Release International

Christians in rebel-held areas of Colombia are reported to be on high alert as guerrilla violence intensifies.

Christians have long been a target for Marxist guerrilla groups such as FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) – but Release contacts say that a spate of recent attacks is causing particular concern.

Instability has been growing in the Meta region, a traditional guerrilla stronghold and scene of several recent attacks, including shootings and even a bomb attack in the town of Puerto Lleras on May 12.

Earlier, on May 2, FARC guerrillas raided a Christian house in the Arauca region and shot and killed a 14-year-old girl, Mayerli Niño Blanco. When her pastor Gualberto Nieves rushed to help the family, he too was shot dead.

Release partner Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) Canada reports that FARC has also been conducting an 'internal purge' of those in its ranks whom it suspects of being Christian. The guerrillas have reportedly killed many of their own men and accused them of being traitors to the communist cause.

'In all our [time] in Colombia, we have never seen it this unstable,' said a VOM contact. 'Yet we believe that this is also the most opportune time that we have ever seen for the Gospel.'

Christian activity is restricted or banned in many parts of Colombia held by left-wing rebels. Religious rights group Christian Solidarity Worldwide says it has received reports of this happening in 12 of Colombia's 32 departments.

The standing of pastors as community leaders makes them a perceived threat to the authority of the guerrilla groups; church leaders have also been targeted for their efforts to dissuade young people from enlisting with the rebels. Guerrilla leaders have also stated that Christianity is incompatible with their own ideologies.

Release's work in Colombia includes supporting a radio ministry which broadcasts into rebel-held areas where Christian activity is restricted. And Release partner VOM USA funds a ministry committed to spreading the Gospel to FARC, releasing parachutes containing Christian literature and radios into rebel-held zones.

(Sources: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, VOM Canada, VOM USA)

• Pray for courage and endurance for Colombia's Christians who, in many areas, risk their lives daily to follow Christ.
• Pray particularly for the families of Mayerli and Pastor Gualberto, killed by FARC earlier this month, and for their church.

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