Family begins new phase in ministry
Onésmo and Elodia Rojas moved to Zapocó in 2001 to not only bring about a spiritual revival among the Ayorés, but also to help the people with physical and leadership needs. LATCOM developed a ten-year plan which involved on site living for five years and then oversight for the next five. The first half of this plan has been accomplished:
• Ayoré church leaders have been discipled and trained, and the congregation is established and growing.
• The Rojases helped the Ayoré community reorganize and elect indigenous representatives to work with Bolivian officials.
• LATCOM has helped the Ayorés to regain their timber rights and trained leaders how to manage the forestry plan. Also, a cattle project was begun involving nine families.
• The Rojases pushed the government to approve of the construction of a new school and to assign two new teachers. Since then the children’s test scores in math and reading have risen significantly.
• The Rojases have solicited the government to construct a new clinic to replace the one built in the 1960s. They also pressured the Concepcion hospital to attend to the Ayorés as mandated by Bolivian law. Adequate health care for the Ayorés is an ongoing concern.
Above: As workers lay the foundation to one of the new adobe houses in Zapoco, the
Rojases have been laying a foundation for spiritual and economic growth in the village.
What’s ahead for the Rojases
In February 2006, the Rojases moved out of Zapocó per the ten-year plan but continue to oversee the spiritual needs of the Ayorés and the completion of specific community projects.
In 2006, the Rojases spent the year with their son, Benjamin in Santa Cruz, and reconnected with family and friends. Onésmo also worked on finishing his university degree, and both he and Elodia have prepared to broaden their ministry to the entire Lomerio–Zapocó area.
What’s ahead for Zapocó
The village is better prepared to grow, spiritually as well as economically. LATCOM will continue to support the ministry of Onésimo and Elodia Rojas. Specifically, we are completing an important housing project for the village. In 2003, LATCOM began to provide small yet adequate family homes. In all, eighteen houses have been built, but twelve more still are needed.
Each family is expected to contribute by making 2,000 adobe bricks; providing sand and rock; and helping in the on site construction.
LATCOM is committed to raising the money for the cement, roof, timbers, doors, windows, and transportation of the materials as well as the labor cost of a mason to direct construction. These costs total $3,100 for each home.
Because of LATCOM’s involvement, Zapocó stands out as a model to other Ayoré and indigenous communities. Families are still eager for houses. You or your group can help give a home to an Ayoré family. Contact LATCOM for more information.•
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