Loreto, Bolivia (June 18, 2009)

Todd Pierce, Riding High Ministries

If you're a rancher, farmer or you like to eat beef, you will appreciate the value of cattle. The cattle industry is one of the most important businesses in Bolivia. Since we landed we have had beef at mostly every meal. With me are bull riders Mike Lee, Jody Newberry and DJ Domangue and we are on a humanitarian effort with Samaritan's Purse International Relief.

In 2007 and 2008 this part of the Amazon basin was hit hard with devastating floods wiping out much of the vital livestock in this area. The cattle raisers were hit hard in a country that already struggles with deep poverty. Our hosts for this trip, Samaritan's Purse, have recognized this need and are helping restock the cattle that were lost in the floods.

Today we attended two cattle distributions for owners who lost some or all of their cattle. It was amazing to see 20 families receive two cows each. They welcomed us as we presented each family with two numbers that match the ear tags on their new cows. The communities celebrated with music while the children dressed up and performed "The Bull" dance.

Samaritan's Purse also provides one bull per distribution with the condition that the new owners "pay it forward" with the first two calves to give to other families who lost their cattle. It's a solid way to help someone in need and provides accountability from the families who receive the cattle.

We are also preparing for a rodeo-style event at the end of the week. I plan on breaking a horse and Mike, DJ and Jody have selected a few bulls to ride for the audience. I also take this opportunity to share god's love and hope He has for all of us.

I want to continue to encourage you to get excited about helping your neighbor in need. If you want to learn more about Samaritan's Purse, visit them at www.samaritanspurse.org or log onto my web site www.RidingHighMinistries.org. Please look for more updates from us here in Bolivia and thanks to all the fans of PBR!

Todd.