In April 2024, Adam and Susie Voke (Cornerstone City Church, Medway) flew to Bolivia to spend time with the Butchers: a pioneering family sent from the church with a vision to construct a mission and children’s centre that could serve the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of the community in and around Santa Cruz.

Bolivia was beautiful, and the Butcher family were buzzing. They've barely stopped since they left their home in Gillingham three years ago.

Isaac and Anali, together with their daughters Eunice and Amelia, had been part of our church in Medway for five years before we waved them off to Bolivia. Our loss would be Bolivia's gain. We listened wide-eyed when they first told us how God had spoken about building a home for street kids in Anali’s birth country. It sounded ambitious, but we knew they had walked with God through many seasons and that He had ‘prepared their hands for battle’ (Ps 18:34).

We’ve remained in touch for the three years since then, but in April 2024 we finally got to visit and see with our own eyes what they and God had been up to!

A Heart For Bolivia

The whole family had stepped out in faith, and as a result, a huge house had been built.

The thoughtfulness in how they work with their builders, approach the street kids, and visit the local communities are just a few examples that demonstrate the Butchers’ heart for the country.

The Butchers regularly go with food parcels to share the gospel in hidden away communities (on one trip, we crossed nine rivers in their trusty 4x4). We went with Isaac on one of his regular visits to the city to take food to kids living on the street. We also had the ‘joy’ of joining their 100k-sponsored run into the mountains! (Check out their YouTube or Instagram for a more in-depth look at everything they get up to.)

Ants in Your Pants

There was a bit of an ant theme while we were there. It was partly triggered by various renditions of the Pink Panther theme tune (“Dead Ant, Dead Ant…” — children of the 80s, you know what I mean!). And partly because large ants completely covered the outside toilet, something we discovered just before their Small Group was about to start.

While Anali was finishing the most enormous and delicious vat of rice pudding I’ve ever seen, Isaac was dashing around, clearing up the tiny insects before any guests got ants in their pants.

Outside the mission centre being constructed to serve the local community

We also got to visit their Sunday gathering. While there were many differences, the PA issues, kids running in and out, and being handed drinks at the end accompanied by warm smiles infused the gathering with familiarity. More than that, we all know Jesus. What better connection could there be?

Seeing a bit of His Kingdom in a new place is a wonder-filled thing, like observing a sculpture from a whole new angle.

I loved how Christian (the appropriately named pastor) taught us from the word. We gathered around to read the passage together, and he mingled his insights with questions, understanding that this would be a more helpful way for his listeners to grow in faith.

Be Like the Ant

Proverbs tells us, ‘Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise’ (Pro 6:6-11).

Just like watching little ants carrying great loads on their backs, I have always wondered how my friends managed to juggle it all. Isaac balanced a job as a trumpeting DJ in London and developed a nutritionist business while being a husband, dad, and member of our church. With no less effort, Anali home-schooled, created, cooked from scratch, painted, and made clothes.

Hard work is not easy, but seeing it in action and the fruit it produces reminds me that it pays off.

Being sharpened by another’s lifestyle is a Biblical principle, so I came home from Bolivia with renewed energy to work hard.

Teamwork: An Anty Attitude

I wonder if Solomon also considered the ants’ attitude to teamwork. Their tiny bodies are vulnerable, yet they can achieve incredible things when they work together.

Teamwork runs through the Butcher household and within the local church. One of my favourite days was following Anali and her team as they harvested the mandarins and took them into town to get the best price. This is Proverbs 31:18 in action: ‘She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.’

Of course, partnering with the RM family has also helped a great deal.

The Butchers are quick to point out that the last three years could not have happened without the support and encouragement of others worldwide. Whether it’s money sent to help get the roof on, prayers for their safety, or wisdom from business mentors, everything I saw was a reminder that we, as God's church, truly are more together. (Oh, funnily enough, that sounds like the name of an RM festival… have you saved the date?!)

Want to find out more?

If you want to find out more about the Butcher’s pioneering mission in Bolivia, you can follow them on facebook and instagram (@rmissionbolivia), or read their newsletters on their website. You can also find ways to support their mission here.

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9 Oct 2024

(Ant)ics in Bolivia

9 Oct 2024

Just like watching little ants carrying great loads on their backs, I have always wondered how my friends managed to juggle it all. Hard work is not easy, but seeing it in action and the fruit it produces reminded me that it pays off! This was just one of the lessons we learned on our trip to visit pioneering friends in Bolivia.