Welcome to La Caramuca Lutheran Mission, Jesus loves you.Welcome to La Caramuca Lutheran Mission, Jesus loves you.

My name is David Ernst. I have lived in Venezuela for three years as a volunteer missionary.My name is David Ernst. I have lived in Venezuela for three years as a volunteer missionary.

I am working toward certification as a theological tutor by the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. I am working toward certification as a theological tutor by the Lutheran Church of Venezuela.

This is my wife, Luz Maria, a deaconess in the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. I have come to share her dream of a Lutheran church and school in western Venezuela.

This is my wife, Luz Maria, a deaconess in the Lutheran Church of Venezuela. I have come to share her dream of a Lutheran church and school in western Venezuela.

We were married here in Venezuela.We were married here in Venezuela.

We live in the state of Barinas in western Venezuela. We are about four to five hours from the Colombian border.

We live in the state of Barinas in western Venezuela. We are about four to five hours from the Colombian border.

Venezuela covers roughly twice the land area as California.Venezuela covers roughly twice the land area as California.

Venezuela is home to about 26 million people. We live in a less highly populated,rural part of the country.

Venezuela is home to about 26 million people. We live in a less highly populated,rural part of the country.

Caracas, the nation's capital is also its largest city, with about 4 million people.Caracas, the nation's capital is also its largest city, with about 4 million people.

Venezuela boasts hundreds of miles of Caribbean coastline.Venezuela boasts hundreds of miles of Caribbean coastline.

Going to the beach is a favorite pastime for everyone in Venezuela.Going to the beach is a favorite pastime for everyone in Venezuela.

There are also misty mountain peaks...There are also misty mountain peaks...

...and exotic rainforests as in Henri Pittier National Park near Maracay....and exotic rainforests as in Henri Pittier National Park near Maracay.

Wild parrots are among the many species of birds.Wild parrots are among the many species of birds.

This looks like a turtle, but it's really a morrocoy, a reptile found only in Venezuela. This country has many unique species of animals and plants.

This looks like a turtle, but it's really a morrocoy, a reptile found only in Venezuela. This country has many unique species of animals and plants.

Orchids thrive in Venezuela.Orchids thrive in Venezuela.

So do roses. There is much natural beauty here.So do roses. There is much natural beauty here.

Venezuelans appreciate the beauties of nature and human arts, especially music.Venezuelans appreciate the beauties of nature and human arts, especially music.

In addition to the harp, the guitar is a favorite instrument.In addition to the harp, the guitar is a favorite instrument.

Venezuelans have their own type of four-stringed guitar, called the cuatro.Venezuelans have their own type of four-stringed guitar, called the cuatro.

Sometimes the cuatro accompanies a violin instead of a harp.Sometimes the cuatro accompanies a violin instead of a harp.

In addition to natural beauty and creative people, Venezuela is blessed with abundant energy sources: oil, coal, natural gas and hydroelectric power.

In addition to natural beauty and creative people, Venezuela is blessed with abundant energy sources: oil, coal, natural gas and hydroelectric power.

The Rio Orinoco, the second-largest river in South America, provides hydroelectric powerand transportation for the mineral wealth.

The Rio Orinoco, the second-largest river in South America, provides hydroelectric powerand transportation for the mineral wealth.

In the midst of all these blessings, why are many in Venezuela unhappy?

In the midst of all these blessings, why are many in Venezuela unhappy?

In part because many Venezuelans cannot afford basic necessities. The country hasdeep-rooted economic problems.

In part because many Venezuelans cannot afford basic necessities. The country hasdeep-rooted economic problems.

National unemployment is around 10 percent and nearly half the population lives below the poverty line. The roads and streets are full of selling whatever they can: fruit, coffee, music or trinkets.

National unemployment is around 10 percent and nearly half the population lives below the poverty line. The roads and streets are full of selling whatever they can: fruit, coffee, music or trinkets.

For generations, Venezuela's natural wealth has not been managed for the benefit of alland there remains a wide gap between rich and poor.

For generations, Venezuela's natural wealth has not been managed for the benefit of alland there remains a wide gap between rich and poor.

