Bolivia

Capital: La Paz, Sucre

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 1.1 million km2

Population: 11.8 million

HDI Rank: 107 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 8.6 million (73%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 2.3 million (20%)

Other: 1 million (8%)

General Information:

Bolivia is named after Simon Bolivar, the independence fighter. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Inca reigned over the region. In 1538, Spain conquered the territory and stayed in power until 1825, when they were ousted in a revolt. Indigenous people make up about two-thirds of Bolivia’s population. Tourism has become increasingly important. Bolivia is known to have lots of llamas. Guinea pigs are served as a delicacy. The nation is one of the world's largest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine. Most popular sport is soccer.

Religious Background:

Bolivia allows for religious freedom for all citizens. Religion forms an important part of culture and customs in the country. In the past, Catholicism was recognized as the state religion. Having a long history of Catholicism with religious orders and mission work, Bolivia has more recently experienced an increase in Protestant churches and denominations. However, the influence of the Catholic Church remains the dominant religious force in the country. There is a practice in Bolivia of offering dead animals to “Pachamama” (Mother Nature), in return for blessings.

Catholic background:

Catholicism first entered Bolivia with the arrival of the Spanish in 1532. The rise of Catholicism was in full swing, but not without hardships. The Franciscans, Mercedarians, Dominicans, and Jesuits continued, despite persecution especially from the Guerilla bands. For the most part, priests were of European origin. In 1967, a new Constitution made Catholicism the official state religion. Catholics in Bolivia are mostly nominal. The Church is composed of 4 archdioceses, 6 dioceses and 583 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Francis Solano.

Prayer Points

1. Bolivians to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 8.6 million Catholics in Bolivia.
Catholicism is deeply rooted in paganism. Pray for nominal and Christo-pagan Catholics, that God will reveal Himself in powerful ways to them.
Ask God that many be saved as the gospel goes forth to every Catholic home in the country.
Pray that Catholics born into their religion would examine their faith in the light of the Scriptures and embrace the truth.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 583 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,113 priests, 1,130 brothers and 2,563 sisters.
Many Catholics are very religious but they have never been confronted with the truth of the gospel. Pray that God will cause them to come to Christ and trust in Him.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelicals, in the year 2019, have been granted the same rights in the country as Catholics. Pray that the Evangelicals will use this right and the freedom to proclaim the gospel and plant many new churches in every province of Bolivia. Pray that the Lord will raise up many laborers to reach out to the unsaved in meaningful and relevant ways.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Poverty and inequality continue to plague Bolivia. There is a wide gap between the rich and the poor. Bolivia is the least developed country in South America. Pray for a stronger economy that will put an end to poverty and the plight of the poor.

5. Other Religions

Buddhism, Hinduism, the Baháʼí Faith and Judaism have small communities in Bolivia. There is an ever-increasing number of non-religious Bolivians. Pray that they will be open to hear the word of God and believe in the Lord Jesus.