It’s no secret that for many younger generations, environmental care is of deep concern. The topic often ranks among their top priorities, and some have an admirable passion demonstrated in their conscientious lifestyles. Often, we find Bolivians to be acutely aware of the environmental challenges facing their region. They’ll note how quickly hail can wipe out harvests, drought can strangle growth, and how deforestation has led to flash flooding. In recent years we’ve received emergency relief proposals related to each of these environmental disasters. On a smaller, local scale, lack of public garbage bins and proper garbage pick up has left cities not only covered in litter but with citizen made dumps. Improper drainage and sewage disposal can also lead to contaminated flooding. Though younger Bolivians often demonstrate a desire to take responsible actions to care for the environment, few are able to make a clear connection between this theme and their faith.
This past year we have been working with college and career students to build a faith-based foundation for creation care. Groups of young people across the country have been meeting online for biblical and theological training that critically explores Christian perspectives on our environmental reality. These trainings finished off with an in-person weekend event bringing together youth from across the country.
This program was led by Latin American experts connecting from Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama. Using online platforms made it possible to bring together youth nationally with facilitators at an international level. However, our final in-person event allowed us to connect more intimately and explore our subject through different approaches.
Our international speakers encouraged the youth to explore the theological roots of creation care, wrestle with difficult questions, and consider how this knowledge might affect their Christian practice. Still, their passion for integrating environmentalism with Christian faith and living was perhaps the most inspirational aspect of this formative initiative.
Theses trainings have already started sparking a response! Just this month, youth from one region have spearheaded a reforestation project. The national youth association has also adopted creation care as a focus theme hoping to spread awareness and harness passion nationally. We hope that these young people continue to lead and help us all consider how our faith can influence the world we live in.
This past year we have been working with college and career students to build a faith-based foundation for creation care. Groups of young people across the country have been meeting online for biblical and theological training that critically explores Christian perspectives on our environmental reality. These trainings finished off with an in-person weekend event bringing together youth from across the country.
This program was led by Latin American experts connecting from Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, and Panama. Using online platforms made it possible to bring together youth nationally with facilitators at an international level. However, our final in-person event allowed us to connect more intimately and explore our subject through different approaches.
Our international speakers encouraged the youth to explore the theological roots of creation care, wrestle with difficult questions, and consider how this knowledge might affect their Christian practice. Still, their passion for integrating environmentalism with Christian faith and living was perhaps the most inspirational aspect of this formative initiative.
Theses trainings have already started sparking a response! Just this month, youth from one region have spearheaded a reforestation project. The national youth association has also adopted creation care as a focus theme hoping to spread awareness and harness passion nationally. We hope that these young people continue to lead and help us all consider how our faith can influence the world we live in.
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