But there is spiritual hunger as well as physical suffering in Venezuela. Many pray to something other than the true and living God.

But there is spiritual hunger as well as physical suffering in Venezuela. Many pray to something other than the true and living God.

Belief in magic and divination is common throughout Venezuela.Belief in magic and divination is common throughout Venezuela.

False teachers offer occult wisdom.False teachers offer occult wisdom.

Muslims are gaining Venezuelan converts. So are Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses.Muslims are gaining Venezuelan converts. So are Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses.

What do Venezuelans need the most? The hope of the Gospel as found,for example, in Ephesians 2: 4-5.

What do Venezuelans need the most? The hope of the Gospel as found,for example, in Ephesians 2: 4-5.

Luz Maria was impressed by our 2005 visit to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

Luz Maria was impressed by our 2005 visit to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

Her vision of a Lutheran school in western Venezuela, was strrengthened by the story of the seminary's origin as a log-cabin school for 6-10 children.

Her vision of a Lutheran school in western Venezuela, was strrengthened by the story of the seminary's origin as a log-cabin school for 6-10 children.

Luz Maria has a high level of theological training. She is shown here with most of the leaders of the Venezuelan church at a church history seminar in Caracas taught by Dr. David Coles of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Luz Maria has a high level of theological training. She is shown here with most of the leaders of the Venezuelan church at a church history seminar in Caracas taught by Dr. David Coles of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

We hope to see her dream realized in Barrio Las Lomas, La Caramuca, Barinas.We hope to see her dream realized in Barrio Las Lomas, La Caramuca, Barinas.

Here in La Caramuca, where children play on unpaved streets with kites made from castoff garbage bags.

Here in La Caramuca, where children play on unpaved streets with kites made from castoff garbage bags.

Many familes here can scarcely afford school supplies. Alfonso Torres and his children are grateful for materials donated Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Brighton, MI.

Many familes here can scarcely afford school supplies. Alfonso Torres and his children are grateful for materials donated Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Brighton, MI.

So is Argenis Morales (the girl in the middle) and her two brothers, Efren and Carlos.So is Argenis Morales (the girl in the middle) and her two brothers, Efren and Carlos.

Boys like these frequently drop out of school after sixth grade to look for work. Wages are low and, without proper guidance, their problems in life may be compounded by alcoholand drug abuse.

Boys like these frequently drop out of school after sixth grade to look for work. Wages are low and, without proper guidance, their problems in life may be compounded by alcoholand drug abuse.

Girls often start having children of their own as teenagers. Single-parent households headedby the mother are commonplace.

Girls often start having children of their own as teenagers. Single-parent households headedby the mother are commonplace.

The proposed site for our church and school is property that Luz Maria owns. We live in this house which was once a public school.

The proposed site for our church and school is property that Luz Maria owns. We live in this house which was once a public school.

The property (180 square yards) is L-shaped with the house in the small leg of the L at the top of a hill.

The property (180 square yards) is L-shaped with the house in the small leg of the L at the top of a hill.

There is a well at the bottom of the hill.There is a well at the bottom of the hill.

We would like to build a parking lot with gate to the paved road outside here.We would like to build a parking lot with gate to the paved road outside here.

Tropical fruit, such as bananas, grow in our backyard.Tropical fruit, such as bananas, grow in our backyard.

We also have oranges, lemons and grapefruit. We also have oranges, lemons and grapefruit.

Sometimes eagles fly down from the mountains to visit us. There is a beautiful song in Spanish based on Isaiah 40:31.

Sometimes eagles fly down from the mountains to visit us. There is a beautiful song in Spanish based on Isaiah 40:31.

There are beautiful flowers on our property, too.There are beautiful flowers on our property, too.

It is a peaceful, tranquil setting without the distraction of the busy city.It is a peaceful, tranquil setting without the distraction of the busy city.

In 2003, Luz Maria opened what had been her living room to a government-fundedpreschool program providing hot meals to children ages 2 to 6.

In 2003, Luz Maria opened what had been her living room to a government-fundedpreschool program providing hot meals to children ages 2 to 6.

The program also provides visiting teachers to instruct the children.The program also provides visiting teachers to instruct the children.

