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Colombia

• Pastor Released After Six Months

  Colombian guerrillas have released a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Gonzalo Cardona after holding him captive for six months. The pastor of an 800-member church in Uraba in northwestern Colombia was abducted Aug. 19 while traveling in his car with his family. According to a report from Adventist News Network, he has undergone stress tests and is suffering a mild case of malaria, but he is very thankful to the Lord for his release. The feature article of the March edition of The Voice of the Martyrs Newsletter will focus on the courage and plight of Colombia's courageous Christians. For more information on how to receive a free subscription, go to www.vomcanada.com/nlonline.htm.

• Pastor and Companion Assassinated

  Unidentified gunmen assassinated Rev. José Juan Lozada Corteza, pastor of the Evangelical Christian Church of San Antonio, Colombia, on January 27. According to a report from Compass Direct, uniformed men stopped a transit bus, forced the pastor from the bus and shot him in the head. They also killed a member of his church traveling with him. Rebel forces fighting against the government are reportedly responsible for the attack. Since fighting began in 1985, at least 72 Protestant pastors and 33 Catholic priests have been killed.

  In a similar incident in November, two men was ordered to kill Rev. Esnilder Popó, pastor of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Santander, Cauca. However, one came to the pastor following the service and confessed the plan to him, saying, "I could not bring myself to do it." Evangelical and human rights leaders have urged Rev. Popó to leave the area for his safety.

  Pray for safety for Christian leaders throughout Colombia who face threats on their lives as they work to share the Gospel and demonstrate the love of Christ to the people of Colombia.

  The March edition of The Voice of the Martyrs newsletter will focus on the trials and testimonies of our brothers and sisters in Colombia. To subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, go to www.vomcanada.com/nlorder.htm.

• Shooting Leaves Two Dead and Six Wounded

  Four gunmen entered St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church during Mass on Sunday, January 19 and began shooting, killing two people and wounding six others. According to Zenit, Authorities are speculating that one of the victims was the primary target, perhaps settling a grudge. Ten people have been arrested, suspected of involvement in the attack.

  In recent months, Christians in Colombia have faced increasing violence, particularly from guerrilla groups and those involved in the drug trade. This is the latest of several attacks in the past year, including a bomb attack in May that killed more than 100 people.

  Pray for safety for Christians in Colombia. Pray that their attackers might see the hope that lies within believers and turn to faith in Christ.