HOPE IN ACTION | Bolivia Update

“Example is not the main thing in influencing others, It is the only thing…”

“Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16

HOPE IN ACTION ✨

This past July, we once again gathered with our faithful Bolivian medical team to bring God’s love into action.
Our journey began in the southwest of Bolivia, near the Paraguayan border, where we reached villages of the Guaraní people. These precious communities live many hours away from any basic medical help. Every act of care truly means the world to them.

From there, we traveled deep into the Chiquitanía rainforest near Brazil, returning to remote villages like Gavetita — more than eight hours from any clinic. For many years, we have walked alongside these communities, and time and again we’ve seen how the light of God’s love breaks through like a warm flame that touches hearts.

Then we went upstream through the rocky riverbed — on the way to Poco-Poco — with our 28-year-old Land Cruiser.
The roads disappear where the mission begins.

In the Andes, we finally reached the place we couldn’t access during our last mission because floods and landslides had destroyed the road. This time, after a daring journey through rocky riverbeds, the Lord opened a way.

Our work continued in Yampaparí, where doctors, dentists, pastoral workers, and creative volunteers served side by side. Every smile, every handshake, and every touched life testified of the quiet power of His love. Our Bolivian team itself continues to grow in faith, dedication, and courage — reaching places where almost no one else goes. The task is heavy, but the joy of serving is even greater.

WHO WE ARE

Dr. Rik and his wife Carolien serve in the heart of Bolivia. Rik first worked in Bolivian children’s hospitals in 1986–1987. Moved deeply by the suffering he witnessed, he returned in 1990 as a medical missionary.

Together with a dedicated Bolivian team, they reach the most remote and forgotten communities, bringing hope, healing, and God’s love to the poorest of the poor. Their mission continues to be a testimony of Christ’s compassion.

THE COUNTRY

Bolivia is facing its worst economic crisis in 40 years. Shortages of food, fuel, and dollars have caused chaos and inflation of 25%. The recent election of centrist Rodrigo Paz brings a spark of hope for change after decades of communistic rule. Yet, the remote villages remain vulnerable. Whether true change will reach them is still uncertain.

PROJECTS & NEEDS

Our operational fund remains a constant prayer need. We’re grateful to already receive several hundred dollars of the extra $2,000 needed monthly to keep reaching the poorest and most remote areas with medical care.

We are also saving for a Toyota Hilux Worker 4×4; essential to transport six team members more, supplies, and medical equipment safely into areas with no infrastructure. So far, we’ve raised $25,000 of the $53,000 needed. Our current one is 20 years old…

Besides this, our personal needs remain a big challenge in these uncertain times. A personal gift is always very welcome!
Would you prayerfully consider standing with us in this mission through your prayers and financial support?
Every gift helps us reach more families in need.

PRAYER POINTS

We thank God for the privilege of bringing His light to distant corners of this vast country of over one million square kilometers. Each village is precious in His eyes.

We praise Him for His protection and for every person who prays, gives, and walks with us in faith. Emergency help is often nonexistent in these areas, so we depend on His strength and your prayer covering.

Please continue to pray for:

Faith, courage, and strength for our teams
Safe travels and provision
Lasting impact in hearts and lives

TOGETHER IN HIS MISSION ✨

We are deeply grateful for your faithful prayers, love, and support. It is only together — as one Body — that we can continue to bring hope and healing to those who would otherwise remain unseen. May God bless you richly for standing with us in this mission of faith and compassion.

Wishing you all already a very happy “Thanksgiving” day!!!

With love in Christ,
Dr. Rik & Carolien Celie
Doctors On Mission

See More Outreach Photos

Would you like to see more moments from our medical outreaches in Bolivia?
Visit our Facebook page to browse photo albums and follow the mission in real time.

Support Doctors On Mission

Every gift — no matter how big or small — helps bring medical care, comfort, and hope to families in some of the most remote places on earth. Your support enables us to continue reaching villages where no other help is available. Together, we can be God’s hands and feet to those who need it most.

Click here to donate or give now

“A lighted candle of compassion can easily illuminate the world more than the blinding light of anger, intolerance
and violence combined”
— Dodinsky —