Luz Maria left the preschool in charge of her adult daughters, Yepci and Charli, while wemoved to Tierra de Gracia Lutheran Farm in eastern Venezuela.

Luz Maria left the preschool in charge of her adult daughters, Yepci and Charli, while wemoved to Tierra de Gracia Lutheran Farm in eastern Venezuela.

We lived in the state of Monagas for about a year, learning how to administer a missionproject. Luz Maria developed Chrisitan education programs for women and children.

We lived in the state of Monagas for about a year, learning how to administer a missionproject. Luz Maria developed Chrisitan education programs for women and children.

In fall 2004 we returned to Barinas with a plan for integrating Christian instruction into thepreschool program. Luz Maria discussed this with the public school teachers.

In fall 2004 we returned to Barinas with a plan for integrating Christian instruction into thepreschool program. Luz Maria discussed this with the public school teachers.

They were not familiar with Luther's Small Catechism, but liked what they read. InVenezuela, religious instruction is permitted in public schools.

They were not familiar with Luther's Small Catechism, but liked what they read. InVenezuela, religious instruction is permitted in public schools.

We became an official mission project of the national church and Corpus Chrisi LutheranChurch in the city of Barinas, capital of the state of Barinas.

We became an official mission project of the national church and Corpus Chrisi LutheranChurch in the city of Barinas, capital of the state of Barinas.

Corpus Christi is the only church in the entire state that is affiliated with the Lutheran Churchof Venezuela and in fellowship with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Corpus Christi is the only church in the entire state that is affiliated with the Lutheran Churchof Venezuela and in fellowship with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod.

Corpus Christi is a tiny congregation with a total membership of about 20 people.Corpus Christi is a tiny congregation with a total membership of about 20 people.

Like most of his parishioners, Pastor Edgar Brito is quite young.Like most of his parishioners, Pastor Edgar Brito is quite young.

Despite its small size, Corpus Christi in 2005 hosted the annual convention of the Venezuelan Lutheran women's organization.

Despite its small size, Corpus Christi in 2005 hosted the annual convention of the Venezuelan Lutheran women's organization.

We began a weekly Sunday school in La Caramuca.We began a weekly Sunday school in La Caramuca.

An old covered patio was the facility we had at hand.An old covered patio was the facility we had at hand.

Like the house, the patio had been standing for many years.Like the house, the patio had been standing for many years.

Its roof was not in the best shape, but it provided shelter from sun and rain.Its roof was not in the best shape, but it provided shelter from sun and rain.

Our Sunday school slowly grew.Our Sunday school slowly grew.

Luz Maria's daughter, Yepci (far right), sometimes taught the children.Luz Maria's daughter, Yepci (far right), sometimes taught the children.

The children enjoyed their lessons.The children enjoyed their lessons.

Once the patio served as a stage for Paco the Clown (Frank Janssen, president ofVenezuela Lutheran Mission Partnership, an accredited LCMS mission society.

Once the patio served as a stage for Paco the Clown (Frank Janssen, president ofVenezuela Lutheran Mission Partnership, an accredited LCMS mission society.

Many children showed up for Paco's clown ministry.Many children showed up for Paco's clown ministry.

Elias Isaac Montoya, Yepci's son, was baptized under the patio roof.

Elias Isaac Montoya, Yepci's son, was baptized under the patio roof.

Then we had a tree by the patio removed, but things did not go exactly as planned.Then we had a tree by the patio removed, but things did not go exactly as planned.

The roof was crushed by the weight of the tree falling in the wrong direction.The roof was crushed by the weight of the tree falling in the wrong direction.

Thanks be to God, no one was harmed in the accident.Thanks be to God, no one was harmed in the accident.

But the patio badly needed repair.But the patio badly needed repair.

But the Lord provided generous donation from the United States for this work.But the Lord provided generous donation from the United States for this work.

The metal framework was replaced.The metal framework was replaced.

A new roof was put in place.A new roof was put in place.

Soon the patio was as good as new and ready for large gatherings.Soon the patio was as good as new and ready for large gatherings.

But our major work of construction was that of a new preschool facility as an annex to thehouse. We now call our preschool “Rayitos de luz” or “Rays of Light”.

