Heeding the Spirit’s call in Bolivia

Teodocia Paredes Cabrera (left) chats with a local resident who has been a part of her women’s group. (File photo)

MOUNDOU CHAD—In the Bolivian outskirts of the Andes Mountains, nurse Teodocia (Teo) Paredes Cabrera teaches groups of women about tuberculosis, how to care for their children and about the deadly chagas bug in the area. Teo also tends to patients in her medical clinic where she sutures wounds and vaccinates children.

Teo loves her work, stating that it is not simply a job, but her life. After working in her medical clinic in the morning and without a vehicle, she will walk up foothills to small villages. Groups of women are waiting for her, eager to learn and fellowship. Teo teaches the groups of women what healthy families look like. One woman shares that before Teo began coming, she used to beat her child for misbehavior. She now has different methods to help correct and direct her child’s behavior.

The women learn about Jesus as Teo teaches them songs and Psalms. They encourage each other to attend church. Many have become Christ-followers for the first time.

Please pray for Teo. She loves her work, but it is challenging. She works long hours, often offering counsel, advice and even medical care to patients late into the night. At 63 years old, Teo eats healthy and stays in shape so she can keep making trips to the villages. The changes she is bringing will undoubtedly last for generations.

Pray for Teo as she transitions to a new medical clinic. As she lives in the clinic, which also means a new home. Teo recently shared that she currently does not have a home. However, “the Lord is preparing a home for me which will last forever.”

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