Prayers for Bolivia

I'm sure many of you have read or seen in the news that the political tension in Bolivia is at an all time high. First let me say that we are not in any imminent danger. But we are on higher alert. School has been canceled now for 2 1/2 days for the kids, and we just avoid certain areas of town. But we realize it is not all about us. The Bolivian people are hurting as they watch their country fall apart around them. There are deep divisions and tensions that run along racial lines. Would you join us in praying for peace for Bolivia? Only the hope that comes from Jesus will bring lasting peace to this country.

We wanted to include a copy of the "official" response from the South America Mission home office. It is as follows:

Fact:
The political atmosphere in Bolivia is extremely tense at present as different factions battle for control of the government. President Evo Morales, attempting to take the country into a socialistic direction, and backed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, has met with resistance from the more democratic eastern Bolivian provinces.

The differences go beyond political ideologies and include cultural and religious identities. This is an internal struggle and does not threaten the safety of our missionaries at this time.



Response:
The SAM Crisis Management Team is continually monitoring the situation, consulting with other Mission Groups, advising our missionaries, and staying in touch with the Home Office in the US. Our objective is to be able to continue ministry with as little disruption as possible and to have the ministries organized in such a way that if evacuation were necessary, the work would continue with Bolivian leadership and oversight where practical and/or possible.

Our people are to be prepared to leave the country, were that to become necessary, having documents in order, funds in hand, and arrangements for possessions and responsibilities left behind.

We cannot know what will happen over the next weeks but we can guard our own hearts, pray for one another and especially our Bolivian brothers and sisters. This could be a time for the Church to impact Bolivia with the message of hope and salvation.