But our major work of construction was that of a new preschool facility as an annex to thehouse. We now call our preschool “Rayitos de luz” or “Rays of Light”.

We began with this roofed but otherwise open area.We began with this roofed but otherwise open area.

There was an outdoor washbasin and toilet..There was an outdoor washbasin and toilet..

Luz Maria's son, Pedro Santana, was responsible for most of the construction.Luz Maria's son, Pedro Santana, was responsible for most of the construction.

Pedro spent long hours laying masonry....Pedro spent long hours laying masonry....

...welding.......welding....

...putting in ceramic tile floor.......putting in ceramic tile floor....

...building an extension of the patio outside and much more....building an extension of the patio outside and much more.

New walls and windows began to take shape.New walls and windows began to take shape.

A sliding metal door was installed.A sliding metal door was installed.

The preschool was to have a complete kitchen.The preschool was to have a complete kitchen.

In keeping with Venezuelan custom, ironwork was installed in the windows.In keeping with Venezuelan custom, ironwork was installed in the windows.

Ventilation was an important consideration.Ventilation was an important consideration.

Buidling of the preschool was made possible by donations from St Michael's Lutheran Church,Bloomington, Minnesota, and Venezuela Lutheran Mission Partnership.

Buidling of the preschool was made possible by donations from St Michael's Lutheran Church,Bloomington, Minnesota, and Venezuela Lutheran Mission Partnership.

A new backdoor ensured both access and security for the kitchen.A new backdoor ensured both access and security for the kitchen.

It was a great day when there was finally running water in the kitchen.It was a great day when there was finally running water in the kitchen.

And also when the bathroom and shower were finished.And also when the bathroom and shower were finished.

The new preschool was ready for the opening of a new school year.The new preschool was ready for the opening of a new school year.

A special meal was prepared for the children.A special meal was prepared for the children.

Parents of children enrolled in the preschool were invited to the inauguration.Parents of children enrolled in the preschool were invited to the inauguration.

Representatives of the community and the state department of education also were present.Representatives of the community and the state department of education also were present.

After a prayer and Bible reading, the childrenwere served.

After a prayer and Bible reading, the childrenwere served.

Luz Maria was very happy with the opening of the preschool.Luz Maria was very happy with the opening of the preschool.

Thanks to a donation from St. John's Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Washington, we also able to build a water storage system to compensate for frequent shortages of water.

Thanks to a donation from St. John's Lutheran Church of Vancouver, Washington, we also able to build a water storage system to compensate for frequent shortages of water.

Pedro and his helpers excavated and built an underground concrete tank.Pedro and his helpers excavated and built an underground concrete tank.

The tank was sealed and lined with tile.The tank was sealed and lined with tile.

A concrete lid was put in place.A concrete lid was put in place.

A valve allows the tank to automatically fill with municipal water.A valve allows the tank to automatically fill with municipal water.

Water is pumped from the underground tank to a plastic tank where water can flow to the preschool through force of gravity.

Water is pumped from the underground tank to a plastic tank where water can flow to the preschool through force of gravity.

We also put a concrete lid on the well for safety's sake. Our plan is to connect the well to our water system, but we are wating for a dry spell to clean it.

We also put a concrete lid on the well for safety's sake. Our plan is to connect the well to our water system, but we are wating for a dry spell to clean it.

Christian instruction has been incorporated into the preschool program under Yepci's direction.Christian instruction has been incorporated into the preschool program under Yepci's direction.

Yepci conducts a class for the children once a week.Yepci conducts a class for the children once a week.

The lessons have included basic Christian doctrines such as the creation of the world, and theincarnation and resurrection of Jesus.

The lessons have included basic Christian doctrines such as the creation of the world, and theincarnation and resurrection of Jesus.

Basic Christian concepts of morality also have been covered.Basic Christian concepts of morality also have been covered.

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Mari, Pedro's wife, is in charge of cooking. The children receive two nutritious meals, breakfastand lunch, as part of the state-funded preschool program.

Mari, Pedro's wife, is in charge of cooking. The children receive two nutritious meals, breakfastand lunch, as part of the state-funded preschool program.

