Recent political turmoil in Bolivia claimed dozens of lives, left hundreds injured and paralyzed the South American nation's already fragile economy.

Photo by Associated Press

Workers repair plaza as a sense of normalcy returns to Bolivia following weeks of civil upheavel. Members and missionaries served each other during turbulent times.

For Church members and missionaries, it was a frightening period where folks were asked to stay safe, look out for one another and rely on the Lord and the direction of His servants.

"This experience has strengthened our members' testimonies of the importance of being prepared," said Ernesto Loza, president of the La Paz Bolivia Constitucion Stake.

The nation is just beginning to emerge from weeks of civil upheaval. Embattled Bolivian President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozado resigned Oct. 17 and fled the country following weeks of bloody civil conflict. During the chaos, government opposition forces blocked vital supply routes into La Paz. The capital city was left starving for food, fuel and provisions.

No Church members or missionaries were injured. Still, the shortages demanded that members rely on their personal food storage and each other. "We had challenges with our missionaries, some were isolated for several days," said Bolivia La Paz Mission President Terrance S. Drake.

Missionaries from North America were told to keep a low-profile until the situation cooled. They were provided food by Bolivian missionaries and members who could safely leave their homes. For a few days, some of the missionaries had little to eat but rice and water, according to President Drake.

President Loza said the area within the boundaries of the Constitucion Stake was poisoned by violence and danger during the unrest. Church meetings were canceled. Protestors threw rocks through the stake center windows. Still, the members served one another.

"I asked all the bishops to contact the people in their wards to make sure they were safe and had food," President Loza said. "The bishops soon reported back that all was well."

Now Bolivia has a new president and things have calmed. Folks have returned to work, the missionaries are out and about and members gather for Sunday meetings. There are no guarantees the calm will last, but the population appears to be offering a grace period to new President Carlos Mesa and his administration.

Church members continue to prepare for whatever's ahead. "We feel a sense of optimism," said President Drake.

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