Marriage Matters and Miracles in Bolivia
Chris and Trini
By Paul Jones
We met Chris and Trini about five years ago. The Lord had impressed upon us the desperate need to start working in the area of marriage and family. We were looking for ten couples that could be trained to serve in this important ministry. Kattia had taught the ladies’ group at one of our local congregations when she saw a young lady, Trini, that caught her attention. After talking with her, Kattia invited her and her husband to form part of our marriage courses. Trini explained that her husband Chris was no longer attending church, but they were included anyway. This couple showed up to the first seminar. When we had a meet-and-greet time, Chris could hardly speak; we found out he was very introverted and speaking in front of even a small group made him panic. But God’s ways are always right, and his plans are perfect!
The years have passed, and Chris and Trini are now regular attenders at every Bible study, training session, and ladies’ meeting. They take it all in like a sponge, but that’s not the best part. Everything they learn, they put into practice. Trini testifies that when they were invited to attend the marriage classes, their marriage had many struggles, and worse, most of the families of their siblings were in terrible shape. They immediately started putting into practice what they had learned in their own marriage, making themselves an example for their greater family. Chris and Trini have been faithful witnesses of how God can restore the family to their sisters, nieces, nephews, other families in their congregation, and even to their neighbors.
One of the families ministered to by Chris and Trini.
The results are truly miraculous. The family that five years ago was divided and fighting each other is now working together for the glory of God. As a family, they meet every Thursday night for a time of praise and worship. If this weren’t enough to give praise to God, here’s the really exciting part: many Tuesday nights, the whole family (brother, sisters, nieces, nephews) goes to visit a family who perhaps has marriage problems or has been away from the Lord and is no longer attending church. Chris’s family pitches in to make up a large food basket to take to the family. They sing praises to the Lord, each member of the family shares scripture and good counsel with the family in need, and they conclude their time in prayer.
Then to make things even more interesting on their visit, they break out some Bible games. When Kattia teaches the ladies, she uses memory games to help them learn scriptures, the books of the Bible, the plan of salvation, etc. Chris and Trini have made some games that they now use to share the gospel with others. Remember how timid and shy Chris was? Well, both he and Trini have shared in front of large groups on a number of occasions to help teach others how to improve their marriages.
Bible games created and led by Chris and Trini!
We are so thankful to have the privilege of serving in the kingdom of our Lord here in Bolivia. It continually excites us to see how God is working among his people here.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” —Eph 3:20–21 NIV
As 2017 comes to a close, we are thankful for so many who partner with us through prayer and financial support. May God’s abundant blessings be with you! We would like to encourage any who would feel led to support this ministry to contact Debbie Taylor at DTaylor@chog.org or 800-848-2464 ext. 2129, or by making your gift online at www.chogglobal.org/pkjones.
Paul, Kattia and Tabitha Jones serve as missionaries for Global Strategy to Bolivia. Learn more about Global Strategy at www.chogglobal.org.
