Bright Hope's Mission Team to Bolivia Oct 2024
Right now, nearly 720 million people are stuck living on less than $2 a day. For more than 50 years, Bright Hope has been providing sustainable solutions to help struggling families break the poverty cycle permanently. We do this by empowering in-country churches to transform their communities through a three-pronged approach. Hope for Today programs meet immediate needs for food, clean water, and medical care. Hope for Tomorrow programs build incomes and skills through education, microfinance, and job training. Hope for Eternity programs equip in-country churches to share the love of Jesus in tangible ways through pastoral training, family empowerment, and evangelism.
BOLIVIA
Unfortunately, 60% of Bolivians live below the poverty line. And in rural areas, 75% suffer from poverty. Many parents work long hours in informal jobs such as washing clothes, preparing food, or selling items in local markets. This leaves children unattended and vulnerable out on the streets. Drug and alcohol abuse is also common in impoverished families, which leads to high rates of domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect. Recent reports state that 80% of children, girls, and adolescents are victims of violence, either physical (60%), psychological (30%) or sexual (4%).
MISSION OF THE TEAM
The goal of this team is to minister and encourage, with the local in-country church, to the surrounding community living in poverty. We will do this through children’s ministries, food programs, after-school tutoring, and other activities based on the current churches’ needs.
People living in extreme poverty often believe that they are not enough. Our goal is to remind our Bolivian brothers and sisters that they have been made in the image of God with a purpose, that they are dearly loved, and that they have inherent worth. Your presence will remind them that they are not alone. As a result of joining us on our trip to Bolivia, we believe that you will also be transformed with increased faith, hope, and a closer walk with Jesus Christ.
Additional costs: airfare to El Alto, Bolivia (LBP) and visa cost ($1,500 appx)
Financial
$1,200.00
Due 10/1/2024
| $200.00 | Deposit due to Bright Hope Due 6/1/2024 | |
| $1,200.00 | Purchase your flight - Estimated cost Due 6/1/2024 | |
| $160.00 | Start to apply for your Bolivian Visa - Estimated cost Due 7/22/2024 | |
| $1,000.00 | Balance of trip cost due to Bright Hope Due 10/1/2024 |
Forms
Applying for a Bolivian Visa Required
Due 8/5/2024
We recommend using a service such as "Visas and Passports 2 Go" at https://vp2go.com/default.aspx to apply for your Bolivian visa. If you prefer to apply yourself, instructions on how to do so are attached. Note: You do have to send in your actual passport and 8 items to the embassy when you apply, so make sure you will not need your passport for a few weeks. ALSO: YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT, VISA, and THE SAME 8 ITEMS YOU SUBMITTED FOR THE VISA IN PAPER FORM. BOLIVIA IMMIGRATION WILL ASK FOR THEM ON YOUR ARRIVAL AND WILL KEEP THEM.
Waiver Form- Including for a Minor (Minor form will need to be notarized) Required
Due 5/31/2024
Please print and fill out this form and email it back to [email protected]. Minors must have their forms filled out by both their legal guardians and notarized.
Requirements
Prerequisites
- IMPORTANT! Your passport's expiration date MUST be at least 6 months past the return date of this trip. Processing times for new passports and passport renewals are 3 - 4 months, so we encourage you to start the process immediately after you have been approved.
- Required: Yellow fever vaccination. Recommended: Immunizations based on the CDC guidelines. Please consult your doctor for further information.
- Spanish speaking skills are appreciated, but not required.
Responsibilities
- Additional costs: Book a flight from your home city to El Alto, Bolivia (LPB) and obtain a Bolivian tourist visa.
- Attend 2-3 pre-trip meetings.
Restrictions
- You have to be 18 years old unless traveling with an adult.
- Must be able to acclimate to high altitudes.
Preparation
- Read all the documents located under Forms and submit to Bright Hope upon application.
- Begin fundraising. Giving can be done at www.brighthope.org/trips
- Pray. Ask God to prepare your heart for this trip and for those in Bolivia that you will meet.
- Plan to join three pre-trip Zoom meetings on July 22nd, August 26th and September 30th at 7:00 pm CST.