First Russia, Now Bolivia Bans Evangelism. Who’s next?

It is no mystery that religious liberty is under attack, not only in specific countries but all over the world. Russia firstly outlawed evangelism throughout the country in 2016[2] as a part of its anti-extremism laws; and in 2017 an entire denomination, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, was completely outlawed in the country and have since had their property appropriated. Now another country is following in the footsteps of Russia, and that country is Bolivia.

From Christian Today, “Christians in Bolivia are predicting they could be about to see the end of religious freedom in their country, according to Evangelical Focus.

A new law brackets criminal groups with religious institutions and bans people trying to ‘recruit’ others to take part in ‘armed conflicts or religious or worship organization.’ This could mean that street preaching is forbidden and even inviting someone to a Christian event could count as a crime. The law would affect both Catholics and Evangelicals which make up about 19% of the population, or two million people. Evangelical representatives are suggesting it could mean the end of religious freedom in that country.’ Will they condemn us if we bring a group of people to a Christian camp meeting? Will we no longer be able to preach the Gospel on the streets?’ asked pastor Miguel Machaca Monroy, President of the coalition of evangelical churches in the capital city.

The National Association of Evangelicals in Bolivia also probed the new Penal Code and a statement said: ‘It is disgraceful that Bolivia becomes the first Latin American country to persecute the rights of freedom of conscience and of religion, which are protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the declaration of San José de Costa Rica, and our Constitution.”[3]

Many individuals in the United States are shocked and in misfortune shaking their heads at what has happened in Russia and now Bolivia, thinking that if only those countries valued the freedom that the United States affords such laws could never go in force. But little do they realize that civil and religious freedom in the United States will be utterly denied as every principle of the constitution will be retracted. Even now it is apparent that both civil and religious freedoms are being done away with, many times in the name of security and safety…aka peace and safety.(“For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Can we expect to see more evangelism banning in other countries?—yes, even including the United States. The question is, should we as Protestants, who have been given an assignment to go into all the world teaching and preaching the gospel, obey the laws of the land and keep our mouths shut, or should we serve the dictates of the word of God? We should undoubtedly declare: “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.  I pray that this is something that you too would declare in your life, as the word is going down with labor pains may the Lord be with you and God Bless.

11th-hour watchmen

sources from:

[1] https://www.prophesyagain.org/single-post/2018/01/15/First-Russia-Now-Bolivia-Bans-Evangelism-Who’s-next-1

[2] http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/07/12/thousands-fast-after-putin-signs-law-banning-evangelism-outside-churches.html

[3] https://www.christiantoday.com/article/bolivia-christians-under-attack-as-new-law-threatens-evangelism/123531.htm