Transitions Toward Justice in Bolivia
By Chenoa Stock, Mission Co-worker, UMAVIDA, Joining Hands Bolivia
March 7, 2016
Bolivians passing time in the Plaza Murillo in La Paz. Photo Credit: Chenoa Stock.
As Lent comes to an end, we recognize Jesus’ decision to withdraw into the desert for 40 days and nights to discern and prepare for his forthcoming ministry. Though longer than 40 days, we of UMAVIDA (Uniendo Manos por la Vida – Joining Hands for Life) have also been wandering in a desert -- sometimes in the darkness, sometimes tempted to give up and walk away -- reflecting on our purpose and mission for our future work with Bolivian communities. Perhaps without knowing it, this year of discernment and transition has all been to prepare us for a greater ministry to come, just as it was for Jesus.
I sat around many tables this past year, meeting with new and old faces, indifferent and passionate attitudes, hurt and hopeful eyes and strong and timid voices. But every time I walked away, I knew that everyone around each table had a heart for Bolivia and its people, and a call to walk with and support those suffering from injustices.
Through a change of Board members and long-time personnel, and facing government policies and actions that increasingly weaken the power of local community groups and non-government organizations, UMAVIDA was led to this desert wandering to strengthen its call to cry out and make known the environmental injustices that so many endure in varying ways in this mountainous and mineral-rich country.
But through the falls, slips and doubts, we wander together, accompanying one another on the journey towards justice, each with his/her unique talents and experiences. Together we mourn the recent, complete drying up of the second largest lake in Bolivia, Lake Poopó, located outside of the major mining city of Oruro, where UMAVIDA has had a strong working presence in the past. This lake’s tributary was often diverted and used for and contaminated by mining activity.
Though there were warnings from organizations and signs noticed and complaints made by the local communities who daily work the land and use the water, no action was taken. The government continues to claim that the principle reason for this lake’s disappearance is climate change, denying the presence of the extractive industry in the region and its negative impact on the land and people. We wander and discern.
Overlooking the bowl shaped city of La Paz, the capitol of Bolivia. Photo Credit: Chenoa Stock.
Together we held meetings and workshops to reflect on UMAVIDA’s 15-year life and its dedication to carrying out campaigns for environmental justice. We reflected on our path and the country’s path. We discussed where these steps were leading us next and who would continue to walk with us in this struggle and commit themselves to working for systemic change by addressing the larger, global issues that so many face. We wander and discern.
As I imagine was the case for Jesus, we may struggle in this wandering time, but we become stronger within it as well. We question our decisions, movements and words; and, through our careful steps, deep reflection and faithful commitment, we slowly begin to rediscover our place and purpose in a new context. We become grounded, we step out of the desert, and we hope that this time of wandering and discernment will enlighten our understanding and bring new vision to our ministry in Bolivia and around the world.
Please pray for UMAVIDA as it holds its annual General Assembly February 17-18 to analyze this call within the Joining Hands mission and its path forward into the world for justice and change.
Please also pray for Bolivia and its citizens, as a recently held referendum, supported by the current president, determined that a constitutional change to increase the limit of terms a president and vice-president can be re-elected consecutively was denied by democratic vote. As this leadership still holds four more years in office, please pray that this be a smooth transition and that it be a healthier and more effective government that works in the interest of its people.
We wander together in faith and with the hope of what Matthew wrote as Jesus began his ministry in the world comes true:
Matthew 4:16: “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and the shadow of death light has dawned.”
God’s blessing on this journey.
