Evangelical Church Raided During Prayer Service

FARC rebels

While holding a prayer service on September 4, the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Obrero, Puerto Asis in southern Colombia was suddenly raided by three masked men who fired into the congregation indiscriminately with automatic rifles. When the attack was over, three believers lay dead and fourteen were seriously injured. The gunmen were able to escape into the darkness. There have been no arrests. Those killed were identified as Adalberto Benavidez, Heraldo Bernal and Maria Lidia Martinez de Zambrano.

The apparent target, a retired police officer and public official who had recently started to attend the church, was seriously wounded in the attack. It appears that the assailants were members of Colombia's main Marxist rebel group, as pamphlets containing FARC propaganda were found at the church.

The community of Puerto Asis has rallied together with the church, condemning this attack against a place of worship, regardless of the motives.

Pray for the families of those killed, as well as for the full recovery of the injured. Pray that the grace of God will be demonstrated throughout the community as a result of this incident and that those responsible for the attack will see the love of God and come to faith in Christ.

For more information difficulties facing Christians in Colombia, click here.