Day 29: Division and Unity.

It's hard to put into words the things I'm seeing and hearing around me.  On one hand, the violence in all 9 departments (states) of Bolivia is increasing.  There are more clashes between pro-government groups and all the others who are asking for the president's resignation.  A lot of those riots are filled with the passionate, idealistic, brave youth of this nation.  One of those, a 20-year old man, lost his life in Cochabamba yesterday.  The other side probably has some people who are fighting for what they believe is right, but there are also many who are being paid by the government to show up and be aggressive.  What started as the majority of the country unifying to protest a fraudulent election and the desire to see democracy reign, has now been turned into a class war by a president who has convinced his supporters it's because of racist motives that there is opposition and push back.  What Evo Morales was able to accomplish in giving voice and rights to the indigenous people has now been flipped on its head.  Now, anyone who is not on Morales' side is claimed to be a racist and hater of the "real" Bolivian people.  It's heart-breaking to see, but it's nothing new to this country and maybe has been just under the surface for a long time, waiting to boil over with the right provocation.

On the other hand, I see the church uniting.  The more the country is breaking apart, the more I see the church clinging to each other and to our Almighty God, who alone can repair the damage done.  I joined a small group of men and women from all backgrounds and social classes last night at the local market to pray and worship God.  What an incredible picture of the way we become one in Christ, brothers and sisters in one family.  The barriers are torn down in our own hearts when we finally have eyes to see the heart of God and the compassion He has on a hurt and broken nation.  All over the country, the church is rising up to join the spiritual battle that is raging and we know that there is no help or hope outside of God's hand moving in this time.  So, we fervently pray for that.  For justice; for no more lives to be lost; for reconciliation; for peace.  Maybe my Day 30 entry will be the one where we can proclaim the victory!