What's Going on in Bolivia?!

Please be in prayer for Bolivia. We find ourselves in the midst of troubling times.

When President Evo Morales, a former coca leaf grower and Bolivia’s first indigenous president, was elected in 2006, it was expected that he would serve in the presidency for 2 consecutive terms (a total of 10 years). However, towards the end of Evo’s last term, he sought to modify the constitution in order to run for a 3^rd term; there was a national election and the amendment was defeated. However, shortly after, Evo turned to the courts, stacked with members of his MAS party (Movimiento al Socialismo or Socialist Movement). As a result, the country’s highest court overruled the constitution and gave Evo the ability to run for a 3^rd term-and for every election thereafter.

Despite this abuse of power, Evo continues to be well loved among the predominantly indigenous population of Bolivia. In part because of his own indigenous background and also due to his implementation of many socialist programs that have helped the indigenous population and his work to support the preservation of the indigenous culture, language and religious beliefs.

So, this brings us to today and Evo’s recent doings. In December, legislature passed a penal code that is set to be passed in the next 18 months. The penal code does lots of things. It criminalizes ALL malpractice (rather than just gross negligence). Based on accusations alone, a physician could be sent to prison while awaiting trial. The penal code also calls for increased censorship in journalism and increased criminal penalties for those in the transportation sector. Perhaps most alarming, is a portion of the code that criminalizes evangelism in Bolivia. The disturbing mandate calls for “5-12 years of imprisonment” for “whoever recruits, transports… or hosts people with the aim of recruiting them to take part in religious or worship organizations.” Obviously, this could result in potentially severe restrictions on religious freedom in Bolivia.

Since the passing of the penal code there has been a great outcry from the Bolivian people and large gatherings of prayer and protest throughout the major cities of Bolivia. On Monday, the president will address the nation. A lot will ride on what he has to say. As a school, we are preparing for closure for the entire week, as potential demonstrations, marches and blockades could make it difficult to impossible to get around the city. There is talk of people from around the country flocking to La Paz (the home of the president and political capital of Bolivia) to protest.

Tomorrow, believers throughout Bolivia will observe a day of prayer and fasting. Please join us in our prayers. Pray for wisdom for the leaders of Bolivia, pray that God’s will may be done, and that He will be glorified. It seems that in times of persecution, the church always grows and becomes stronger; pray that many will come to know the Lord in these times.

Doctors on Strike in Bolivia

Evangelical Leaders Praying for Bolivia

President Evo Morales