Last Update January 4, 2003
Three years ago Martin was living with his girlfriend and experimenting with drugs. Though they had lived at our home for a year (in separate rooms and on our terms!) before buying their own flat, Martin was always uncomfortable in the knowledge that he knew
we were quietly praying for them both. Both thought that having their own place would be their dreams fulfilled and utopia realised - doing what they wanted when they wanted!
They enjoyed the clubbing scene and dance music - he tried to fit in with the crowd, but gradually realised it wasn't "fun" after all - both were on anti depressants
as a result of cannabis, and were experimenting with other drugs. They were always made to feel welcome at the family home, and knew there was always an open door.
For some time his family could see he wasn't happy but he wouldn't admit it.
One weekend in the autumn of 2000 he came home at the lowest point of his life, and though he returned to his girlfriend for a week he finally made the break,
at it was a life without God that he was unfulfilled. When he was a teenager he had given his life to Jesus, but as always it is US who walk away from God,
and Martin realised that God had never stopped loving him.
Over the next year he rekindled his relationship with God (and with us!) and felt called to go overseas on a short term mission,
while not really knowing what he wanted to do with his life in the long term. Having applied to latin Link, he was accepted to be a part of their Step Team to Bolivia, where young people go on various projects for 4 months.
He opted to stay for a further 2 months. Below is a photographic record of his time in Bolivia. He is now training to be an Outdoor Activity Instructor at a Christian Centre.
The team went out on two 2-month projects - rebuilding a church in El Alto/ La Paz, then to help at an orphanage in Santa Cruz.
While most of the team came home in July, Martin then joined another team in Sucre for 2 months working on a new accomodation block at a Bible Institute.
Martin is third from right
 city of La Paz |
 La Vid church |
March 15th - "We also met the leaders and their families from the church in La Vida yesterday, we were all completely overwhelmed by how loving they all were. |
Church leaders & families
"Yesterday we finally arrived in El Alto, an area of extreme poverty and tthe location of our building
project. The welcome was indescribable as members of the church greeted us with warmth
and affection.
We were overwhelmed by their generosity as they proudly showed us the western toilets and
shower they had built especially for us. We are living only steps from the building site and whilst
dusty and noisy,
Our physical closeness to the church means we are beginning to feel part of their extended family.
We have also already been drafted into their football and basketball teams. We have a significant
height advantage, although most of us are ready to collapse after 10 mins- gasping for oxygen! |
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 Building the framework |
 Church building site! |
 La Vid Church service |
 El Alto family |
 Preparing meals on site! |
 Preparing meals on site |
 Local lads |
 Local children |
 Outdoor worship |
 Worship Group |
 Church service |
 Outdoor service |
 At the University |
 At the University |
 The team! |
 A birthday on the team! |
 Birthday girl |
 a skit? |
 Martin with local boys |
 Boys from the church |
 Church families |
 Outdoor service |
 At the Bolivar football game! |
 Bolivar football match |
On the Altiplano |
Santa Cruz |
Sucre |
Team Holidays |
