After We Leave

Below is an email from Mike Jorgensen, a leader at GMF, who was in Bolivia conducting a follow-up trip.

“What happens when you leave?”

Although we are asked this question from time to time, up to now we have not been able to give a good answer. For years we have heard “hallelujah” stories of newly planted churches that thrived and multiplied. But we did not have the resources to go back and find out what the big picture was.

Thanks for praying for our trip to Bolivia this past week. We were able to prototype a follow-up research method. We praise God for what He is doing in Bolivia, for what we found was exciting—

1. Our first campaign was June 2004. We had 2 campaigns last year and 3 this year. 27 new churches were planted on those 5 campaigns.

2. The most exciting statistic for me--the host churches have already planted another 10 new works since their campaign with us! And they have places picked out for 21 new works in 2006! A major prayer has been answered—that they will understand the simple church planting process we use and take it and run with it.

3. We were able to talk with pastors or leaders of 96% of the new works (26 of 27).

4. 81% of the new works are still alive (22 of 27). The reasons were similar—either because the leader flaked off or they lost their place to meet. Hopefully with more emphasis on meeting in homes we can reduce the attrition due to the second reason.

5. Of the 5 areas that have died, 2 of the groups were folded back into the mother church, so the fruit has been retained.

6. Average attendance at new works (does not include existing works) is 43. High is 140 and low is 6.

7. 81 new leaders were raised up from the campaigns, an average of 4 for each new work.

This is only the second year of work in Bolivia. God has given us a great start. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Please keep praying for the work in Bolivia.