This summer, Bread of Hope had the joy of welcoming three short-term mission teams from churches in the U.S. to La Guajira. Each team came for one week, serving alongside local Wayuu churches in different projects and ministries. One of the most impactful activities we did together was our eye clinics. These clinics are simple but powerful helping people in the community receive eyeglasses they could never afford on their own, and at the same time showing them the love of Christ in a tangible way.
As often happens in La Guajira, some of our summer plans didn’t always go as expected. One of the scheduled eye clinics had to be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. In that moment, our staff began praying and discussing what to do. We thought that this was actually an opportunity: what if the Wayuu pastors and leaders who are part of our Sembradores Bible Training could take the lead in hosting the clinic themselves? With some training, guidance, and support, we believed they could serve their own people in this unique way.
Yesterday, that dream became a reality. In the Kasutalen Community, just a few miles from our ministry center in Zulia, the local Wayuu church organized and hosted their very first eye clinic. With our staff walking alongside them, the Wayuu pastors and leaders took the initiative to test the eyesight of people in this community and fit them with glasses. It was such a joy to watch these men serve their own community with compassion and confidence.
The church in Kasutalen also contributed a goat, which they cooked and shared with everyone who came. Beyond the physical help of receiving glasses and the fellowship around a meal, the most important part was that the gospel was shared both in word and in action. People not only heard about Jesus, they saw His love demonstrated.
We want to thank the short-term mission teams who served with us this summer. Your willingness to come and love the Wayuu people has been an incredible encouragement and inspiration to the local churches. The fruit of your ministry is multiplying as the Wayuu themselves are now stepping forward to reach their communities with the gospel. We are deeply encouraged to see how God is transforming His church among the Wayuu and raising up faithful leaders to serve their people.
