The Voice of the Martyrs - Partner in the Gospel with Front-Line Workers

The Frontlines of Ministry

Working in hostile areas and restricted nations can be lonely and difficult. It’s vital that front-line workers know their brothers and sisters in Christ are partnering with them in prayer and investing in God’s work alongside them. We want to tell you about Gonzalo and Edilma, front-line workers in Colombia. In 2016, Gonzalo and Edilma moved to plant a new church in one of Colombia’s “red zones,” violent areas that are controlled by militant groups and are dangerous for Christians. Gonzalo had grown up in red zones, working on coca fields run by Marxist guerrilla groups and right-wing paramilitaries. But after his life was transformed through putting his faith in Christ, he and his wife willingly returned to a guerrilla-controlled red zone — this time as ministers of the gospel. “God is faithful,” Gonzalo said. “He opened this door for us, … and we have seen the miracles God has done with these families. More people are coming and adding to the numbers. How have we seen God work? In the transformation of families through the Word. These families have changed, been restored. God has given us families, entire families, that have converted.” Support Front-Line Workers Those who have been restored and converted include some from the enemy camp — former guerrillas who had become disillusioned with the violence but were still rejected by their community because of their former affiliation with guerrilla groups. “They are rejected by others in the community, but we show them love,” Gonzalo said. That love, however, is seen as a threat by guerrillas who control the area. Christian workers in Colombia’s red zones face surveillance, kidnapping, assault, torture and murder by guerrillas as they advance the gospel. One of Gonzalo’s fellow church leaders was kidnapped and chained by the neck for four days during his captivity. Gonzalo is routinely watched, followed and questioned. And in early 2024, a local guerrilla commander gathered townspeople for a meeting and told them that church services were prohibited. “Sometimes we think we would be better off going somewhere else,” Edilma said, “but then we think of the souls that are in need. There are people who need Christ. Christ is the one who heals their heart, and we are there to reach them.”

Continuing the Ministry

With support from the global body of Christ, including Christians like you, Gonzalo and Edilma have been equipped with portable ministry tools to facilitate their work in the red zones. Amid the ongoing threat of violence, the couple requests prayer that the Lord will continue to give them passion for the ministry. We invite you to partner in the gospel with our brothers and sisters in Christ through your prayers and gifts. Your gift to support front-line workers will equip front-line workers like Gonzalo and Edilma with tools, training and encouragement to advance the gospel in the world’s most dangerous places to be a Christian. Partner with Them