Colombian pastor martyred by guerillas

Pastor Manuel was shot and killed by Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas in San Jose del Guaviare, Colombia on September 21, according to VOMC's sister mission in the U.S.

When the guerrillas scheduled a visit with Pastor Manuel, he believed the meeting was in response to his request to officially have a church. However, when they arrived, Pastor Manuel was shot five times outside his home while his family was inside. One of the guerillas entered the house and yelled, "Make sure that dog stays dead." The guerillas then shot the pastor again, this time in the neck. His wife, Gloria, ran outside to the body of her martyred husband. She cleaned his face and she and her children dragged his body under a tree. She then grabbed her Bible and preached to those who came near. Her 10-year-old son tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't worry, Dad died for Christ and now he is with Christ."

Pastor Manuel and his wife had been pastoring a church in Chopal village, south of San Jose del Guaviare for about eight years. Many churches in the area had been closed by FARC guerrillas but Pastor Manuel decided to open the church regardless of the threats and risks. In April, he was part of an evangelistic event at which three FARC guerrillas and seven members of the paramilitary militia accepted Christ.

Praise God for this family's faith. Ask God to comfort Pastor Manuel's wife and children. Pray that Pastor Manuel's courageous testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ. Post a prayer for Pastor Manuel's family on thePersecuted Church Prayer Wall.

To learn more about Colombian believers suffering for Christ, click here.