International Ministries global servants to Bolivia, J.D. and Rhonda Reed and Sarah Nash, have temporarily returned to the United States as civil strikes impeded their ministries and threatened security and safety.

On October 20, national elections were held in which incumbent President Evo Morales sought to be elected to a 4^th term in office.  Morales claimed a narrow victory, but in the wake of accusations of fraud and opposition-led strikes which paralyzed the country, he has tendered his resignation.  This has, in turn, generated further protests from Morales supporters, some of which have escalated into violent confrontations.

As the situation developed, the Reeds and Nash were in regular communication with IM leadership as well as the leadership of their ministry partner in Bolivia, the Fundacion Esperanza (House of Hope).  A mutual decision was reached that they would temporarily return and work remotely from the United States.   Sarah is at her family home in Seattle, Washington, and the Reeds are staying at the West Virginia Baptist Convention’s Mission House in Parchment Valley, WV.

IM continues to be contact with Carmen Flores and Ricardo Achu, Directors of Fundacion Experanza (House of Hope), and Area Director Adalia Gutiérrez Lee reports that though roadblocks and protests have significantly inhibited ministry programs, they and their family are well.  She sent a personal note assuring them, “on behalf of all the American Baptist Churches USA that you are NOT alone, the people of God are praying for Bolivia and love you dearly.”

The Reeds and Sarah expect to return to their homes and ministries in Bolivia as soon as the situation comes to a full resolution.  They ask that their IM supporters join in praying for Bolivia and its people.  “This has been called a battle for the soul of Bolivia,” J.D. notes. “Some others have said that this is one of the most pivotal moments in Bolivia’s political history. Pray for the Bolivian Evangelical Community to be a light in this troubled time and that the Holy Spirit will empower them to lead the way to a new Bolivia. Pray for this wonderful country and its amazing people. Pray that there is reconciliation and unity and that the country of Bolivia will be stronger because of how the Holy Spirit guided them to a new chapter in the history of their country.”

For more information, visit IM global servant’s pages:

Sarah Nash – https://internationalministries.org/author/s-nash/

J.D. and Rhonda Reed – https://internationalministries.org/author/jr-reed/