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Since we last wrote, students had initiated protests due to a small increase in subway fares in Santiago. Due to several factors (that many pundits continue to discuss), these protests quickly spiraled into larger, nationwide protests demanding social and economic reforms. Many of these demands are legitimate - better pensions, lower health care costs, constitutional reforms, and changes to the education system - but many of the protests have been overtaken by instigators of violence.
During the first week, 77 of the 136 subway stations in Santiago were damaged, with an estimate of $200 million to repair. Office buildings, churches, university campuses, small businesses, warehouses, grocery stores and schools have been burned, looted or destroyed across the country. The military was called upon to restore public order for one week, which they did through enforced curfews and a presence on the streets 24/7. We joined our neighbors in lines for bread and milk anticipating food shortages. Thankfully, no shortages came in our neighborhood. Residents in other areas were and continue to be more affected, including our friend Don Fernando who lives just outside of Santiago and the four grocery stores are all closed because they were looted.
Confrontations between protesters and the police (carabineros) have resulted in many injuries, most notably over 200 eye injuries from rubber bullets. Tear gas was employed regularly to disperse large crowds of violent protesters, but the gas lingers for days so your average person often experiences its affects too.
Over the last several weeks, we have prayed with friends, engaged them in conversation and have truly sought to understand the nature of the current crisis. Words like inequality, desperation, injustice, and hopelessness are mentioned frequently.
As for our family, David continues to attend intensive language classes but has had to make changes to his commute. He recently completed the Intermediate level! The boys continue with their lessons at home. We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our teammates in Viña del Mar and here in Santiago.
So, dear family and friends, we ask that you pray specifically for the following:
- Pray for the Lord to use the unrest for His glory and that many will call upon Him as Savior…
- Pray for opportunities to share the hope that we have as Christians in a time of incredible hopelessness…
- Pray for justice…
- Pray for wisdom for the leaders of Chile…
Photos: Before & After
Video of Plaza Italia, "ground zero" and opinions of residents there
Video of traffic problems (stoplights gone or broken)
For more details of the (possible) why’s of the unrest:
Part 1 of a series written in English by an American living in Chile
An analysis by an Australian
A discussion on the pension system
A look at the inequality in Chile
Thanks for lifting up the country of Chile!
In Christ,
The Grottons
grottonsinchile@gmail.com
Skype # 860-748-4912
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