Persecuted Christians amongst victims of earthquake in Colombia

Christians in Colombia request your prayers for those affected by the recent earthquake, including Christians, many of whom already suffer because of pressure and persecution.

Christians from the some of the most persecuted communities in Colombia are amongst the victims of the earthquake that struck earlier this month.

Hundreds have been killed by the disaster that hit Colombia’s western, coffee-growing region on 13 August, with thousands more injured and displaced. An estimated 53,000 people are believed to have been impacted by it.

Major cities such as Cali, Manizales and Pereira were hit hard, but the quake also reached remote regions where Christians live amidst hostility from illegal armed groups. The disaster adds another layer of vulnerability for communities already facing difficult circumstances.

“Their home was destroyed. Even the small bed where they slept was thrown outside,” says Pastor Wounfem*, who with his wife made the two-hour river journey to visit the Valoy family. They are among 111 Christian families affected by the earthquake, according to Open Doors local partners.

Uninhabitable homes

The epicentre was in Bajo San Juan, Chocó, believed to be Colombia’s poorest region. Thirteen people were killed, 182 injured and thousands more affected.

The area is where most of the persecuted Christians affected by the earthquake live. Local pastors report injuries, deaths, lost livelihoods and extensive damage to homes – some now uninhabitable – as well as to several churches and pastoral houses.

The Wounaan Indigenous Christian community has been hit especially hard. Many of their homes are makeshift structures, particularly vulnerable to damage. “This is sad. It’s really sad,” Wounfem says. “But we believe that the Lord will do great and wonderful things. We hope and trust in the Lord.”

The damage may be greater than currently reported. Limited connectivity and poor infrastructure make it difficult for local leaders to reach affected families and gather information.

Pastor injured by collapsing wall

Some 470km away in Buenaventura – known as a ‘red-zone city’ because of criminality – also suffered significant damage. At least 10 people died, 174 were injured, and three remain missing. Hundreds of families have been impacted.

Christians communities in and around the city were also affected, with damage reported to seven churches and several homes. Those living in rural regions are hard to reach because of landslides which have made many roads impassable.

One pastor in the area was injured when a wall of his church collapsed on his shoulder. “My right arm is currently immobilised,” he says. “One member of the congregation was scraped by falling bricks, but thank God, He allowed me to push my wife out of the way before the wall could hit her.”

Even as he surveys the damage, the pastor continues to praise God. “Glory to God,” he says, reflecting the perseverance of believers despite many challenges.

“A light to those losing hope”

Since the earthquake struck, local pastors have been monitoring the situation and supporting affected believers. Humanitarian organisations, government agencies, international groups and people across Colombia have mobilised aid – much of it food, water and basic supplies.

But the greatest challenges may come after the relief phase ends. As aid tapers off in the weeks ahead, families and churches will face the harder task of rebuilding homes, restoring livelihoods and recovering their communities.

Local pastors and the field team urge the global church to stand with affected Christian communities in prayer.

“As the body of Christ, we are called to reflect His light in dark times,” says Julián Gutierrez, Open Doors’ country director in Colombia. “Scripture reminds us that persecution and disasters are not only signs of His coming, but also opportunities to bear witness. As Jesus said in Luke 21:13, ‘This will be your opportunity to bear witness.’ Amid chaos, the church is called to be a light to those who are losing hope.”

*Name changed for security reasons