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World's Highest Church
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In South America, there is a Methodist church being built that will literally make you catch your breath – it is the highest church in the world, and getting there involves trekking up a Bolivian mountain. As Reed Galin reports, as the walls rise, so do the hopes of the many poor families in the community. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Potosi,
Bolivia)
It’s a hard place to build…but when it’s finished, this Methodist church
will be the highest in the world. At 14,000 feet, it overlooks Potosi
(POE tuh see), Bolivia, a very poor region.
The Rev. German Chambi / Methodist Church of Bolivia: “Just about 100
percent of the people are miners, and frequently the fathers of the
families die young from silicosis, or what we call mine sickness, and
leave orphans.”
For people with almost nothing, it’s ironic that the church is being
built on what is called “Rich Mountain.” Silver discovered here in
Colonial times brought enormous wealth to the Spanish empire. Now, the
riches are exhausted and so are the people. They toil long hours to earn
less than 50 dollars a month.
Maximo Campo / Miner: “I give my work to the Lord in the evenings
because in the day I work to support my family.”
Many of these volunteer builders don’t have their own homes. They put in
a full day elsewhere and then work from evening to dawn on the church.
Some chew on coca leaves to give them energy. And another substance
destroys many miners’ lives.
Humberto Fiscoya / Methodist Pastor: “I know that there are many souls
being lost in the mines because there is a lot of alcoholism.”
Children as young as eight work in the mines too. It is hoped that when
the church is finished it will house a school, offering alternatives to
this life.
Humberto Fiscoya / Methodist Pastor: “This is voluntary work. I’m not
paid for this. I want to work much for the Lord.”
TAG:
United Methodist congregations across the United States are providing
funds to build the church. To learn more about this project, contact the
Board of Global Ministries, at
1-800-862-4246.