lenten journey, day 24 — a prayer for colombia

In Medellin, Colombia, there is a maximum security prison called Bellavista, or “Beautiful View.” Seriously…what kind of name is that for a super-fortified prison in the drug- and crime-capital of one of the world’s most violent countries? To the casual observer, there is nothing beautiful about Bellavista. Filled with hardened thieves, murderers and drug traffickers, it is a place that has languished in darkness for many, many years. But here’s the thing about darkness: a little bit of light can attract a lot of notice. And something very worthy of notice is going on at Bellavista.

But first, a bit of background on Colombia…

Your coffee might have been grown there. And if you’re a cocaine user, there’s a 75% chance that your drug of choice came from Colombia, too. As if 170 years of bloody civil wars and cruel dictators weren’t enough, violent guerilla groups and drug cartels have held a reign of terror over Colombia in recent decades. The country’s frequent murders and kidnappings have made it one of the 10 most bloody conflicts in the world, according to the International Institute for Peace.

Many thousands of children live on the streets of Colombia’s largest cities. Their parents are dead, addicted, or imprisoned. The slums in Bogota, Medillin and Cali are cesspools of poverty and despair, yet people continue to move into them to escape the violence of guerilla groups and drug cartels in the countryside.

Ah, but our God is amazing. Even Colombia is not too far gone for his mighty hand to lead the people out of bondage. With an overwhelming passion, God loves the orphans and the slum dwellers and the street children and the drug traffickers and the prisoners of Colombia. And he has chosen to work his mighty redemption in their midst!

OK...back to Bellavista. Several years ago a former inmate came to know Jesus, and he returned to prison to tell others about how his life had been changed from the inside out. More prisoners placed their faith in Jesus, and the darkness that covered Bellavista like a shroud began to lift. There’s a Bible school in Bellavista now. There are prisoners who have organized 24/7 prayer for Bellavista and their country. And daily prison worship services are broadcast nationwide via a radio program called “A Cry of Hope.” People outside the prison walls are coming to know Jesus through this broadcast and the loving ministry of Christians. In fact, in some cities, the number of evangelical Christians has grown 20-fold in the last 10 years!

The light grows brighter each time one of these lost Colombian lambs is reunited with the Good Shepherd. And though the darkness may try to intimidate those who follow Christ, no amount of persecution can stop God from bringing his light and salvation to the people of Colombia.

God, thank you for bringing your brilliant, pure light to the beautiful people of Colombia. For so many years they have been oppressed by terror and intimidation. They have been enslaved by addiction and beaten down by violence. Yet you are reaching out in love to give them new lives through the blood of Jesus. Would you continue to help those who are helpless in Colombia? Would you rise up a courageous church that will minister to the poor and oppressed, even in the face of intimidation and threats from violent groups? Would you draw me to my knees more often to intercede for Colombia? You are the God of the Nations. Colombia belongs to you. Yes, and amen.

“…even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” — Psalm 139:12

“The Lord has taken away your punishment, he has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you; never again will you fear any harm.” — Zephaniah 3:15