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LDS missionaries leave Bolivia
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Mike R. | 12:27 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
What do you expect from a Commie Tin Horn dictator who worships at the table of
Comrade Chavez?
I'm glad the missionaries are safe.
I'm glad the missionaries are safe.
Too bad | 1:00 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Wonderful people but not a great government. But just like an action-movie star
WE'LL BE BACK
Comments continue below
de la zerda | 1:05 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Hold on buddy, we'll be back soon!
Randy | 1:11 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
I was among some 130 Elders and Sisters who served as missionaries in Bolivia
from 1970 through 1972. During that time, we witnessed at least one attempted
coup and one "successful" one. We lived with the reality that our
presence in the country was subject to change at any time. In fact, during our
orientation as "greenies" we were told that in the event of unrest, we
might recieve one of two messages; the first being "come" (situation
uncertain, come to the mission home to recieve further direction), and the other
"go" (situation out of control, make for the nearest border crossing.)
At various times, we were restricted from gathering in large groups, going to
certain neighborhoods, or acting in a manner that drew attention to our
"north american-ness". I can totally relate to the anxiety and
apprehension being felt by both the missionaries and their families. The church
has grown in dramtic fashion in Bolivia since I was there, and I can only trust
that the Lord is watching over His saints (and the missionaries)and will
preserve them during this crisis.
Jeff | 1:43 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
I recently returned (2004) from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, serving a mission there.
This situation has been beoiling over for many years. When I was there we had to
stay in our apartments many times due to this social unrest. In Bolivia's
short history as a contry they have had more coups and changes of governments
than they have years asa country. I avoided this topic while serving but got
enough of it from the cruzenos point of view and I agree with them that they
should control their own wealth and not let the government do what it is doing.
I love and pray for the people of everyday and trust that something good will
come of this.
we'll be back???? | 1:47 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
The Associated Press quoted Bolivia's president saying soldiers have
arrested an opposition governor inside the country on charges of organizing a
massacre.... and the missionaries are going to go back? Gald it's not my
son.
I agree | 2:02 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Morales is the worst type of person. Trying to help the poor and destitute that
have been stepped on for so long.
Cats | 2:14 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Of course the missionaries will be back. Just when, we don't know.
God's work will not be stopped. Those with faith know this.
I also pray for the protection of the members of the Church in Bolivia and all the other people that are being affected by this instability.
I also pray for the protection of the members of the Church in Bolivia and all the other people that are being affected by this instability.
Chuckles55 | 2:15 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Whether we go back or not is not the question. The most important fact is that
all of the missionaries are safely out of the country. It will be up to the
locals to decide what happens with their government. I just hope that the LDS
church's good will with the current government will keep the authorities
from persecuting local LDS members. I have friends from other countries who had
to leave and seek assylum in the U.S. because of their ties to the LDS church
and their unwillingness to go along with repressive policies of the local
regimes.
MLund | 3:08 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
The church still has missionaries in Bolivia, just not from the US or Canada.
The article doesn't say how many, but I would guess that the mission will
still function without the anglos, as will the church
Morales needs to go | 3:19 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
From 100,000 feet up, Morales' idea of giving back to the poor indians
sounds good, but his way of doing things is pretty messed up. I was in both
sides of the country last year (La Paz and Santa Cruz) and got a bit of a
feeling for things. Without a doubt, the East (Santa Cruz) creates the economy.
Without them, the economy would collapse. Yet Morales wants to basically take
the resources and legal contracts, etc from those businesses that create the
economy and just hand over everything to the indians, who generally have no idea
how to run things. It would be an absolute disaster. And the
"massacre" claimed by Morales was in no way a massacre. Morales sent
troops in to the state, claiming a "State of Siege" and those in the
East fighting for their liberty, tried to defend their state and governor.
Sarcasm? | 3:23 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
I'm a returned missionary form the Bolivia Santa Cruz mission, I just
recently returned in late august.
response to earlier comment:
-"Morales is the worst type of person. Trying to help the poor and destitute that have been stepped on for so long."
Im pretty sure im picking up on some sarcasm here and I have to say that if you think he is actually helping these poor indigenous people that have been being steeped on for years, you need to take a step back and look at the way he is helping him. His primary form of aid was legalizing the coca plant which enabled them to make a lot of money very chaeply while supplying the world with, needless to say, very hazardous drugs, while at the same time the usage of raw coca leaves by his very own indigenous people that he is "helping" has skyrocketed which results in the hundreds of people I saw on the streets passed out with only the dirty clothes they had and many times without even clothing. So if your gonna say that he is helping his people I hope you pay attention to the decreasing quality of life in Bolivia.
response to earlier comment:
-"Morales is the worst type of person. Trying to help the poor and destitute that have been stepped on for so long."
