Colombia

Colombia is a modern democratic country where the rule of law is established and religious freedom is guaranteed. However, large areas of the country are under the control of criminal organisations, and it is these organsiations that are specifically targeting Christians, which has lead to Colombia re-entering the World Watch list this year. Persecution of Christians in Colombia is generally motivated by a combination of two elements. Organised crime views Christians who openly oppose their activities as a threat, and they know the Christian faith is not compatible with their ideals. In Colombia, the most persecution suffered by the rural Christian indigenous population comes from the alliances that exist between pagan indigenous populations and paramilitary groups. These pagan populations receive material support from paramilitary organisations to persecute indigenous Christians, and are mislead by them, being told that the Christians are a threat to their culture and traditions.

Examples of Persecution:

• In February 2011, a pastor and two of his relatives were killed in the town of Dibulla, in retaliation for the growing number of believers and to stop fasting and prayer meetings.
• In March 2011, the pastor of the Evangelical Christian Church of Colombia was poisoned by indigenous leaders.
• In 2010, there 95 death threats or attempted murders, 71 forced dicplacements,  2 disappearances and many cases of beatings, torture, kidnapping that specifically targeted Christians.

Please Pray:

• For the indigenous populations that are being mislead by paramilitary groups - pray that God would help them to see that the Christians are not there to threaten them
• For the many families who have lost loved ones because of their faith in Jesus