Bringing God’s light into the darkness of mines in Bolivia

By SIM UK

Steve first felt called to Bolivia after a short-term university assignment there, returning later for long-term ministry with his wife Mary. Over the years, they’ve seen a remarkable change: Bolivia, once a mission field, now sends its own missionaries worldwide.

“There are now Bolivian missionaries serving in Kenya, Indonesia and a number of places that are not as open to granting visas to Western countries – but Bolivians can go.”

There are now Bolivian missionaries serving in Kenya, Indonesia and a number of places that are not as open to granting visas to Western countries – but Bolivians can go.

In 2012, the couple moved to Potosí, a historic mining city in Bolivia. There, they found a need to share Christ’s love with the mining communities. Although Potosí is one of the world’s highest cities, its miners often work in spiritually dark conditions, and most have never heard the good news.

“Because of the work they do underground, the miners feel like they’re working in the devil’s territory and so make sacrifices to an image of the devil.” Yet it’s in the darkest places that God often reveals his presence and brings hope. So despite the challenges, Steve and Mary found ways to share that hope.

Following a serious accident, a miner named Luis* met a Christian visitor at his hospital bedside, which led him to faith. This connection opened the door for Steve to enter the mines as an occupational health and safety worker. Together, he and Mary began leading Bible studies with the miners, sharing God’s love.

Since relocating to the US in 2022, Steve and Mary continue their mission work with SIM’s Health Ministries Team, supporting healthcare workers serving in communities where Christ is least known. Their long-time connections continue to bear fruit.