Im pretty sure im picking up on some sarcasm here and I have to say that if you think he is actually helping these poor indigenous people that have been being steeped on for years, you need to take a step back and look at the way he is helping him. His primary form of aid was legalizing the coca plant which enabled them to make a lot of money very chaeply while supplying the world with, needless to say, very hazardous drugs, while at the same time the usage of raw coca leaves by his very own indigenous people that he is "helping" has skyrocketed which results in the hundreds of people I saw on the streets passed out with only the dirty clothes they had and many times without even clothing. So if your gonna say that he is helping his people I hope you pay attention to the decreasing quality of life in Bolivia.
Ariel Estes | 3:50 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
It is sad to see the loss of democracy in some of these South American
countries. The people are wonderful but fall victim to false promises and lies
told by these leaders who "want to help the poor". The gospel is
strong enough in these regions to not only survive, but to thrive! I pray that
this situation can be resolved and that the great people of Bolivia will be
blessed.
Former Bolivian Missionary | 4:17 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
It is sad to read of these events in the country where I served my mission
(1981-83). As mentioned by other posters, the political situation in the country
has never been ideal. Back in the day, we were restricted to our apartments
during various general strikes. On a P-day we were walking in a plaza in La Paz
when we were suddenly bombarded with tear gas. There were shootings in the plaza
near the mission home in Cochabamba.
I speak often with some native Bolivians here in the U.S. and they are disgusted with Morales and his lack of morals. It is difficult to believe that the quality of life for the average Bolivian could be lower than it was 25 years ago. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere.
My hopes and prayers are that things can be resolved and that the work will go forth�sooner rather than later.
I speak often with some native Bolivians here in the U.S. and they are disgusted with Morales and his lack of morals. It is difficult to believe that the quality of life for the average Bolivian could be lower than it was 25 years ago. It is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere.
My hopes and prayers are that things can be resolved and that the work will go forth�sooner rather than later.
Boliviamanta | 4:20 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Does anyone actually believe Evo when he says the reason for the arrest is
genocide conspiracy? He just felt threatened by the autonomists. He's
trying to re-write the Bolivian constitution like Venezuela for crying out loud!
The missionaries will be fine... the church is very conservative and this isn't the first time this has happened. The latin missionaries will continue to do a great job in B-town even without their gringuito friends for a little while.
The missionaries will be fine... the church is very conservative and this isn't the first time this has happened. The latin missionaries will continue to do a great job in B-town even without their gringuito friends for a little while.
Greatful Grandmother | 6:10 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
I have a wonderful gradson who was serving his mission in Bolivia. He was given
20 minutes once before in one area he was in to board a train and get to
another area, leaving most of his belongins beind. IN the area he has been in,
he has been in lockup many times and always felt frustrated that he could not be
out doing the Lords work for the people he loves so much. He is now safely in
Peru and in his phone call home he tells of his desire to go back to serve these
wonderful people. Bgycen, your grandmother is very proud of you.
david | 8:51 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Those attacking Morales need to spend time on the Altiplano among Aymara, and
among the people in El Alto, to see the pride an vigor Evo has brought. It is
an amazing transformation.
There are also Latter-day Saints serving in his government and Evo has support among many members in the highlands. Don't forget that Evo won his election with the largest majority ever seen in Bolivia in a free election, and that percentage grew to almost 70% acceptance in the recent referendum. Evo has very strong support among ordinary Bolivians.
This is not the first time Anglo missionaries have been removed from the country, and yet the Church grows strongly in Bolivia.
There are also Latter-day Saints serving in his government and Evo has support among many members in the highlands. Don't forget that Evo won his election with the largest majority ever seen in Bolivia in a free election, and that percentage grew to almost 70% acceptance in the recent referendum. Evo has very strong support among ordinary Bolivians.
This is not the first time Anglo missionaries have been removed from the country, and yet the Church grows strongly in Bolivia.
Ed Clinch | 9:42 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
Interesting discussion and stressful events.
I am a LAS MA grad from UCLA. If that makes sense to anyone at this forum, great.
I lived in Chile in the 90s and most recently 2005. That country has gone through painful times of political strife and violence.
So has Colombia in the last 20 years...
Currently Venezuela and Bolivia have removed LDS Anglo missionaries...We hope the members and other foreign missionaries are safe, who probably count with many Latino nations, probably even Brazil.
Back in the 1980s, the head of the UCLA Latin American Studies program was asked by Bolivian officials to daignose their economic state and how to improve it. After months of investigation, he concluded the agricultural sector would be best.
They laughed at him, he said. Metals in the mines would be better to exploit, they assumed. Despite paying him to do the expert research. He had done the first ever economic evaluation of Mexico in the early 20th century. Jim Wilkie.
Hmmph.
