Many Christians in the north-central part of Colombia are on edge after the targeted assassinations of two church leaders in the space of two weeks. In both cases, the killings were carried out by masked hitmen on motorcycles.
The Lora Rincón family
Pastor Marlon Lora (43) and his wife, Yorley Rincón (40), led the Prince of Peace Villaparaguay Church in Aguachica. He oversaw 35 urban and rural churches in the region. The couple’s daughter Ángela (24) worked as a communications and journalism professional for Aguachica’s public utilities company. Their son Santiago (21) was a systems engineering student. Both were active in the local church.
On 29 December, the family were fired at repeatedly while having lunch after a Sunday service. Pastor Lora, Yorley and Ángela were killed instantly. Santiago was severely injured and passed away in hospital a few days later.
Pastor Lora had mentioned possible threats to another pastor, though he hadn’t given details. His supervisor, Pastor Bermúdez, told us: ‘Marlon was like many of us pastors – we keep quiet about many things so that everything runs smoothly, even while we carry heavy burdens inside.’
Iván García
Iván García (28) was married to Pastor Karen Nierles, who leads the New Rebirth in Christ Church in Magdalena. A recovered drug addict, Iván had publicly declared his faith eight months before his death, and his enthusiasm contributed to the rapid growth of their congregation from seven to 30 committed members. Pastor Nierles said her husband ‘died loving the church. If there was a light bulb missing, he would get it. If someone needed something, Iván was always ready to help.’
On 8 January, Iván was walking home from a prayer service at another church when hitmen appeared on the dark, rural road and shot him six times. Instead of running, the young preacher fell to his knees and raised his hands to God. He died in the arms of his 14-year-old stepdaughter. A woman who was with them stepped in front of Iván and was also shot, though thankfully survived.
Pastor Nierles said: ‘A couple of days ago he told me that he was not afraid to teach the Bible, that his life was new. He told me, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”’
Spend a moment in silence for those who have lost their lives because of their beliefs.