Bolivia is grappling with a serious fuel shortage that’s affecting nearly every part of daily life. Across the country, people are waiting in line for hours—or even days—just to fill up their tanks. Farmers need diesel to harvest their crops, while truck drivers, bus drivers, and taxi drivers rely on fuel to make a living. Without it, their income is disappearing, putting their futures in jeopardy.
In times like this, we must pray!
Bolivia’s economic crisis, driven by a sharp decline in natural gas exports, has left the country with insufficient dollars to import fuel. As reserves dwindle, the shortage of fuel and essential goods is hitting the entire nation. Truly, the extreme poor suffer the most from rising prices and limited access to necessities.
The government’s attempts to tackle the fuel shortage—using cryptocurrency, selling gold reserves, and limiting public vehicle use—haven’t eased the crisis. Instead, frustration is rising as the shortage deepens, worsening the social divide and fueling growing discontent among the population.
The fuel shortage has affected every corner of Bolivia. Since everything relies on transportation, the lack of fuel has caused chaos. Traffic jams are common, and in warmer cities, fresh produce often rots before reaching markets. To make matters worse, the cost of living has tripled, leaving families struggling to afford food.
Churches and Families Need You
Our church partners in Bolivia feel the strain of this crisis deeply. Many rely on informal jobs, like selling newspapers, cold drinks, candy, and Jello on the streets. However, with people focused on basic needs, these small businesses no longer generate enough income. At the Children and Family Centers, the funds that once provided meals for hungry kids now only feed a third of the children who depend on them. It’s heartbreaking to see.
As tensions rise, the crisis fuels a troubling spike in crime. Armed robberies, from cellphone thefts to attacks on jewelry stores, occur more frequently. Streets that once felt safe now feel dangerous, and the situation escalates quickly, leaving many people in panic and fear.
For our church partners, the situation is even more dire. Without savings or a steady income, they struggle to make ends meet. They can’t feed their families, let alone cover the rising cost of living. While the entire country struggles, our partners face even greater challenges—made worse by the lack of a safety net.
Amid all this chaos, we’re in close communication with our church partners. One thing is clear—they need our help now more than ever.
Save the Date: Global Prayer Gathering for Bolivia!
Please join us in praying for Bolivia as the people endure this unprecedented crisis. Pray for God’s provision for those struggling to feed their families and meet basic needs. Pray for wisdom and guidance for the leaders navigating this challenging time. And pray for strength and hope for our church partners, who are standing firm in the face of immense hardship.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
On Tuesday, May 13, at 10:00 AM CDT, we’re holding our Bright Hope Prayer Gathering for Bolivia webinar. It will be a global event uniting believers to pray for our friends and partner churches in Bolivia as they walk through this crisis.
Sign Up Here: https://brighthope.wistia.com/live/events/p7pru3rhwz
Let’s pray and act for those in need. Your prayers can make an eternal impact!
Together, we can make a difference, offering support and compassion during one of the most challenging times Bolivia has ever faced. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
