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Pastor Manuel was shot and killed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas in San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia on September 21, according to VOMC's sister mission in the U.S.

When the guerrillas scheduled a visit with Pastor Manuel, he believed the meeting was in response to his request to officially have a church. However, when they arrived, Pastor Manuel was shot five times outside his home while his family was inside. One of the guerillas entered the house and yelled, "Make sure that dog stays dead." The guerillas then shot the pastor again, this time in the neck. His wife, Gloria, ran outside to the body of her martyred husband. She cleaned his face and she and her children dragged his body under a tree. She then grabbed her Bible and preached to those who came near. Her 10-year-old son tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry, Dad died for Christ and now he is with Christ."

Pastor Manuel and his wife had been pastoring a church in Chopal village, south of San Jose del Guaviare for about eight years. Many churches in the area had been closed by FARC guerrillas but Pastor Manuel decided to open the church regardless of the threats and risks. In April, he was part of an evangelistic event at which three FARC guerrillas and seven members of the paramilitary militia accepted Christ.

Praise God for this family's faith. Ask God to comfort Pastor Manuel's wife and children. Pray that Pastor Manuel's courageous testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ.

To learn more about Colombian believers suffering for Christ, click here.

Current Ministry Project

VOMC’s provisions have proven to be a vitally needed means of help and encouragement for a group of expelled Christians who are rebuilding their lives in a new community. In addition to helping them establish a secure means of sustainability and livelihood, the ministry is supporting their efforts to present the Gospel from their new community – seizing this opportunity as a means of outreach to Colombians residing in surrounding areas.

Project Fund: Relief and Development

Country Information

Designation
Persecuted

Population
50,355,650 (July 2021 est.)

Ethnicity (%)
Mestizo and white (87.6), Afro-Colombian (including mulatto) (6.8), Amerindian (4.3)

Religion (%)
Christianity (92.3), other (1), unspecified (6.7)

Leader
President Ivan Duque Marquez (2018)

Government type
Presidential republic

Legal system
Civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes

Source: CIA World Factbook

Pray for Colombia

Please uphold all those in Colombia who’ve been victimized through acts of violence, asking the Lord to meet their needs, heal them of their brokenness, and bring about renewed hope and restoration. Also intercede for their persecutors so that they, too, will witness the love of Christ and experience His forgiveness and salvation.

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