Covid 19 has affected Bolivia in many ways, but these are
three main three areas that stand out, and ways we can pray .
1.
Mid-March, the Bolivian government took extreme
measure to slow the spread of the virus. Mandatory curfews and consequences
were put into place. Those measure have relaxed, but movement is still
extremely limited.
Adults are allowed to leave their homes
between 6am-4pm two days a week. (depending on your ID #) Children and Elderly
have not been allowed to leave the house legally for almost 5 months. This has
affected many families that were already living in extreme poverty.
The Lord has provided funds to provide
weekly bags of food for each of the families we work with most closely. This
also allows us to visit briefly with each family, pray with them, and discuss
the week{s bible study. We have been so
encouraged by the way these new believers have shared their food with neighbors
in the hopes of being a testimony to God{s love.
Please
pray that the physical need & hunger of the people would open doors for
sharing the gospel and discipling new believers.
2.
Despite these preventative measure, hospitals
are overrun. Even for those who can afford to pay, access is limited.
Franco’s father and grandfather passed away
last month due to COVID, and his mom was just released from the hospital after
almost 4 weeks. The hospitals are not able to provide even basic needs, such as
water and toilet paper. We are thankful the Lord has provided people that were
able to help meet these needs for his mom, as we were not able to travel to be
with her, but many people do not have the same resources.
Please
pray for health and protection, especially for Franco as he delivers food and
meets with families. Pray that many would see an urgency of their need for
Jesus. Please pray for Franco’s family as they grieve- that they would be a
light to non-believing friends and family.
3.
Education has also been affected. Due to the
extreme poverty in Bolivia, most families do not have internet in their homes.
The Bolivian school year runs from February- November, and most children have
not had any instruction since March. The government decided this week to end
the school year, and pass everyone on to the next grade level. This will cause
almost all students to fall behind academically.
Because the children have not had classes,
we have been able to provide Bible study material for the parents to work
through with their children. We praise the Lord for how He in working in
the homes of our neighbors.
Pray
for wisdom as we seek to serve the families we work with. Pray that the Lord
would use us to equip parents to help their children academically, but more
importantly, to train them up in the way of the Lord.
