After four years of unwavering dedication, Open Doors has completed its mission in Bolivia, leaving behind a strengthened and resilient church ready to face persecution.
“I remember when the Open Doors team first arrived in Bolivia, the church was fragmented by fear and uncertainty,” recalls Ana*, one of the first Open Doors volunteers in the country.
In 2021, when the ministry began its work in Bolivia, the evangelical church faced a dire situation. Political turmoil, social division, and escalating hostility against Christians created an environment of pervasive fear.
Church burnings and attacks became frequent in regions such as El Alto and Chapare. Christians faced mounting pressure to participate in traditional rituals that conflicted with their faith.
Building Trust in Adversity
“When I assumed leadership of Open Doors in Bolivia, I encountered a hesitant and sceptical church,” says Josué Valdez*, director of the team in Bolivia. “The ministry had to prove to both the churches and the government that its sole purpose was to serve, not interfere.”
By late 2021, through well-defined strategies and partnerships, the ministry officially began providing support to persecuted Christians in Bolivia.
Through partnerships with local organisations such as the Bible Society, and Assemblies of God, Open Doors identified the most affected churches and pastors.
Over the past four years, the ministry has invested more than $250,000 in advocacy and socioeconomic development programs, leaving an indelible impact on Christian communities nationwide.
Lives Transformed
Beyond statistics, the true legacy is in transformed lives: pastors who now boldly defend their rights, communities that persevere under persecution, and Christians with renewed hope.
Emiliano*, a young pastor from Chapare, is one example. He lives in a region where pressure to engage in coca cultivation and animist rituals is high. With Open Doors’ support, he launched a small business that sustains both his family and ministry. “Every time we sell our products, I feel like we are proclaiming our faith. God has answered our prayers,” he says.
Strengthened to Stand
As of 1 January 2025, Open Doors has ceased its operations in Bolivia indefinitely. This difficult decision reflects the organisation’s confidence in the Bolivian church’s ability to stand independently.
“The Bolivian church has found essential tools in training and economic self-sufficiency to resist and thrive,” says Josué Valdez. “Programs focusing on human rights, legal defence, and leadership have empowered numerous pastors and leaders. Today, they not only confront violations of their rights but also actively work to transform their communities.”
Pray for Bolivia
- Pray for ongoing political stability and for Christian persecution to remain low.
- Pray believers stay resilient through the training they have received.
- Pray for the Bolivian church to keep growing.
*Names changed for security purposes
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