The Butcher family - Bolivia, South America
Our story began on a Christian dating website…
On the 4th September 2012, British-born Isaac and Bolivian-born Anali met virtually on a Christian dating website. Eight days later they met in person at Anali’s Hispanic church in London, went for lunch after the service… and 6 months later, got married!
How did your journey to Bolivia begin?
In 2014, we travelled to Bolivia, where I (Isaac) met Anali’s family and saw first-hand the poverty and problems affecting the nation. Shortly after this we had our first child, Eunice, and in 2017 we had our second, Amelia.
Since that first visit to Bolivia, God put the poor people and children in the street on my (Isaac’s) heart, and in 2016, during lunch, I had a vision of what we could do to help and blurted out, “We should move to Bolivia and help the children in the street!”
Isaac was hugely affected by the poverty he witnessed on his first visit to Bolivia.
Many live in poverty, drug-addicted and sleeping in the street
How did that vision become reality?
In 2017 we shared our vision at a pioneer’s meeting with our local church family, Cornerstone City Church, in Medway: we wanted to open a healing centre in a country-side setting - away from the city but close enough to travel easily - that would be a place of rescue, restoration and reintegration for those in need. It would also serve as a mission centre for other missionaries to join us, and the first hub of Relational Mission in South America.
We sold our home in the UK and most of our belongings to kickstart the vision, arriving in Bolivia on the 6th April 2021 while COVID was still rampant and travel restrictions tight. The doors to travel were closed for Isaac, but in an amazing series of events God miraculously opened the doors and against all the odds we arrived together without any problems. Through church connections God also provided a guest house and family to stay with when we arrived.
Soon after arriving we nearly bought a property, but the sale fell through. We were very sad, but had to trust that God had something better. Then in May 2021 we bought what God had reserved us for, and with hindsight we are so, so thankful to God.
Arriving in Bolivia…
…and tickled by the name on the back of the bus!
The land the Butchers eventually purchased
Where are you now?
In the last year we have been living in a tent while we build the centre. It’s been a very tough experience, with lots of joys and sometimes tears. God has never let us down, we have overcome so many obstacles with his help; He is the centre and He is building His centre (Psalm 127:1).
July 2021: Foundations
October 2021: Walls going up
February 2022: The beginnings of a building
How have you stayed encouraged?
Recently, we have met with other missionaries in Bolivia and also attended RM Global conferences online. Hearing stories and testimonies from other missionaries has been so encouraging! We also have a prayer group on WhatsApp and Signal messenger, where we communicate regularly. The prayers and scriptures shared in these groups really lift us up and encourage us. We feel that even though we are so far away from many friends and the UK church/network we feel their love more than ever.
Prayer Points
Please pray for us!
Finances to finish building the centre and become fully operational.
Security and safety, various issues with robbers, dangerous animals/insects, water supply and the weather.
Mission – engagement with authorities and other organisations on the frontline, engagement with those in need
Staff/other missionaries to come and help us/join us.
Get in touch
We send out a newsletter every 2 months, and you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
For more regular updates/communication via our prayer groups on WhatsApp or Signal Messenger. To join those, get in touch via the contact form on our website.