To Change The Parents, Capture The Kids

To Change The Parents, Capture The Kids

South America; invaded by Spain and Portugal in the 15th century, converted from traditional forms of worship to Catholicism. Elaborate and ornate cathedrals were built as the priests steadily moved from village to village, nation to nation, claiming the land for their home country… and for God. Today, in South America, God’s faithful servants still travel bringing the gospel message. But none comes at such a high price as in the country of Colombia.

Colombia, strategically positioned, has shores on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and is the gateway between Central and South America. With its fertile plains and abundant rainfall, Colombia is also a perfect place to grow cocaine. And, because of the high demand for this product, many Christians have lost their lives in the battle between the drug cartels, the military troops and paramilitary rebel forces.

Pastors in villages, faithful to their calling, spend their days encouraging those protecting the cocoa crops to put down their guns and pick up a Bible. Drug lords, angered when their hired henchmen no longer are willing to perform the “expected” duties once they accept Jesus, have turned their vengeance toward the source…the Christian pastors. But, instead of killing the pastors, they go after their children. As a result, each year hundreds of children are kidnapped and forced to work in the cocoa trade.

Twelve years ago, after hearing of the Christian pastors’ struggles to protect their families, Open Doors opened a place of refuge for these vulnerable children. For most, this has become their permanent home. Their days are spent tending crops and caring for the animals that provide food for the table, attending school classes, and performing household chores. But, in the midst of their daily routine, is Jesus. As they learn to depend on Him for their needs, each child is learning to forgive, learning to be at peace, and learning what it means to be loved by God.  

One With Them
You can be One With Them today as you go the Throne of God in prayer for all the children of Colombia, for the Open Doors home and the staff there, and for the parents standing strong in their faith. Let’s also join in prayer for the persecutors; praying that they come to know the Lord and turn from their evil ways.

One With Them CHALLENGE
Visit the Open Doors website for details on how you can send a letter of love and encouragement to the children living at the home. Introduce the home to the children of your church and encourage your Youth Group leadership to take on an “encouragement project” through prayer and letter-writing.  

2013.06.25

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)