How Can I Pray for Bolivia & COVID-19?

 

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.