Children in Colombia

Earlier this year, Keiner, Sneiker and Rubén lost their father. He was shot dead, having served as pastor in an area rife with criminal activity.

This story highlights the acute and increasing threat of armed groups to Christians in Colombia. It’s a threat that extends to young Christians being vulnerable to recruitment by gangs for criminal activities, or, if they are a girl, prostitution. Children of pastors who are active in resisting the influence of such groups are especially at risk. It makes children fearful of leaving their own home.

Young people in Colombia suffer in other ways, too. While opportunities for study and work are available, often they must travel long distances to access this. The pandemic has made these opportunities even harder to reach.

Against this backdrop, your letters to young Christians in Colombia are a priceless source of encouragement.

We’d love to receive letters for the following:

• Keiner (15), Sneiker (13) and Rubén (9), and their mother Yaneth
• Daniela (14) and Sebastián (7), whose father was shot dead for speaking out against criminal activities and helping prevent young people from recruitment to gangs
• Children living in the following regions: Nariño, Tumaco, Arauca, Chocó, Catatumbo, Buenaventura, Córdoba and Cauca (for these, introduce the letter by saying, Dear child from <insert location>)
• Those at the Colombia Children’s Centre (visit here for a list of names)

Please note: Please write in simple English or in Spanish. You can find a list of Spanish phrases here.

Guidelines

• Greeting cards, postcards and children’s artwork are best
• Be encouraging and include one or two Bible verses. For security reasons, please do not use verses that refer to Israel, armies, or war
• Show sensitivity. Please do not dwell on the recipient’s plight, or share about the blessings of life in your country.

For security

• Do not mention Open Doors
• Do not mention other religions
• Do not refer to Israel, even when using Scripture
• Do not criticise religions, religious extremists, governments, judicial systems or political leaders
• Do not send money or make proposals to help
• You can disclose your name and the country you live in, but do not provide your full name or full address.

Send to us!

This campaign is postal and digital. Please send your physical drawings, cards or letters to us at the below address, and your digital encouragements to messagestocolombia@opendoorsuk.org. 

PO Box 6
Witney
Oxon
OX29 6WG

And we'll do the rest!

Please note this campaign ends 30 November 2022