Thiu Rancho Center, Bolivia
Gordon & Ardell Graner direct the Thiu Rancho Center in Bolivia where they train lay-pastors in the Bolivian Methodist Church and work with visiting volunteer-in-mission teams. Gordon also directs the agricultural component of the Center. Ardell supervises local Montessori tutors for 3-5 year olds, and organizes an after school tutoring program, a library, and holistic health services for children and their families.
For more information about Thiu Rancho visit their website at www.granerfamily.org
Recent Newsletter Updates
November 2011
We would like to thank you for receiving us into your churches during our U.S. home assign ment; for allowing us to share with you what has been happening in our mission work in Bolivia.... Read More.
January-February 2011
We have all passed through the gates of a new year and for many enduring a bully winter both great and punishing. In our thoughtful moments we wonder what 2011 will bring besides snow. We are carrying with us new resolutions and new dreams. Read More.
Mujila Falls, Zambia
Paul Webster is a rural economic and development specialist, and co-directs the Mujila Falls Agriculture Center in northwest Zambia. At the farm, men and women of the Lunda tribe learn sustainable and appropriate methods to grow crops and manage livestock. People in a large area benefit from the eggs and plentiful food produced on the farm. Paul also provides support to the small Methodist churches in nearby villages by occasionally preaching and helping with church construction.
Below are recent updates from Paul
2011 Lenten/Palm Sunday Update
When Roxanne and I came here in 1999/2000 we came to the place with the highest infant mortality and lowest life expectancy in Zambia. Children between the ages of two and six were almost universally malnourished with pot bellies and reddish hair indicating severe protein deficiency. There was no school in the village and few made the long walk to go to school in the next town. Homes were just mud bricks and thatch and were rebuilt every year or two. Of all of the Chiefdoms in the Mwinilunga District ours had the lowest maize production. Read more
Click here to read Paul's 2011 Update
2010 Christmas Letter from Paul:
Dear Friends and Supporting Congregations,
As another year is fast closing, we find ourselves, again, in that most holy of Seasons, Advent. God’s “breaking in” to a broken world to heal and to comfort His people. It hasn’t been an easy year for many. In my own family there are many who have lost jobs and struggle to make ends meet. Read more
