Abuse destroys a child from the inside out, confining victims to an existence of fear, despair, and loneliness. Sadly, more than 70% of Bolivian children endure abuse. But we have a plan to stem the crushing tide of violence against innocent kids in Bolivia.
The Dire Situation in Bolivia
Here’s a headline I read a few months ago from a British newspaper:
“The ombudsman’s office in Bolivia has condemned threats against a 10-year-old rape victim and her family after teachers and school staff tried to prevent the arrest of the alleged rapist, a 39-year-old male headteacher, by trying to invade a local police station and scuffling with police officers.”
It is tragic that such evil exists and runs rampant. Sadly, even teachers and school officials fought against the girl and protected the middle-aged attacker.
My heart drops when I read these types of articles. I immediately take two actions.
First, I pray! Pray about everything, the Scriptures say. Pray for the 10-year-old girl and her family. Ask God for justice. And pray for the school. I believe there must be other victims who have not come forward.
Second, I remind myself that Jesus commanded His followers to overcome evil with good. So, Bright Hope has a plan to combat the evil perpetrated against children in Bolivia. And we need your help and prayers to make this happen.
How Our Partner Churches Protect Kids From Abuse
- The churches in Bolivia are very concerned about the rate of sexual assault against children and women. They constantly pray for the children and families in their neighborhoods. They open their doors for after-school clubs and thousands of children are blessed with good programs that provide tutoring, counseling, protection, hot meals, Bible stories, and the love of Jesus.
- The most vulnerable kids, however, live in poor neighborhood slums and villages. The churches in these poor neighborhoods do not have the necessary resources to keep programs for children adequately running. Every week more children show up wanting protection, a hot meal, or help with their schoolwork. But they must turn them away because they don’t have the space or resources.
- Bright Hope has started partnering with 21 churches that run Children & Family Centers. Ten of these churches, however, need financial help to keep these programs running.
- Our partner churches provide leadership and volunteers to run the programs. I met several of the volunteer caregivers and teachers on my trip to Bolivia last fall. Each teacher was a picture of Christ’s love in action. Their dedication and talents amazed me. There were musicians, math teachers and reading specialists. I love to see God working behind the scenes, away from the headlines, to protect and love His precious little ones.
Bright Hope’s Plan to Protect Children
Our goal over the coming weeks is to recruit as many people as possible to care for the children of Bolivia! Would you join the cause by supporting and sharing the wonderful story of the churches coming to the rescue of needy kids?
To protect vulnerable kids in Bolivia, we want to raise $75,000 to fund the children’s programs that need help the most!
Every dollar gets us one step closer to the goal of helping 10 Children & Family Centers and nearly 1,000 children in some of the poorest communities in Bolivia. If we do the math, $100 will give one child an entire school year of Christ’s love and attention.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a part of this godly ministry? Wouldn’t your friends and family like to join you in praying for the children and churches doing their best to bring Christ’s love to these little ones?
This is the perfect time to give a gift that is generous, compassionate and helps in the fight against the evil of child abuse.
Let us know how you plan to engage, give, and pray.
