Dear Friends,
We pray this letter finds you well. As I write Bolivia continues to be plagued with more strikes and blockades. It seems a bit strange that we have become accustomed to stepping over logs and walking around burning tires. Hardly ever do we feel we are in personal danger, but our hearts continue to long for the day when there is a resolution and reconciliation.
On Sunday, March 6, the fourth Bolivian president we have seen in office in less than four years turned in a letter of resignation. Since he came into office less than a year and a half ago, there have been over 280 protests and manifestations in the country. Bolivia continues to be pushed and swayed by the international community to pass legislation that overlooks the indigenous population. If you boil it all down, we are in the midst of a century old class war, now facing increased pressure from outside investors to overlook the poor.
Centuries of oppression now coupled with a movement to give indigenous populations a voice has caused many to take to the streets in protest of injustice and racism. The growing disparity between indigenous populations and the professional class has the government fighting on two fronts. After almost a week of delegations, the president was reinstated under conditions that will try and quiet the voice of protesters.
A few weeks ago, one of my neighbors told me it was my turn to sit on the corner to make sure no buses could get through. I quickly responded, “And what if I don’t agree!” Her blank stare reminded me that my opinion didn’t matter. The only way the poor will have a voice is if they are united and so when the neighborhood delegate comes by and says there will be a protest, one member of each home is obligated to participate. We live in a unique urban setting of 800,000 people where a large percentage of the population still owes allegiance to what some would call a “modern day tribal chief”.
Living and working among the poor is a decision we have had to continually make. Many of our friends continue to ask us to move to La Paz where we would not be inconvenienced by strikes and protests. I am constantly reminded that a life of comfort and isolation would be an easy way to forget about the reality around us.
Despite political unrest, we are very content in Bolivia. The House of Hope continues to be a place of rest for the ladies who find themselves in the trap of prostitution. We would covet your prayers as we begin more of a rehabilitation program in April. We feel many of the women are ready for more commitment, and so we are planning a three month program of four classes (small group/discipleship, financial management, skills training and interactive therapy). It’s a huge step for all of us involved.
Sitting here I am reminded that I am not in Kentucky anymore. There are two sounds outside our window. One is of airplanes taking off which tells me the protests are not too severe today and the professional class is not being affected. The other is the distant sound of dynamite, probably from the miners who are protesting. Today we will open the doors of the House of Hope to a desperate population in a hurting world. Thank you so much for your prayers and support as we live and work among the poorest of the poor.
Serving Him,
Andy, Andrea & Elias Baker