Colombia
May 2nd

“Colombia, be assured that He is able to guard what has been entrusted until that day, even amid suffering!”
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.”(2 Timothy 1:12,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | America
Population | 49.06 million
Area | 1,138,910㎢ Located in the northwestern part of South America, it is the 4th largest country in the continent.
Capital City | Bogotá (11.34 million people)
People groups | Total 120 Groups Mestizo 66.3%, Euro-Hispanics 18.5%, African (Zombo) 10%, Native American 1.6%, Guajiro 0.7%
People Groups Unreached | 12 (0.1% of the population)
Official Language(s) ​​| Spanish
Total Languages ​​| 84 Bible translations | Completed 7, New Testament 49 , Partial 13
Religion | Christianity 93.6% (Protestant 3%, Catholic 84%), Non-religious 2.7%, Ethnic religion 2.5%, Other 1.3% Evangelical 10.7% 5.37 million people

》 About Colombia

Colombia became a Spanish colony in 1595 and gained independence in 1810. In 1819, it formed Gran Colombia along with Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama, but this union dissolved, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Colombia in 1886. Since then, the nation has faced persistent political factions, dictatorship, and civil wars. The internal conflict between the government, paramilitary groups, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), heavily funded by the drug trade, peaked in the 1990s. After four years of formal peace negotiations, a peace agreement was signed in 2016, and the FARC disbanded in 2017. Colombia’s presidential term is four years, with one possible re-election, allowing a maximum of eight years in office. Gustavo Petro took office as the 34th president in August 2022.

Colombia’s economy contains the fourth-largest oil producer in Latin America. It ranks fourth globally in coal production, third in coffee exports, and second in flower exports. The economy heavily depends on energy and mineral exports, making it financially vulnerable to fluctuations in raw material prices. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poverty, drug trafficking, and security concerns hinder economic growth. Cocaine, a major drug exported primarily to the United States, remains highly profitable, leading farmers to illegally cultivate coca plants. Colombia’s GDP per capita is approximately $14,600.

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Let us be thankful that the number of evangelicals in Colombia has grown to 10.7%, even in a country that has experienced widespread civil conflict, terrorism, crime, and violence. While 84% of the population identifies as Catholic, most practice only nominal faith mixed with ethnic religions and pursue superstitions  which distort true beliefs. Approximately only about 25% demonstrate genuine faith. Protestant churches often focus on charismatic worship rather than emphasizing biblical truths. Many pastors and leaders lack formal theological training, which leaves churches facing significant spiritual challenges. Let us pray for church leaders to be nurtured in the message of the gospel and prayer through seminaries, Bible schools, and the Theological Education by Extension program. Let us pray that churches targeted by militia groups and drug cartels will endure their suffering and continue spreading the gospel, moving forward in the conviction that the Lord can safeguard them until that day.

2. Foreign missionaries in Colombia face dangers such as attacks, kidnappings, and threats of death from militia groups. Mission organizations like Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Christian Brethren (CB), Assemblies of God (AoG), New Tribes Mission (NTM), Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE), Action International Ministries (AI), and Latin American Mission (LAM) are actively involved. Colombian churches are also sending missionaries domestically and abroad, cooperating with organizations such as the Latin American Missionary Congress (COMIBAM) and the Christian World Missionary Center (CCMM). Let us pray for the strength to overcome these dangers through God’s grace, who saved us and called us to a holy calling. Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Pray that missionaries will be witnesses to this gospel.

3. In the capital city of Bogotá and other cities, thousands of orphans and homeless children struggle daily on the streets. Organizations such as YWAM, LAM, and Tearfund, along with local churches, are working to support these children. Let us pray that through the love of the Lord these efforts will help the children be cared for, having the gospel preached to them so that they transform into new creations in Him. With 40% of the population under 25, many young people are drawn to a life of greed and fall into lust and money.
There are about 12 small indigenous tribes in Colombia that remain unreached. To even discover theses tribes let alone build a relationship present significant challenges. Churches and mission groups, including NTM and South America Mission (SAM), strive to reach these groups with the gospel. Let us pray for these missionaries and churches to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to serve with faith and love. Pray that they guard the good deposit entrusted to them, yielding the fruit of salvation through their obedience.

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