I hope the Church continues to grow and temple attendance and activity create more a ways of peace and prosperity.
Que Dios les bendiga.
Y que seamos humildes.
I am a LAS MA grad from UCLA. If that makes sense to anyone at this forum, great.
I lived in Chile in the 90s and most recently 2005. That country has gone through painful times of political strife and violence.
So has Colombia in the last 20 years...
Currently Venezuela and Bolivia have removed LDS Anglo missionaries...We hope the members and other foreign missionaries are safe, who probably count with many Latino nations, probably even Brazil.
Back in the 1980s, the head of the UCLA Latin American Studies program was asked by Bolivian officials to daignose their economic state and how to improve it. After months of investigation, he concluded the agricultural sector would be best.
They laughed at him, he said. Metals in the mines would be better to exploit, they assumed. Despite paying him to do the expert research. He had done the first ever economic evaluation of Mexico in the early 20th century. Jim Wilkie.
Hmmph.
I hope the Church continues to grow and temple attendance and activity create more a ways of peace and prosperity.
Que Dios les bendiga.
Y que seamos humildes.
Politics | 11:31 p.m. Sept. 16, 2008
He got into power the same way the Democrats try to, by promising free hand outs
to the poor and uneducated that do not know any better. Once in power, they
take away many freedoms and liberties as this monster has done and is trying to
get more power for himself just like Chavez/Venezuela so he can never be
removed. Lets not forget both their anti-American support for communism!
The best thing would be for him to be overthrown to send an example to Venezuela so they can do the same thing to Chavez. Only then will missionaries be safe to go back. The U.S. needs to keep closer relations with South and Central America before these countries get this far into an anti-American socialist/communist dictatorship like these two countries have been heading towards.
The best thing would be for him to be overthrown to send an example to Venezuela so they can do the same thing to Chavez. Only then will missionaries be safe to go back. The U.S. needs to keep closer relations with South and Central America before these countries get this far into an anti-American socialist/communist dictatorship like these two countries have been heading towards.
Cougar Blue | 11:24 a.m. Sept. 17, 2008
Dear Politics; Not hard to figure out your political leanings. Equating this
nasty situation to Democrats is so silly. You are part of the problem my man!
isn't it time | 1:18 p.m. Sept. 17, 2008
the Church let natives in third world countries attend to their own missionary
work? The Church may be global but American missionaries are still seen as
American. Many of these places are getting more and more dangerous for
Americans.
Wilderness Wizard | 12:46 a.m. Sept. 18, 2008
No, it's President Bush's fault! Chavez said Bush is the devil and
Castro (Cuba's dictator) is wonderful and how all S. America should strive
to make their countries like Cuba!
J. Horspool | 10:17 p.m. Sept. 20, 2008
I had the privilege of serving in what we humbly called The Great Bolivia
Mission 1972-1974 (when there was only one). In that respect, I was the
beneficiary of a 1971 coup led by Hugo Banzer, in which he overthrough the
leftist J. J. Torres (just before Torres expelled all Northamericans -- he had
already expelled the Peace Corps). I was among the first group of LDS
missionaries to spend 2 whole years in Bolivia without seeing a revolution/coup.
Pres. Banzer's influence provided a mostly American-friendly environment
for us. Twenty years later I had the opportunity to thank Pres. Banzer with his
wife & daughter - he came to Walter Reed Army Medical Center for surgery; I
was in fellowship training there. That said, and acknowledging exceptions to
nearly every rule, coups are generally not the answer (see 12th Article of
Faith), but faithful efforts to effect positive change within the law. Problems
in Bolivia can't be naively attributed to one or two people; they are the
result of centuries of cultural and economic and spiritual deprivation. Our
main efforts address spiritual growth. Help people change their hearts; they
change their environment (Pres. Benson).
Concerned Jilata | 10:50 p.m. Sept. 22, 2008
From someone who spent his entire mission in the Altiplano while Evo was coming
to office, the man is evil. Whether you agree with socialism or capitalism,
believe in communism or democracy, doesn't matter. You can be a good
person on either side of the political coin toss. However, Evo is a bad man,
who seeks power for himself. He won power with the Aymara (with whom I served
as well "entinti aymara jilata?") by buying them with false promises
of prosperity and immediate cash dispensing. Granter, his coup threw out a very
corrupt man as well, but that doesn't make him uncorrupted. Evil is evil,
regardless of promises. His second-hand man, called Mallku (Condor/Chief in
Aymara), was responsible for the murder of two LDS missionaries a few years
before our service there. We all had to endure hardships in Bolivia, but that
was our mission. I pray these missionaries never forget the lessons they
learned in Bolivia, and can go back there as soon as possible. This might be as
soon as Evo is taken out of power for a better man, socialist or capitalist.
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Pray for them, folks; they don't know any better.