What’s it like to live under heavy-handed communist rule as a Christian? Colombian Christians in the Putumayo region of Colombia know. That’s because they, and all people in the region, are subject to a list of 46 written points published by the FARC, the armed revolutionaries who control some parts of Colombia. It’s called the “Manual for Coexistence for the Well-Functioning of the Communities.”
The document spells out plenty of points that residents of the region must follow, including that families may have no more than two cell phones per family, and they must not have cameras. It details how often children in boarding schools outside the district may come back to visit. It lists the hours between which goods merchants in the area can travel for more goods. Every person over the age of 15 must be registered with the Community Action Board.
For Christians, the manual also spells out the rules for religious practice. Point 40 states, “Evangelical chapels may only be built in municipal capitals” and, point 41, “Pastors and priests will only hold their masses in the churches in the municipal capitals.” In other words, the FARC control where you can worship and when. Pastors and others who have tried to conduct ministry outside of the city capitals have come under threat or been forced to flee.
The Colombian newspaper tells the story of the Peña family, who received a printed copy of the manual underneath their door. An accompanying letter said, “As you know, and according to point 45, parents whose children are active in the police, army or other state security organizations should sell their belongings and abandon the area.” The family of five packed and left within 45 minutes, fleeing the region.
The pastors that VOM supports in this region and around Colombia face the same sorts of threats. They are committed to reaching the lost throughout Colombia, even in these most difficult zones. Continue to pray for these workers who live and share Christ under these restrictions.
Source: El Colombiano.com
Dory P. has worked with VOM for six years. She grew up in Ecuador, met her husband while working with another mission organization, and now lives in Oklahoma. Between Dory, her husband and two-year-old son, they share five passports. Dory helps tell the stories of the persecuted through VOM's newsletter, and her husband serves with VOM's international department.
King David said, " I will not sacrifice to the Lord that which cost me nothing"
. Pray for our brothers and sisters and also for the communists. When people treat you well, how do you show them grace ?
Posted by: Andrew Akes | November 19, 2013 at 04:49 PM