Charli, another of Luz Maria's daughters, also helps with the Sunday school.Charli, another of Luz Maria's daughters, also helps with the Sunday school.

Sunday school opens with prayer and songs folllowed by a Bible lesson.Sunday school opens with prayer and songs folllowed by a Bible lesson.

Sometimes the children have the opportunity to recite what they have learned, as Angel ArturoAngulo demonstrates during Holy Week.

Sometimes the children have the opportunity to recite what they have learned, as Angel ArturoAngulo demonstrates during Holy Week.

Pastor Edgar Brito visits the Sunday school at least once a month, accompanied by Mariel, his wife, and sometimes other members of Corpus Christi Lutheran Church.

Pastor Edgar Brito visits the Sunday school at least once a month, accompanied by Mariel, his wife, and sometimes other members of Corpus Christi Lutheran Church.

Following the lesson, the children work on crafts that illustrate what they have learned.Following the lesson, the children work on crafts that illustrate what they have learned.

Often the craft project is as simple as coloring with crayons.Often the craft project is as simple as coloring with crayons.

No matter what it is, the children enjoy the crafts session.No matter what it is, the children enjoy the crafts session.

Sometimes they work on something more elaborate, like a collage of God's creation.Sometimes they work on something more elaborate, like a collage of God's creation.

Here is the finished product.Here is the finished product.

Crafts are followed by some type of contest or game.Crafts are followed by some type of contest or game.

The children are full of youthful exuberance.The children are full of youthful exuberance.

As are some adults.As are some adults.

We try to involve their parents in our activities as much as possible.We try to involve their parents in our activities as much as possible.

We have had special events such as this one featuring apiñata in honor of a Venezuelan holiday...

We have had special events such as this one featuring apiñata in honor of a Venezuelan holiday...

...puppet shows at Christmastime......puppet shows at Christmastime...

...Christmas dinner......Christmas dinner...

...and even a swimming party....and even a swimming party.

Extending our ministry beyond La Caramuca, Luz Maria alternated with LCMS missionary pastor Ted Krey of Maracay, in teaching confirmation classes at Cristo es Amor LutheranChurch. Cristo es Amor is located in Barquisimeto, a city about three hours north of Barinas, and at that time needed confirmation class instructors.

Extending our ministry beyond La Caramuca, Luz Maria alternated with LCMS missionary pastor Ted Krey of Maracay, in teaching confirmation classes at Cristo es Amor LutheranChurch. Cristo es Amor is located in Barquisimeto, a city about three hours north of Barinas, and at that time needed confirmation class instructors.

We used Spanish translations of Luther's Small Catechism donated by Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, Illinois.

We used Spanish translations of Luther's Small Catechism donated by Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, Illinois.

Since the congregation was renting a storefront that it could use only on Sunday mornings, the confirmation class often met in a city park.

Since the congregation was renting a storefront that it could use only on Sunday mornings, the confirmation class often met in a city park.

Luz Maria often had help from members of the Cristo es Amor (Christ is Love) congregation, such as Miguelangel Perez and Nancy Mora.

Luz Maria often had help from members of the Cristo es Amor (Christ is Love) congregation, such as Miguelangel Perez and Nancy Mora.

Three girls completed the course and were confirmed during the 2005 convention of the Lutheran Church of Venezuela in Barquisimeto.

Three girls completed the course and were confirmed during the 2005 convention of the Lutheran Church of Venezuela in Barquisimeto.

Luz Maria had the opportunity to talk about what the Bible teaches about marriage and familylife at a nursery school in La Mula, a town near La Caramuca.

Luz Maria had the opportunity to talk about what the Bible teaches about marriage and familylife at a nursery school in La Mula, a town near La Caramuca.

Luz Maria has also taught adult Bible classes at various locations. Recently she had 26 adults enrolled in a basic doctrine course. Six completed the course and one was confirmed after areaffirmation of faith at Corpus Christi.

Luz Maria has also taught adult Bible classes at various locations. Recently she had 26 adults enrolled in a basic doctrine course. Six completed the course and one was confirmed after areaffirmation of faith at Corpus Christi.

We brought our Sunday school children to the main public preschool in La Caramuca where they presented the story of the Exodus to 100 other children.

