On January 10th, "Manuel," 35, and his 11-year-old son, "Daniel," were brutally tortured and murdered by members of the FARC guerrilla group in the village of Guacamayas (Guaviare). In this region of Colombia, Christians face strong persecution from the guerrilla groups who threaten, pressure and forbid them from preaching the Gospel in rural areas. Manuel, a recent convert to Christianity, leaves behind his pregnant wife and their three daughters, who range in age from three to 17. The family has since been moved to another city.

The pastor who leads the church that Manuel and his family attended received a letter recently from the FARC, stating, "You must leave the region or you'll die." Included in the letter was a picture of a coffin.

Approaching the Lord's throne of grace with confidence, let us come alongside this mourning widow and her daughters in prayer, asking Him to grant them mercy and grace in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Pray that they will be safe in their new location, and supported and loved by fellow Christians there. May the threatened pastor entrust his very life to Jesus and seek Godly wisdom as he continues to lead his congregation during these troubled times. Also intercede on behalf of the FARC guerrillas who perpetrated this horrible crime...that they, like Manuel, will come to faith in our Risen Lord.

To watch a short video featuring the testimony of a former FARC commander who has since become a messenger of God's peace in Colombia, please visit this page.