Lenten fast will unite Bolivians, Oklahomans
Now picture yourself among them. During March 19-25, the Holy Spirit and an Internet link can connect you in Oklahoma with Methodists in Bolivia for a virtual, sacred experience. That week, the Bolivia/Oklahoma Methodist Ayllu (Community) will hold its 2nd Annual Lenten 40-Hour Fast. Programming will enable you to participate online in a bi-continent worship experience, grow spiritually, learn more about members of our faith family in Bolivia, and raise money for the Bolivian Pastors Endowment Fund (Advance Special 3021291). Among highlights:
In solidarity with those worshippers, you are encouraged to fast for 36 or 40 hours during the same week (at a time convenient for you). You may choose to recruit sponsors for your fast and donate funds to the Bolivian Pastors Endowment. All donations will be matched.
Bishop Hayes said, "When I agreed to participate in the fast last year with the Bolivian pastors, little did I realize that it would be one of the most meaningful experiences of my ministry. Being in solidarity with brothers and sisters thousands of miles away created a spiritual bond that is hard to explain, even now." In Bolivia, full-time Methodist deacons and pastors live on $150-$420 monthly, depending on education and seniority, reported David Stephenson of Tulsa. He is Oklahoma Volunteers In Mission liaison for the Oklahoma-Bolivia Partnership. Rev. Stephenson said there are 200 churches in Bolivia, and only 40 pastors. Previous gifts to the endowment resulted in a 10 percent raise for those pastors in 2010—their first pay increase in more than 10 years, according to Stephenson. To register to fast: www.bokp.org/2012-fast. |