Parkside Church has been sending short term dental teams to Bolivia since 2004, to partner with Parkside missionaries Kep and Debbie James. In May, 2015 the latest team of seven made their way 5,000 miles south to LaPaz, Bolivia.

The formation of the team started in January when the first informational meeting was held.  It is very interesting how God always assembles a unique team of individuals, but the mission and goals are basically the same for each trip. Flexibility and adaptability are critical on these trips as travel and accommodations are always an interesting rugged adventure. The first goal is to develop team unity in Christ. From seven or more uniquely gifted individuals, one team comes together working in harmony to accomplish the mission of evangelism and delivering dental care.

Secondly, as representatives from Parkside, we go to encourage the missionaries, the pastors, and the local church body. In this case, Kep and Debbie James, Pastors Juan, Machi, and Edgar, and 10 other members from La Communidad Church that accompanied our team of seven.

Lastly, we go to create opportunities for evangelism by opening doors through dental care. The need for dental care is overwhelming, but the need for spiritual transformation is greater. People can and do live with broken teeth or no teeth, but they have no hope without faith in Jesus.

All three goals were accomplished as we worked in two remote villages, Cayimbaya and Cotana.  Nestled in the Andes Mountains at  9,000 - 11,500 ft elevation, it was a breathtaking trip.

Pray for the continued faithfulness and health of Kep and Debbie as they are so involved in various ministries and lead so many in the Equipping Servants Internship (ESI) training program to reach Latin America for Christ. 

Lord willing, Parkside will send short-term missions teams to India, Mexico, and either Bolivia or Peru in 2016. Consider attending the informational meeting on Sunday, August 9, 2015 to find out more about the upcoming India trips. The meeting will be held in Room 212 at 9:45 am.

Click here to view photos from the trip.