Colombia: Criminal Gang Activity Creates Fear and Discouragement

Buenaventura, a coastal seaport city in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is ranked 24th on the list of the 50 most violent cities in the world. Pastor Pedro*, leader of a rural church in Buenaventura’s conflict zone explains, “We have the feeling that people don’t want to go out because they are afraid of being killed. There are no safe places.”

The advantages that once made Buenaventura one of the 10 most important ports in Latin America—including its access to the Pacific Ocean and numerous large rivers—now increase the presence of criminal gangs seeking to control drug and arms trafficking routes.

The urban and rural areas of Buenaventura face constant struggles between 39 criminal gangs fighting for control. Citizens live in fear after witnessing killings, extortion, confrontations, and displacement.
 

Churches Under Siege

Moisés*, a pastor in rural Valle del Cauca, explains, “Our denominational leaders have made the decision to reduce support for pastors because it is very risky to send workers to support pastors in conflict zones. Caring for the brethren is complicated with these groups.”

Christian churches are under constant siege and surveillance. Armed groups consider anyone who opposes their illegal activities—the sale of drugs and the recruitment of minors—an enemy, making the church a prime target.

According to Open Doors, between 2023 and 2024 there were 35 cases of persecution in Valle del Cauca. Nearly a thousand Christians were psychologically and emotionally traumatised, displaced, or threatened. Some experienced destruction and loss of property, restrictions, and physical harm. Others were kidnapped.

Many believers have left the region leaving a gaping hole in churches. Pastors are losing heart. The loss of valuable leaders and growing ministerial workload is discouraging.

  “God is there, but humanly we feel alone. That is why we ask you to continue to accompany and strengthen us. This is not a matter of money, but of spiritual and emotional support,” shares Pastor Pedro.

Despite adversity, the church continues to sow hope. This year, Open Doors supported four projects helping church leaders improve their economy and support their ministries.

“This has helped sustain us in this situation. We ask for your continued support and prayers so we can go where our brothers and sisters are more restricted, threatened, limited, and afraid,” says Pastor Moisés.

*Names changed for security purposes