Encourage children in Colombia

In many ways, Daniela (13) and Sebastián (6) from Colombia are like many children. They both have their favourite hobbies – Daniela loves drawing, whilst Sebastián enjoys playing football – and they have fond memories of spending Christmas with family and friends.

But in other ways, their story is tragically different. In August 2019, Daniela and Sebastián’s father was shot dead in his own home. He was a pastor in a dangerous part of the country, and he paid the ultimate price for speaking out against organised crime and helping prevent young people from being recruited.

Sadly, there are many more children like Daniela and Sebastián who live in rural areas and suffer – be it because of the actions of illegal armed groups, or traditional leaders who do not accept Christians in indigenous communities.

These children struggle to find hope and need encouragement. You can provide this by sending them a picture, postcard or short message.

For this campaign, we’d love to receive letters for two groups:

Daniela and Sebastián
Christian 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>)

Since this is an online as well as a postal campaign, you can send your drawings, cards and letters to us digitally at messagestocolombia@opendoorsuk.org

Important guidelines

Greeting cards, children’s artwork and postcards are best
If possible, write in Spanish (see here for a list of phrases to use) or simple English, and keep your letter brief
Print clearly
Be encouraging and include one or two Bible verses (Spanish translations available at Bible Gateway). 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 in your letters
If writing a postcard, please send it in an envelope and do not write the Open Doors’ address on the postcard
You may provide your name, but do not provide your full name or address
Do not criticise a country’s religion or religious extremists, its government, judicial system, or political leaders
Do not send money or make proposals to help.