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Friday, June 06, 2008 The National Easter Junta Church of God Ministries, Church of God - General, Global Missions   By Paul and Kattia Jones The national Easter junta (anniversary meeting) of the Church of God in Bolivia is the biggest and most exciting event of the year. It takes place in Chacarillas, a small town situated in what is known as the altiplano, or high plains, of western Bolivia. This rural desolate setting becomes a bustling, small city each year as thousands arrive and set up makeshift lodging for the weekend event. The air is cold and thin at an elevation of thirteen thousand feet, but that doesn't hamper the enthusiasm of the celebration. This year was bigger than ever! We have no real way of counting how many actually attend, but the crowds grow larger each year. A conservative estimate for this year is in the range of eight thousand to ten thousand. The increasing excitement and participation in this event are encouraging considering the political uncertainties in the country, inflation, and other factors that would normally discourage many from attending. This is a positive demonstration of the unity and the hope our brothers and sisters in Bolivia find in Christ, our Lord. The schedule is exhausting but well worth the effort. Each day begins with a sunrise service at five o'clock in the morning. Following breakfast, the activities are nonstop until about midnight, but that doesn't mean everyone goes to bed. Many continue keeping a vigil and worshiping together. Sunday morning is the highlight of the weekend. The sunrise service concludes with Communion and footwashing. We estimate that between four thousand and five thousand participate in this activity as we sing together in the indigenous languages the familiar hymn "Are You Washed in the Blood of the Lamb." Following the morning service, the junta concludes with a baptismal service. This year 150 followed our Lord by being baptized in the cold mountain stream that runs through Chacarillas. You can learn more about our Paul and Kattia Jones, career missionaries to Bolivia by clicking here.