47 Colombia
WHO IS THE LEADER OF COLOMBIA?
President Ivan Duque is the leader of Colombia.
HOW MANY CHRISTIANS LIVE IN COLOMBIA?
47 million Christians live in Colombia – they make up almost 95 per cent of the population of 49.5 million. You might assume that, being a Christian majority country, Christians don’t face persecution in Colombia – but sadly, that isn’t the case.
WHY ARE CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED IN COLOMBIA?
Criminal groups still control entire regions of Colombia. Christians and church leaders who stand against their activities, try to prevent young people from joining their ranks or share the gospel with gang members are seen as a threat to these groups.
"Although they tried to kill me FOUR times, my life was never in danger because God was with me."
- Pastor Pablo, targeted by illegal armed groups for standing for Christ
Indigenous groups have a certain amount of autonomy in Colombia. Christians from these groups often face persecution for ‘betraying’ the traditional beliefs of their communities
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE FOR CHRISTIANS IN COLOMBIA?
Christians who stand against criminal gangs and guerrilla groups suffer harassment, abduction, and extortion - some are even killed.
Christians from indigenous groups may face imprisonment, physical abuse, have their property confiscated, or be denied access to services such as education and health care.
HOW CAN I HELP CHRISTIANS IN COLOMBIA?
You can give to provide vital support
Open Doors strengthens the church in Colombia with Bibles and training materials, relief aid, education programmes, and safe houses for children at risk from guerrilla groups.
£30 could go towards the distribution of training materials for church leaders in Latin America.
You can SPEAK OUT
Sign up for advocacy alerts for updates on how you can be a voice for our persecuted church family.
You can pray
Brother Andrew, the founder of Open Doors, says, “Our prayers can go where we cannot... There are no borders, no prison walls, no doors that are closed to us when we pray.”
A PRAYER FOR COLOMBIA
Lord Jesus, please change the hearts of those involved in criminal organisations and gangs in Colombia. Help Christians to stand strong, especially when pressured to leave their faith by their communities. Comfort and heal those who have suffered violence, and give them the grace to forgive. Help us as part of the body of Christ to continue to uphold our brothers and sisters in prayer.
COLOMBIA RESOURCES:
