COLOMBIA: Displaced Christians Build a New Community

Source: VOM Canada In 2007, approximately 50 Christian families were forced to leave their homes and move to a refugee village in Colombia's Andes Mountains. A member of VOMC's leadership team recently visited with these displaced brothers and sisters in Christ. He was touched by their stories of overwhelming pain and loss, as well as their testimonies of God's continued faithfulness and provision.

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The Colombian Christians first began to face opposition for their faith when they stood against the tribal leaders of their home village. The tribal leaders, who have ties to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (also known as FARC), tried to force the Christians to steal, get drunk, take part in land raids, and participate in rituals relating to spiritism. When a natural disaster struck the area, forcing the whole community to flee their homes, the tribal leaders refused to share the government-provided aid with the believers. As a result, the Christian families were forced to travel a long distance to another location where they set up the temporary refugee village. Another three dozen Christian families, who were expelled from their own villages because of their faith, were providentially united with fellow believers at the refugee site. Several of these Christians were also severely beaten and tortured by villagers before they were forced to flee with their families.

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With help from VOM Finland and other Christians around the world, land was purchased nearby the refugee site so that these Colombian believers would be able to build a community of their own. With help from VOMC, this community will also operate its own radio station, a means of boldly broadcasting God's Word and reaching many others in need of salvation -- including those who are in opposition to the Gospel. One of the believers shared, "I'm so thankful for this help which gives us strength to keep on going. Thank you so much. Please remember to pray for us." Please remember these brothers and sisters in your prayers! Thank the Lord for providing them with land so they can build a community of their own, and for the means to proclaim the 'Good News of the Gospel' through radio broadcasting. Pray that their village will be a bright light to their neighbours, and that many others will come to Christ because of their faithful witness. Intercede for the former tribal leaders and villagers who are walking in darkness so that they, too, may know the saving power of Christ's death and resurrection. To watch video interviews of believers representing this soon-to-be-established Colombian community, please visit our multimedia site.

KENYA: Tensions High after Pastors Murdered

Sources: VOM USA, VOM Australia Two Kenyan women, Clarice and Sarah, remain in shock after their husbands were murdered in separate incidents on October 20th. Both murders are believed to be related to the unrest that has been taking place between Christians and Muslims in the Mombasa region. However, at last report, no one had claimed responsibility for the attacks. Clarice's husband, a pastor at Mombasa's Vikwatani Redeemed Gospel Church, was found slumped in a chair with a Bible still in his lap as church leaders came in to prepare for the Sunday morning worship services. Pastor Charles Matole, 41, had been shot in the head. Clarice told a VOM worker that she believes he was murdered to scare Christians away from the area. In the months prior to his death, there were occasions when people threw rocks at the church building during prayer services. Police also neglected to follow up on death threats made against the pastor's life. Like Clarice, Sarah is also in mourning for her husband, whose body was found in a brush pile that same morning in Kilifi, about 35 miles north of Mombasa. Pastor Ebrahim Kidata, who started 36 churches in the region and was recently named the new overseer of the church in Malindi County, had been out the day before to check on his cattle and some lumber that was to be used to build new tables for his church. Sarah grew concerned when she could not reach him on his cell phone, and her worst fears were realized when he was found strangled to death. In addition to his grieving widow, Pastor Ebrahim leaves behind seven children. Although two of the children are married, the five younger ones are of school age and still live in the family home. Sarah was shocked by her husband's murder as no threats had been received, and there appears to be little motive for his death. Pray that the 'Father of the fatherless' and 'Protector of widows' will bring comfort, security and provision for Clarice, Sarah and their families during this difficult time. Ask God to intervene in these two communities of the Mombasa region so that tensions and strife may cease and the peace of Christ may reign. In the midst of both heartbreaking situations, may God have mercy on those who oppose Him and His people. Pray that many more in the Mombasa region will come to faith in Jesus. To post a prayer of support and encouragement for Clarice, Sarah and their families, please visit our Persecuted Church Prayer Wall.

IRAQ: Car Bombs Target Believers on Christmas Day

Sources: Reuters, CNN, CBC Two Christian areas of Baghdad, Iraq, were targeted in Christmas Day car bombings. In the first attack, two bombs were detonated in the busy market of a predominately Christian area, killing at least 10 people and injuring twice as many. Shortly afterwards, a car bomb exploded as Christians departed from a Christmas service. At least 25 people were killed in the bombing, and many others were injured. At last report, there has been no claim of responsibility for the attacks. However, al-Qaeda and other insurgents have often targeted Iraq's dwindling Christian community. Please join us in lifting up our Iraqi brothers and sisters in prayer to our Father, the God of all mercy. Pray that those mourning the loss of loved ones will be comforted, and that those who were injured will look to Jesus for physical and emotional healing. May the perpetrators behind these terrible attacks repent of their sins and seek to embrace Christ as Lord. Ask Him to shield and guard His precious children in this volatile part of the world from their enemies. Please visit the Iraq Country Report to learn more about Iraq's persecuted church.

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