We brought our Sunday school children to the main public preschool in La Caramuca where they presented the story of the Exodus to 100 other children.

The children told the story of the first Passover.The children told the story of the first Passover.

Their presentation included song and dance.Their presentation included song and dance.

It was fun to portray hardhearted Pharaoh.It was fun to portray hardhearted Pharaoh.

We initiated Bible studies for children and adults in the nearby town of Punta Gorda as well. We initiated Bible studies for children and adults in the nearby town of Punta Gorda as well.

These are some of the approximately 20 children in Punta Gorda..These are some of the approximately 20 children in Punta Gorda..

We took the Sunday school children from La Caramuca to Punta Gorda so they could share what they had learned there.

We took the Sunday school children from La Caramuca to Punta Gorda so they could share what they had learned there.

In return, the children of Punta Gorda sang songs for the group from La Caramuca.In return, the children of Punta Gorda sang songs for the group from La Caramuca.

In July 2006, a group of volunteers from Minnesota, sponsored by Venezuela Lutheran MissionPartnership, visited La Caramuca.

In July 2006, a group of volunteers from Minnesota, sponsored by Venezuela Lutheran MissionPartnership, visited La Caramuca.

They led vacation Bible school for the children and Bible studies for adults.They led vacation Bible school for the children and Bible studies for adults.

We brought children from Punta Gorda to La Caramuca for the volunteers' visit. Everyone hada wonderful time.

We brought children from Punta Gorda to La Caramuca for the volunteers' visit. Everyone hada wonderful time.

Our long-term vision is for our church and school in La Caramuca to become a training centerfor pastors, teachers and evangelists. We are strategically located between two geographicregions in Venezuela: the Venezuelan Andes and the country´s vast plains.

Our long-term vision is for our church and school in La Caramuca to become a training centerfor pastors, teachers and evangelists. We are strategically located between two geographicregions in Venezuela: the Venezuelan Andes and the country´s vast plains.

The states directly west of us, Merida and Trujillo, are home to the highest peaks in Venezuelawith altitudes over 9,000 feet above sealevel.

The states directly west of us, Merida and Trujillo, are home to the highest peaks in Venezuelawith altitudes over 9,000 feet above sealevel.

In this coldest region of Venezuela, you still can find ethereal natural beauty.In this coldest region of Venezuela, you still can find ethereal natural beauty.

But the Lutheran Church of Venezuela is not represented by any congregations in this region and there are people in need of the Gospel.

But the Lutheran Church of Venezuela is not represented by any congregations in this region and there are people in need of the Gospel.

The same is true if you travel east across the Llanos, or Great Plains of Venezuela.The same is true if you travel east across the Llanos, or Great Plains of Venezuela.

These central grasslands are the heart of Venezuela's cattle industry and its rich tradition of cowboy stories and songs.

These central grasslands are the heart of Venezuela's cattle industry and its rich tradition of cowboy stories and songs.

The Llanos region has its own kind of beauty, too.The Llanos region has its own kind of beauty, too.

The people are proud and independent, as in the American West. But they also are in need of the Gospel.

The people are proud and independent, as in the American West. But they also are in need of the Gospel.

We have only taken our first steps with the children of La Caramuca. Our thanks to everyone who has supported us for we have needed every bit of it. We hope and pray that morepeople will support in the future.

We have only taken our first steps with the children of La Caramuca. Our thanks to everyone who has supported us for we have needed every bit of it. We hope and pray that morepeople will support in the future.

And remember...Jesus loves Javier and all the rest of us.And remember...Jesus loves Javier and all the rest of us.

For more information:

Visit our page on the Lutheran Church of Venezuela Web site:

caramuca.ilv-venezuela.net

Or my personal blog:

venezuelaview.blogspot.com

To find out how to contribute financially, contact:

Venezuela Lutheran Mission Partnershipvenmission@hotmail.com

For more information:

Visit our page on the Lutheran Church of Venezuela Web site:

caramuca.ilv-venezuela.net

Or my personal blog:

venezuelaview.blogspot.com

To find out how to contribute financially, contact:

Venezuela Lutheran Mission Partnershipvenmission@hotmail.com