A violent guerrilla group summoned nine Colombian pastors to a July 8 meeting after the pastors refused to pay “protection money” in June.On July 7, the National Liberation Army (ELN) sent a note ordering the pastors to attend a meeting across the border in Venezuela, where the group operates with impunity. Many feared that the ELN might execute the pastors for refusing to pay the 2 million pesos (about 700 U.S. dollars). The pastors ask for prayer as they continue to face harassment from ELN members who have placed new restrictions on their churches. The guerrillas have forbidden the construction of new church buildings, and Christians are no longer allowed to meet in individual homes for worship or study. Additionally, any new pastors must be from the local region, and no one from outside the ELN-controlled region is allowed to visit the Christians there. ELN members also expect the pastors to help them financially from time to time because they are suffering from food shortages and a transportation strike. The pastors were so grateful for your prayers in June. Please pray that the pastors and other believers will continue sharing the gospel despite these challenges.
RSS Feed