This was the scene the other day in Bolivia. Although it is not uncommon to see lines at the gas pumps because of shortages this was a little more serious. The government announced December the 26th that there would be a gas hike of 85%. Even though gas is much cheaper in Bolivia than in the US this is significant when the average wage is less than $100 a month. There were strikes and violence for a week until the government retracted their proposal and everything returned to normal.
More concerning to us than this episode is what has been occurring with the churches in Bolivia. A few weeks ago, the Arch Bishop of the Catholic church in our city made a comment about children being used in drug trafficking and the government made a decree to have him expelled from the country. Because of this, there is a law in the works that will allow the government to investigate and tax all properties and income of the church. The problem is, that they don’t see a difference between the Catholic church and other churches like ours. So far, it hasn’t had any direct impact on us, but this could affect our church and ultimately lead to the government controlling the churches. They are already regulating Christian Schools and have closed the local Adventist University. Please pray for the church and ministry there and that His name will continue to be lifted on high.