Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Boliviana (Bolivian Evangelical
Lutheran Church) (IELB) The Bolivian Evangelical Lutheran Church
grew out of the work of the World Mission Prayer League from the
USA, among Aymara Indians. In 1972, the American missionaries
left the country, as the local people claimed greater
participation in the decision-making bodies of the church. The
Bolivian Evangelical Lutheran Church was constituted that same
year. The church is composed entirely of indigenous people. It
is the largest Amerindian Lutheran church on the continent. The
IELB's main priority is to promote a holistic approach to
evangelism and service. The church is involved in a variety of
projects: alternative agriculture, animal husbandry, provision
of drinking water, educational campaigns to prevent cholera,
formal education (elementary school), vocational training, and
communication.