“Bolivia, let the word of our God stand forever!”
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”(Isaiah 40:8,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 12.05 million
Area | 21,098,581㎢ Located in the interior of the Andes in western central South America.
Capital City | La Paz (1.9 million), Sucre (constitutional capital, 280,000)
People Groups | Total 48 groups, Mestizo 65.6%, Native American 30% (Quechua 15.2%, Aymara 9.5%), German 2%
Unreached People Groups | 2 groups (approximately 2,900 people)
Official Language(s) | Spanish, Quechua, Aymara
Total Languages | 39
Bible Translations | Completed 12, New Testament 18, Partial 6
Religion | Christian 92.4% (Protestant 15.1%, Catholic 70.6%), Non-religious 2.9%, Ethnic religion 1.6%, Baha’i 1.5%, Evangelical 19.3%, 2.26 million people
》 About Bolivia
Bolivia was once part of the Inca Empire, the most advanced civilization in the Andes, but it came under Spanish rule in 1535. In 1825, independence was achieved by an army led by A.J. Sucre and Bolívar. Since then, Bolivia has experienced over 200 coups and revolutions and lost significant land after wars with Chile and Paraguay. Civilian government was established in 1982, but the country remained unstable. In 2006, socialist president Evo Morales was elected but was forced to step down in 2019 after a controversial attempt to win a fourth term. President Luis Arce was elected in 2020, and Morales returned after charges against him were dropped.
Bolivia’s economy has rich mineral and energy resources, but it is still one of the poorest countries in South America. Many of the rural poor grow coca plants, making Bolivia the third-largest producer of coca (used in cocaine) in the world. Large natural gas deposits were discovered in the 2000s, leading to exports to Brazil and Argentina and boosting the economy. However, since 2014, falling oil prices have slowed Bolivia’s economic growth. Bolivia’s GDP per capita is approximately $3,700.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 40:1-3, 8-11(NIV) 1. Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD ; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 8. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9. You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10. See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Christianity in Bolivia is composed of 70% Catholics and 15% Protestants. However, many Christians, especially Catholics, are still influenced by indigenous animist practices and need repentance and restoration through the truth of the Bible. Evangelical Christianity has grown threefold since 1990. Let us thank God for this and pray that churches, led by the Association of Evangelicals in Bolivia (ANDEB), will continue to teach the Bible and disciple believers. May Bolivia, which has endured many hardships, receive the Lord’s comfort, and may God’s word be firmly established in this nation forever.
2. Bolivia faces deep political, economic, and cultural conflicts between regions, with long-standing social tensions caused by severe poverty and inequality. Conflicts exist between the eastern lowlands and the western highlands, between indigenous people and mestizos or non-indigenous groups, and between the central and local governments. These and other complex factors continue to divide the country. Let us pray that the gospel will spread across Bolivia, bringing unity in Christ and healing divisions within society. May God raise up wise and just leaders who fear Him and seek to resolve these national challenges with fairness. Let us pray that Bolivia will find peace and complete unity in the arms of the Lord, who lovingly gathers and cares for His people.
3. About 50% of Bolivia’s population is under the age of 24, and many young people struggle with unemployment and job insecurity. This reality makes them vulnerable to violence and drug abuse. Missionary organizations such as the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (CCU/IFES) and Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) are actively sharing the gospel with over 300,000 university students. Let us pray that churches and mission groups will boldly proclaim the gospel of the cross, raising up the next generation as true disciples of Christ. While extreme poverty has decreased, hunger remains a serious issue in rural areas, and half of all children under five suffer from anemia. Let us pray that the Lord will care for them with His loving arms, providing comfort and all their needs. May they find true hope in the eternal word of God.
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