Heavenly Father, we praise You for equipping CSW and our Colombian partners to document human rights violations over the last five years. Open the hearts of the Colombian authorities to this advocacy. Bless them with understanding and courage to take urgent action against persecution.

This week, please:

• Give thanks for the meeting between Colombia’s president, CSW, NGOs and a British MP. Pray that it will bear great fruit for Christians in Colombia.
• Pray that the government will recognise church leaders as a ‘vulnerable group’ and that they would take action to stop the murder of 25-30 church leaders every year.
• Pray that the power of illegal armed groups will be broken – an estimated 200 churches are believed to be forcibly closed.
• Pray for the family of Pastor Maximo Manuel Suarez, Mailen Cecilia Guevara Gonzalez and nine-year old Nubia Melisa Suarez Sanchez who were shot to death by paramilitaries during a church service last February.
• Ask for protection for the many Christians at risk from persecution. Remember the families of assassinated church leaders.
• Ask God to plant in the hearts of the leaders of the illegal armed groups and their recruits a desire for a better life for themselves, their families and Colombia. Drive them towards peace and turn them away from illegal activities.