012: Paul Hoffman on Loving Bolivia's Forgotten Children

Episode Summary:
In this moving episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Paul Hoffman, a missionary serving in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, alongside his wife and large adoptive family. Paul shares how their ministry, a children’s home for medically vulnerable and abandoned kids, grew from a personal adoption story into a Christ-centered mission of sacrificial love. Listeners will be both challenged and encouraged by Paul’s raw stories, missional insight, and unwavering faith. This is a conversation about the Gospel made visible through daily acts of service, resilience, and radical hospitality.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How a single adoption led to a life-altering ministry in Bolivia

• What everyday life looks like in a children’s home with 19 kids

• The reality of serving in a country with minimal social safety nets

• Why fostering is becoming the future model of their ministry

• What it means to embody the works of Jesus through practical care

• How American visitors—regardless of skill—can encourage global workers

• Ways the church can offer prayerful and tangible support to missionaries

Key Quotes:

"To Jesus, we all look like the kids we care for—helpless and needing grace." —Paul Hoffman

"Doing what Jesus does has enabled me to preach to people who never would have listened before." —Paul Hoffman

"We didn’t know the full path—God called us as we went along." —Paul Hoffman

"Sometimes people in the church ask, ‘Why aren’t you doing more in the tambourine ministry?’ instead of seeing the value in caring for disabled orphans." —Paul Hoffman

"Every time someone from the U.S. visits, it reminds our team that they are doing something that matters." —Paul Hoffman

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned:

Support & Stay Connected:

• Follow on Facebook: Casa de Los Osos

• To support financially: Reach out to Grace Community Church for partner info (a church in New Jersey processes donations)

• Prayer needs: healing for children like Jesús, strength for their team, and guidance as they transition to foster care models

• Short-term trip interest: Ideal for nurses, OTs, and anyone who loves children

About the Know and Follow Podcast:
The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.