were amazed at how quickly and obviously they were opened. It seemed they had the skills and experience that were desperately needed by the school in the next academic year.

The Hadley family, which includes Noah (4) and Eryn (1), feel that they were blessed with wisdom, love and support from Scott Drive Church (Exmouth) at this time. They had thought that God had moved them to Exmouth so that they could serve Him there. However, in the early months of 2010 the call to Bolivia grew clearer. They were becoming increasingly motivated and passionate about the gospel, and wanted it to be the reason for whatever they did.

Paul was in a transitional phase with his employment, so the time seemed right. And the fact that their prayer and financial support came in quickly served to confirm the decision. Six months after that initial internet search, they arrived at the blue iron gates of Carachipampa Christian School.

Sharing God’s amazing gospel

"Now we are here, it is even clearer that CCS seeks to disciple their students to grow and develop as servants of Christ themselves," says Paul. Their motto is: Educating for Eternity.

CCS is an important ministry in and of itself, but in addition they were particularly driven to support the vision SIM had for this country:
Our mandate is to strengthen local evangelical churches in Bolivia by developing leaders through: children, youth and family ministries; evangelism; New Initiatives in Missions; Quechua ministries; and theological education. We emphasise sustainability, partnerships adn showing compassion, all in reliance on God.

Since arriving in Bolivia in July 2010, Paul and Liane have been able to meet with people who are actively working to meet this vision. In particular, this means seminary lecturers. ‘And we have the privilege of educating their children while they are doing so,’ says Paul.

Paul teaches Information Communication Technology (computing), to pupils from age 8 to 18, while Liane teaches science and biology to pupils aged 14-16. Normally Paul teaches in the morning and Liane teaches in the afternoon. They are grateful that they have a ministry through teaching and supporting missionaries, but also pray that God will use them in everything else they do.

Liane volunteers one morning a week at a local preschool associated with their church. It’s in a very poor neighbourhood, close to CCS. ‘It has given me a chance to meet with other families and staff outside of CCS,’ she comments. ‘A lot of the children are from difficult backgrounds … so the extra hands are useful!’

Paul, who has an interest in climbing, has found a small climbing community in Cochabamba, and he meets with the group weekly. ‘They have helped enormously with my Spanish,’ he says, ‘and I have benefited from their friendship. I pray that, through these relationships, God may reveal Himself to them in His good time.’

Recently Paul attended a climbing festival near the border with Chile. ‘It was an eight-hour drive on a bumpy, uncomfortable bus, with leg-room suitable for toddlers!’ he recalls. ‘But it was worth every minute to see a bit of this beautiful country and spend time with its varied and beautiful people.’

Noah and Eryn give their parents constant opportunities to talk with others. They are quite popular among the locals because of their unusual blond hair and blue eyes. ‘On every bus ride we usually end up having a conversation with someone about why we are here in Bolivia and where we have come from,’ says Liane.

Liane and Paul look forward to more opportunities to spend time with the people they meet, both in and out of school. Their goal is to have the passion and wisdom to make the most of every opportunity. ‘God has been faithful and gracious throughout our time here,’ says Paul. ‘We are blessed to be witnesses for Him and remain motivated to share this amazing gospel.’

Principal needed at CCS: position description.

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