When more missionaries arrived in Bolivia, some of them, including John and Esther Hansler, were assigned to Santa Cruz.

Here in the subtropical lowlands grew totai palms, papaya, citrus, and those strange-looking toborochi trees with their potbellied trunks (also called palo borracho, meaning “drunken pole”). The streets were channels of sand and mire. Constant winds blew the sand into a person’s face and his food. Most interesting, however, were the people themselves.

While the altiplano folk were usually reserved, serious, and a bit skeptical of strangers, those in Santa Cruz were more jovial, carefree, and outgoing. Even their loud, boisterous music differed greatly from the more melancholy tones heard in the mountains. Many a night’s sleep was lost as a brass band played at an all-night party.

As the missionaries witnessed from door to door, people would often invite them in and listen for half an hour or more. Yet, friendly as they were, most were not particularly concerned about world conditions and were quite satisfied with their way of life. Sexual immorality was widely practiced. And, as for changing one’s religion, this would bring ridicule from an unending chain of relatives. Nevertheless, after three years it was possible to form a small congregation, and in time ten publishers reported. But it seemed that little more would come out of Santa Cruz then. So, when Sister Hansler became pregnant, the missionary home was closed.

The Hanslers chose to remain in Bolivia. This meant living in primitive quarters, sacrificing comforts. But they were blessed with four healthy children, all of whom became servants of Jehovah and all of whom are in full-time service or have had that privilege. John and Esther once more enjoy serving in their original assignment, Santa Cruz, as special pioneers.

[Picture on page 82]

John and Esther Hansler (on right), with their four grown children, welcoming others to Kingdom Hall in Santa Cruz