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| La Prensa-TIPNIS |
TIPNIS is the name of a national park here in Bolivia. This jungle area had been declared a protected area by an agreement between the native peoples that inhabit this territory and the national government. Now the government wants to build a major highway right through the heart of this territory.
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| La Prensa- Marchers arrive in La Paz |
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| La Prensa-La Paz supports marchers |
The indigenous people of this land oppose this new road and to protest against these plans, they walked 65 days from their homes until they reached La Paz. They were received by a multitude of supporters here in La Paz. A committee from the city, in an official ceremony, gave the marchers the keys to the city and declared them "Illustrious Guests".
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| La Prensa-Marchers sleep in plaza |
The marchers camped in the downtown plaza in front of the Presidential Palace. After a few uncomfortable days between the marchers and the police, the president agreed to dialogue with the marchers. They convinced the president to honor his agreement to not destroy this protected area. The road will not be finished as planned.
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| La Prensa-Marchers in La Paz |
The marchers went back to their lands happy that they had been successful in stopping the construction of the road, and pleased with the way the people of La Paz had treated and supported them. About 400 of them were flown back in Air Force planes and another 700 were taken back home in buses. They received a hero's welcome by their fellow citizens.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you ..." John 15:16. Last Sunday we were privileged to be present when a new member was received into the congregation. Every time the Holy Spirit leads someone to admit their sinfulness and their need for a Savior, we see evidence of the Holy Spirit creating faith in hearts - undeserving hearts that He fills with His grace. God continues to gather His children and we rejoice and give thanks for His faithful work among us.
This last week we had another strike - streets closed, no transportation, no school. The pictures show some of the protesters and also people walking in the streets (no cars!). The protesters were showing their support for the TIPNIS indigenous people. This group had an agreement with the government to protect their territory and now the government has made plans to build a highway straight through the center of their land. They have left their land and are marching to La Paz where they plan to protest in front of the government buildings.
