A secretly-taken photo of one of the closed churches.
A secretly-taken photo of one of the closed churches.
Oct. 29, 2020 | Colombia

Paramilitary Groups Close at Least 60 Churches

[209] prayers in [14] nations have been posted for Pastors and members of closed churches.

In the last few weeks, field workers in Colombia have been inundated with reports of paramilitary groups closing churches throughout northern Colombia in the states of Antioquia, Bolívar, Chocó and Córdova. They began compiling a list, which has grown to 60 churches. Many of these churches and the homes of pastors were tagged with the initials of the Gaitanista Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AGC) paramilitary group, which is Colombia’s largest drug-trafficking organization. Many of the congregations also received official letters from the AGC threatening them and directing them to close. Other pastors were kept from holding church services this past weekend or from visiting the homes of parishioners. According to a field worker in Colombia, “It appears that the graffiti marks on churches or pastoral homes is about the AGC marking their territory. There are several armed groups fighting for control in the region, including FARC dissidents and a Mexican drug cartel.” Pray for the believers living under intense stress in this region.

Click here to find out about Christian persecution in Colombia and learn how to pray.

Write your own prayer for Pastors and members of closed churches

  • Lord Jesus - bring your peace and the Holy Spirit, the Restrainer, to Colombia in this hour. I pray a wave of peace over the land that has been marred by violence for so many years. This is the time for the Church to be courageous and full of love and truth. Help each believer to live in your love and not in fear. Show your face to the AGC, Lord!!!
    Jeremy H - USA
  • O God, such violence and oppression in Colombia, but You are stronger; You are love. Please protect Your people and Your worship there. The AGC, FARC, and the Mexican drug cartel can do nothing against Your will. May they leave Your people alone, and many come to Christ. Peace, peace to Your people. In Jesus' Name. Thank You, God. Amen.
    Christienne D - USA
  • OLORD, I lift your children in Colombia to you. Even though your churches were closed, continue your good work there thru VOM and other believers. Raise up mighty warriors of your Word. Protect and provide for them as they spread your Word of love & forgiveness. May your angels surround them. Strike down the Colombia cartels, agc, and farc. Amen.
    SM D - USA
  • Father God, You are able to do all things. I ask that you reroute, confuse, and scatter these enemies of the cross of Christ so they will NOT be able to organize and succeed in their evil plots. Let Your gospel go through all of Colombia and protect Your people in the land. May the wicked see and turn from their evil ways to JESUS. Glory to God.
    Kathy G - USA
  • Safeguard Your faithful people in the sanctuary of Your love. Shelter them in the shelter of the saints. God to enfold them, God to surround them. God in their watching & in their sleeping. God in their hoping, God in their everliving souls.
    Bless & protect them from evil. Let them stand fast with you as you stand with them. Be strong. Be brave. Love U
    Gary G - USA
  • Father, I pray for those living in this region. Lord, what are they to do? Please, guide them, give them wisdom and boldness, rebuke all fear of the enemy. I pray for each Christian, Lord watch over them, may they feel your arms around them. I pray for those who oppose them, open their eyes, their hearts to the truth. Lord, work a miracle. Move, Lord
    Polly C - USA
  • Our Father, there are many Mothers in constant agany because of their family members. Please help Pastors and members of closed churches. Let them stay together and pray together. Please help us. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
    Maria D - Finland
  • Dear God in Heaven,
    I pray for the Christians of Colombia. Thank You for them. I pray You would encourage and strengthen them in this trial and that they'd be able to gather for services somewhere safe. Please keep the AGC from hurting anyone else and stir in their hearts towards You.
    In Jesus's Name I pray
    Amen
    Taylor C - USA
  • "The Lord shall cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way and will flee before you seven ways. Father God we stand on Your promise. Protect Your children and give them peace. Let Your Holy Spirit reign forth so that all will see and fear You, in the land of the living in Jesus Name Amen
    Norma C - USA
  • Lord, I pray against the evil these people and churches are experiencing. Please send your angels to fight in the heavenlies. Provide protection. Give the pastors wisdom as to know what to do and how to help their congregants. Please help the church there to draw near to one another still in prayer and fellowship as they can. Help, OGod,Yourpeople
    Amy G - USA
  • Father, Nothing can stop you. Your purposes cannot be thwarted. Help the believers in Colombia to keep their eyes on you. Do not let them shrink back. Give them courage to find ways to meet together and pray together and continue to fight for you. May the AGC see your light in them and be drawn to you. I pray that the pastors will speak.
    Laurie P - USA
  • Dear Lord,
    We lift up the pastors and congregations, our brothers and sisters in Christ; we lift them up to You! There is so much anger, evil and darkness around them. Be with them in a powerful way! Pour down Your love, grace and peace on them! Take away the fear - don't let satan tear them down. Protect them and be with them Always! In Jesus, Amen
    Madison F - USA
  • O Lord Jesus these believers already shaky world is even more shook up. Your mercy and grace is More than what they are experiencing. Grant them courage and encouragement to not give up worshiping you and loving one another. May the drug lords have Damascus road experiences and become evangelists like Paul.
