Bern Talks

Still Going Strong!!

Hi Everybody,

THANK YOU so much for your love, concern and continued prayers for me and my team on this Mission of Hope! As I type this, my mailbox is full with countless emails from you reminding me that you are indeed praying for us.

Today was AWESOME!! I had 2 sessions at Berea School scheduled but when I woke up this morning my voice was still a whisper and I really wasn’t sure I could do it like I did last night, especially twice. As you know, it has always been my practice not to cancel a speaking engagement but this time I thought I might really have to so that I’d be able to complete the rest of my schedule. But when Tony arrived for our daily breakfast meeting he had a unique idea. He said, “Since I’m the one who did the Spanish subtitles on your testimony DVD, I know your story word for word. What if I sit next to you and narrate your story and then you do the application and invitation?“ He said, “We are a team and I’m here to do what I can to help you complete your mission.” Then he repeated my own words to me, “Failure is not an option.” Wow, how humbling to have a person like this on my team.

Well, Vanessa, my interpreter, got a much needed morning off to be with her kids and the three of us went to the school. Between both sessions we had about 560 middle and high school students. Tony began by explaining that I usually do the speaking but today I had no voice do to a throat infection. As he spoke, I connected with the students using my facial expressions, laughter and smile. The kids were so into it, glued to his every word, yet keeping their eyes on me. Then when I began to whisper the room became silent and the kids seem to be lean forward to hear what I was saying. I told them how they can have the same joy and victory that I have by opening their hearts to Jesus. Tears fill my eyes when almost 50 students and teachers raised their hands to accept Jesus. I wish you could have been there to see this miraculous work of God. At the end over a hundred students stayed behind to greet me and to tell me “I said the prayer with you.” “You changed my life. “You brought me hope.” “Thank you for sharing your life.” The second session was the same with at least 20 decisions! What a confirmation that we can never give up on the mission that God has given us. He has a purpose in what he allows and this time he has chosen to display his work in my silence.

After that I had an interview with a reporter from Para Ellas Magazine, a magazine for women similar to our Women’s Day magazine. She was at the Rotary Club meeting last night where I whispered my entire testimony. There was a TV station there also last night filming me as I spoke. Apparently, they saw my TV interview earlier this week and found out that I was speaking at this exclusive event. I’m not sure why the media is interested in me but this is definitely an opened door for me to show Jesus. The magazine interview went very well and I was able to speak openly about the hope that is within me. The reporter herself left inspired and anticipating my return in October for the Mujeres de Hoy Conference.

As you can see this has been an incredible trip so far. God is moving in a mighty way here in Bolivia and in my weakness he has been my strength. He’s using this ministry in ways that we never dreamed possible. I just can’t wait for you to see the video!

Well I’m off to bed. We have to leave early to travel to the orphanage in Montero. I’m also speaking in a ladies tea later in the afternoon. Pray for me, that my voice will be strong enough to speak with Vanessa.

Love You Much,
Bernadette