The humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo, which began a month ago, continues to worsen as dissidents of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) battle for control of drug trafficking routes. Amid this chaos, the Church is raising its voice, calling for peace and protection for the most vulnerable.
Open Doors travelled to the region two weeks ago to meet with our brothers and sisters, understand their current situation, and pray for them.
The Escalating Conflict
Since 15 January, the confrontation between the ELN and dissidents of the FARC’s 33rd Front has triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Catatumbo, a region in northern Colombia along the Venezuelan border. The fight for control over drug trafficking routes and territorial dominance has led to widespread threats, assassinations, mass displacements, and severe restrictions on the population.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Colombia, Mireille Girard, emphasises the severity of the situation: “The violence in Catatumbo has generated the largest mass displacement since we began keeping records in Colombia. Communities are confined, with restricted mobility and limited access to food, medical care, and humanitarian aid.”
Impact on the Church and Christian Community
In mid-February, Open Doors visited the region to assess the situation of Christians and provide humanitarian aid. Testimonies gathered reveal the constant fear and persecution faced by churches and their leaders.
“The fear is constant. We feel completely vulnerable,” shares Josué*, a pastor who has served in the region for over a decade. The threat of retaliation is so severe that many pastors avoid speaking out or request that their testimonies remain unrecorded, as any leaked comment could result in a death sentence.
Forced Displacement and Risk to Minors
Forced displacement is one of the most devastating consequences for the Church in the region, emptying congregations and forcing leaders to choose between fleeing due to threats or staying to support their communities.
Other families have fled to protect their children from forced recruitment by armed groups. “They either flee, or they stay and risk having their children taken to fight in the war,” says Rut Vázquez*, a member of the Open Doors research team. The crisis has also led to school closures and teacher shortages, leaving children without education and increasing their vulnerability to recruitment.
A Historical Persecution
Just as the violence in Catatumbo is not new, neither is the persecution of Christians.
Mauricio*, a pastor with over 15 years of experience in the region, explains why armed groups oppose the Church, “The Church is a threat because it instills principles and values in young people, directly challenging their control. They don’t see us as a military threat, but as competition for the youth they want to recruit.”
In response to the crisis, Open Doors has intensified efforts to support the Church in Catatumbo. The ministry has established support networks through phone calls, prayer meetings, and financial assistance for pastors.
A Call for Hope
Though the future remains uncertain, the Christian community in Catatumbo continues to hold fast to their faith. Many hold prayer meetings in their homes and fast for peace in the region.
“Some have met the Lord in the midst of the conflict,” says Pastor Mauricio, noting that even non-believing families have sought prayer during these difficult times.
“We hold fast to the Word and proclaim, as Hebrews 13:6 says, ‘We can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do to me.'”
Even as gunfire echoes through the mountains and fear grips the streets, believers continue to pray for peace, trusting God will sustain them amid the conflict.
Pray for Colombia
- Pray for pastors and Christian leaders facing constant threats, and intercede for displaced people living under confinement.
- Pray for the spiritual strengthening of the Church in the region.
- Pray for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Catatumbo and that the Open Doors team can effectively support persecuted Christians during this crisis.
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
