Christians lose homes, land and families in 'the mad country'

Published: May 11th, 2005

More than 3 million people count themselves among the internally displaced in Colombia, Christian Solidarity Worldwide says. Many have lost their homes, their land, and even close members of their families as different armed groups wage war across the country.  
 
In some cases, entire Christian communities have been forced off their land and are living in poverty because of their refusal to collaborate with the armed groups.
..there are reasons for hope in Colombia....
 
 
Right now, an unknown number of pastors in the cities and in the countryside
are living under the threat of death to them and loved ones because
they refuse to pay protection money to the armed groups out of church funds.

At the same time, there are reasons for hope in Colombia. Church leaders
across the country are coming together and seeking ways to transform their
country through prayer initiatives, social and humanitarian development
projects and advocacy.  
 
You can unite in prayer with Colombia's Christians in 2 ways. Firstly by advertising and attending CSW's London prayer event which takes place on 21 May 2005 at the All Souls Clubhouse, 141 Cleveland Street, London W1 from 10am - 4pm. We hope to have speakers from CSW as well as from other organizations to lead prayer. 

Secondly, we would like to encourage you to hold your own meeting to pray
for the people of Colombia. Resources and information are available by
calling (UK) 020 8942 8810 or email sarah.armitage@csw.org.uk
 
Operation World facts about Colombia:
  • It's nicknamed Locombia - the mad country
  • Colombia supplies 75% of the world’s cocaine. Drug trafficking continues to grow and is worth an estimated US $5 billion.

  • There is a growing number of Christians in Colombia. This is a miraculous sign of God’s faithfulness and protection because Christians are often targets of violence by drug cartels and guerrillas.
  • Bellavista Prison is a maximum security prison in city of Medellin. It is home to some of Colombia’s most hardened and violent criminals; the murder rate inside the prison used to be as high as one per day! Many prisoners are hearing about God and becoming Christians. In a place that was called “hell on earth” prisoners are praying round the clock, the murder rate has dramatically fallen and inmates are being trained in their very own Bible school!

Find out more here



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