    Lori R - USA
  • 2 Corinthians 4:9"Persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed". Father we speak this over these precious believers in Colombia. Let Your Presence in their homes & hearts show that they are not forsaken. Build up Your Church in the midst of all this like in the book of Acts. Bring a rich harvest of souls among the cartels in Jesus name!
    Helen O - USA
  • Lord, we cannot begin to identify with this kind of threat and intimidation. Send Your armies of heaven to their aid. Pour out Your Spirit's wisdom, power, and love upon them. Draw the wicked to repentance and salvation in Jesus. Free people from captivity to cartels, to drugs, to power, to a web of criminal activities. ONLY YOU can do it, dear Jesus.
    Carol M - USA
  • In Jesus Name we pray for our brothers & sisters around the world that are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus our Lord and as You Lord remember we are made of the dust and can do no thing without You John 15:5 strengthen each one with the power of Your Holy Spirit to overcome and continue in the faith & may no weapon formed against them prosper
    barry p - USA
  • God, comfort, strengthen and protect Your people in this region. You are our mighty God. Destroy the strength and the agenda of the wicked and the demonic powers behind them. Show Your people how to wage war in the heavenliness and the darkness behind these groups. Show them creative ways to meet together and for the pastors to meet with their people.
    Beatrice W - USA
  • Father, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Columbia. Lord, I pray that you would help them to find a way to be able to safely worship you. Lord, strengthen them and strengthen their faith. Thank you for your divine protection over their lives and the lives of their families.
    Patrice F - USA
  • God, I pray for these distressed brothers and sisters who are facing great persecution and danger in Columbia. I pray for their continued faithfulness, and I give thanks knowing You are still the God who works all things for the good of those who love You. I pray these churches will soon be allowed to reopen and I also pray for each of the unbelievers.
    Curtis M - USA
  • Father, I pray for these pastors and members of these close churches. Give them ways to continue to meet together. Encourage and strengthen them in their walk with you.
    Darlene E - USA
  • Lord I pray for the protection and wisdom of these believers and for them to feel Your love surround them. I pray Lord for their hearts to be held by You and for safety. I pray for the leaders of the militia to be surrendered to You and to hear from You. I pray for their hearts to melt in Your grace and for them to become powerful witnesses for You
    Joy H - USA
  • Father, be with the believers in Colombia who are persecuted. Use your mighty hand to refrain the activity of these evil people who threaten your children. Give our brothers in Colombia wisdom to find ways to safely meet and encourage them. Thank you Father that you care for them all.
    Pierrette W - Canada
  • Father, It is a real life danger for our brothers and sisters who are living in these dangerous territories of drug cartel and paramilitary groups. I pray for your protection and blessing that they may continue to gather and worship you without harm. Also that they may evangelize the very people that are threating them that they may come to know you.
    Isaac M - USA
  • Blessed Father of Heavens Army, May you assign your Holly angels to come against these enemy forces. Hide the churches under the shadow of your wings. May you build a wall of fire around the pastors and the members of these churches.
    We plead the blood of Jesus in this region of Colombia.
    In Jesus name, Amen.
    Randy S - USA
  • Lord, Have mercy on these believers! Protect them and their church facilities! Restore what has been destroyed, and may no weapon formed against them prosper! Raise up their government to get rid of these drug gangs. Break the power they have over the people in these nations In Jesus name!
    Carolyn L - USA
  • Lord I lift up these Pastors in Columbia as they are faced with life altering and life threatening situations. May they sense your presence and guidance in this difficult season. In Jesus name amen.
    David H - USA
  • Lord please watch over and sustain the pastors and the members of the churches that have been forcibly shut down in the states of Antioquia, Bolivar, Choco and Cordova due to the menacing of AGC. May they keep the words of Psalm 23:4 close to their hearts: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me." Amen.
    Alicia N - USA
  • Dear Jesus,Please help the Pastors and members of these closed churches.May they continue to know that You are always interceding to God their Father for them and God Who watches over them neither slumbers nor sleeps. Please send Your warring angels to fight for and protect them. May the Holy Spirit give them comfort, strength and encouragement. AMEN
    Rebecca L - USA
  • dear father, i ask that you keep our brothers and sister safe during this trial. i pray that you give them the wisdom on how to continue meeting for worship and that they will persevere and that their faith in you, almighty god, will increase. please surround them with your love, father. in jesus name, amen
    esther l - Germany
  • Dear LORD,
    Protect the pastors who are doing Your work and remove their churches from the crosshairs of their persecutors. Give the congregants peace and joy, knowing that their influence has been made known. Remind the church that You are in their midst, no matter where they may gather. Grant them safety and encourage them to stand strong. Amen.
    Valerie C - USA
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