Bolivia, like other countries ruled by Romanism, has laws prohibiting the preaching and the teachings of every other religious belief. But in some parts where public sentiment is more liberal, the authorities allow the right of worship. The liberal party is endeavoring to secure from congress full liberty of worship; and there is hope that they will obtain it, at least to some extent. But there is liberty of the press, so literature can be circulated with but little difficulty. This is an encouraging feature.
SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH, LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
As Bolivia produces no literature, the printed matter is imported. There is no duty on books unless they are considered articles of luxury. Hence we can easily introduce the literature containing the gospel message. Besides the Spanish-speaking people, there are Germans, French, Italians, English, and Americans who can read, and to whom we could bring the last warning through the printed page.
This field needs some colporteurs who will go from house to house, working with the people, giving them opportunity to hear and learn the truth, and what they must do to be saved. We owe the gospel to this people, and we must bring it through the door the Lord has opened to us.
For Bolivia we need workers fully consecrated, persons who love God and the people. They should be persons with some experience and a persevering character,—men who, like Paul, can adapt themselves to every condition,—men of moral and spiritual strength. As the climate differs so materially, in some parts hot and in others cold, some parts dry and others wet, it would be a decided advantage for a worker for that field to enjoy good health. Knowledge of how to care for the body is quite necessary. As far as I know one can be a vegetarian in any part of the country.
Who will give himself to the Lord's work in Bolivia? Are you willing to sacrifice yourself on the Lord's altar? If so, then show it by your action, and be assured that the Lord is God in Bolivia as well as in any other place in the world. A faithful worker will not be forgotten by the Lord. He will give him what he needs for his body, and what is good for his soul.
The Bolivians look with favor on Americans. They hope for political deliverance through them. Why should not servants of the Lord come from America and deliver them from spiritual slavery? Come, brethren, come and help them. They need help, and you can render it. Why not do it? May the Lord awaken those whom he desires to have in Bolivia, and fill them with love for the perishing souls in that country, and guide them according to his promises.
