March 2025 Prayer Letter
This month has brought some progress, but we are also encountering various challenges. We hope this letter helps you understand how to best support us in prayer for the ministry and our family here in Bolivia.
We have been assisting the Blackburn family in settling into their new home, where they now have most of the essentials for daily life. We successfully helped them complete their temporary residency, which lasts for three years. Thankfully, this process went much smoother and quicker than our experience several years ago. They are now focusing on purchasing a vehicle that will best meet their needs. Please continue to pray for their adjustment.
Recently, we learned of a church that has been closed for about a year due to various struggles. We were somewhat familiar with this ministry, and it was disheartening to see how much it has changed from what we knew God had accomplished there in the past to its current state as an empty, broken-down structure. We were able to take possession of the property, restore power, clean the space and clear the land. We know of a nearby pastor and church willing to help us reopen it. This pastor will be holding a Sunday afternoon service and possibly a Thursday night service in the abandoned building. This is encouraging news. However, the building is in dire need of repairs; the roof leaks, there are significant cracks in the walls, and there are no restrooms. Please join us in prayer for guidance on how we can best support this endeavor.
Lastly, we request your prayers for wisdom considering the current economic situation in Bolivia. We have observed a decline in the economy for some time, but it is now hitting harder than ever. Inflation has surged by approximately 11% over the past year and over 3% in just the last two months. The government, which controls the fuel market, lacks the international funds to import sufficient fuel, resulting in the country operating at only 50% of its usual demand. Long lines for fuel stretch for miles, with people waiting up to 24 hours in hopes of obtaining gasoline. This situation has significantly impacted our ministry since the churches we currently serve are over two hours away from our home. The Bolivian president has announced an obligatory 8-hour workday for both private and public sectors, schools are shifting to virtual classes, and other measures are being implemented to reduce fuel demand. Our mission board has presented the possibility of us returning to the States until the situation improves, but for now, they are allowing us to wait with hopes of a resolution.
Although we do not plan to return to the States as a family, some supporters from our local area in North Carolina may occasionally see me. Currently, US dollars can be exchanged for 75% more on the street compared to withdrawing the same amount from a bank at the government rate. Essentially, for every $100 we have in cash, we could receive $175 at street value. This discrepancy would allow us to purchase a round-trip plane ticket, bring our support back in cash, and still gain significantly, which is crucial given the current inflation pressures. Even though this would be a huge benefit to us, this is something we are only praying about at the moment.
Once again, we ask for your prayers over these opportunities and situations. We believe that God has a plan, and we seek to align ourselves perfectly with it. Please pray for wisdom and discernment as we pursue God's will.
