German Publication Editor

At present there are approximately 50,000 German-speaking Mennonites living in about 54 colonies in Bolivia. Most colonies are located within 150 kilometers of Santa Cruz, with a few as far away as 12 hours. Road connections are being improved, but in many locations are very rough, dusty, and difficult. Approximately 70 percent of the colonies are of Old Colony background and very conservative. Well over 90 percent make their living from agriculture.

In an effort to maintain a simple and responsible lifestyle according to their understanding of scripture, the use of radios, tape players, motor vehicles, rubber tires on tractors, etc. are often prohibited and are seen as unnecessary for a fulfilled family and community life. The community tends to isolate itself from what it calls the “world,” and does so not only in its spiritual life but also in a physical way, strictly adhering to rules to preserve community boundaries. Their understanding of unity is that community/church members have the same beliefs and customs which define them as a distinctive group. To change a custom can be enough to cause disunity.

Because children are being prepared for life on the farm, they learn many skills by helping their parents on a daily basis. As a result, there is less emphasis placed on formal education. Colonies usually offer six years of formal education for girls and seven years for boys.

Taking this situation into account, the Mission Statement of the Colony Mennonite work reads as follows:

MCC Bolivia's work with the Low German speaking Mennonite colonies and their members is designed, within a mutually beneficial relationship, to sensitively encourage and assist them: (1) in struggling for physical, mental and spiritual well being, (2) in developing their long-term economic viability, (3) in increasing levels of education, (3) in strengthening their understanding of community, (4) in applying scriptural truths and values in compassionate and loving ways, and (5) in developing a concrete and mature relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Low-German Mennonite (LGM) staff members are ambassadors representing the larger Mennonite community. At present there are staff from Germany, Zimbabwe, Paraguay, Canada, and the United States. In light of the Mission Statement, the program plan for the colony Mennonite work includes various assumptions that guide the work, including:

In order to impact positively upon the colonies and their members, one will need to gain a compassionate understanding of Old Colony Mennonite history and their cultural system as well as gain the confidence of the colony and church leaders and their people.

Long-lasting solutions to the problems facing these colonies will be most effectively achieved by working within their communities and developing positive, trusting relationships. Patience and humility are keys to this work.

LGM staff members will allow themselves to be challenged by the colony Mennonites and cultivate relationships that are mutually beneficial, involving relationships that respect the points of view, aspirations, and beliefs of the other.

A significant service provided by the LGM program is Centro Menno, a drop-in center located in Santa Cruz. Services offered at the center include Canadian documentation work, library services, sale of Christian literature and music, distribution of German language publications, and a place to rest and visit. The LGM team produces a German-language publication, Menno Bote, with a circulation of approximately 2300 issues per month.