By Sandra Elliott
To the one who’s afraid to say “yes,” let me tell you about Sara, who, after decades of ministry in Cochabamba, Bolivia, was still willing to say “yes” when God gave her a new and challenging way to serve.
Sara has been with SIM in Bolivia since 1985, working primarily in children’s evangelism through discipling puppet teams. Sara and her husband, Richard, have seen the impact of this ministry to be far-reaching, as members of the main group now serve God in various places and in different ways around the world.
When COVID-19 hit in 2020, bringing lockdowns and uncertainty, Sara suddenly faced a heartbreaking reality in Bolivia: several local pastors and leaders had died, leaving widows and children with minimal support, great grief, and loss of identity.
At this time, Sara was part of a WhatsApp group for pastors’ wives. As messages came across her phone, her heart broke for her friends whose newfound widowhood excluded them from the conversation and community.
“The Lord just prompted me to do something about it,” Sara told me via Zoom, “It’s something I never thought that I would do…I felt so inadequate.”
Remember, Sara’s background is in children’s evangelism—she’s not a trained therapist or grief counselor. But when God called, she said “yes.” And in response to her obedience and humility, God brought the right people and resources to bring newness to the lives of others.
One such person who helped was a pastor’s widow from Mexico, who in 2020 launched an online ministry in Spanish to support others who had lost a loved one. After the two were connected, this woman helped Sara by kickstarting online sessions for the widows in Bolivia.
“That started it,” Sara explained, “We had a lot of tears as we talked about the importance of opening up and not denying our feelings.”
According to Sara, within the Evangelical Bolivian culture, people are quick to assure grieving family members that their loved ones are in heaven. And while this is true, it often leads to self-denial in the grieving process, eliminating critical steps in the healing process.
“I think maybe that is one thing that gave me the boldness to step out and do something that I didn’t feel I was qualified to do.”
Today, Sara’s WhatsApp group has over 50 members who provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie for one another as they heal from the loss of a loved one. The group gathers nearly every month, stays connected through daily devotionals, plans meaningful retreats, and recently hosted a special game day for families who are grieving.
On May 3rd of this year, Sara and Bolivian volunteers trained in trauma healing organised a day of therapeutic games for families. The event had five main goals.
First, participants learn the value of their role within their families. Second, they understand the importance of sharing their feelings with each other. Third, they learn how to give and receive support during times of grief. Fourth, they recognize and express when they are making progress. And fifth, they know when it’s time to seek help from a professional outside the family.
Please pray
- For God’s guidance and sensitivity to particular needs for both adults and children. We are grateful that He has provided trained professionals to help those who need more in-depth counseling.
- For families. I am so grateful for how God has sent trained professionals to help those who are hurting. I hadn’t asked Him – yet He knew what was needed. He keeps sending more individuals with needs. My prayer is to respond according to His will and plan. Pray for His continual guidance.
- For preparations to teach a workshop during the National Missions Cumbre in September that will train the participants to organize Mission Adventures for children in their churches.
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