parachutes for Colombia

Flying low over the jungles of Colombia, pilot Russell Stendal drops homemade parachutes out of his small aircraft. Each parachute contains a Bible, Christian literature, and a shortwave radio pre-tuned to Christian stations. Russell has a deep love for the guerrillas also known as the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) even though they kidnapped him in the 1980s and held him for ransom. Colombia is one of the most violent countries in the world with fighting between the guerrillas and the Colombian army. The drug trade has fueled the violence making it dangerous for even ordinary citizens. The guerrillas recruit young children and train them to kill for their cause. They also must be committed to a Marxist ideology that demands total loyalty to their cause. Any opposition can result in death. Those who have become Christians and have turned from their violent ways have been killed and their families taken away. Flying over these jungles and dropping Christian literature into their camps proves to be a dangerous mission for Russell. If he flies too low he risks being shot at by the guerrillas, and if he flies too high he risks being shot at by the Colombian army who will assume that it is a drug runner flying the airplane. Travelling into the jungle by foot to witness to the guerrillas is also very dangerous because of the risk of kidnapping. Motivated by love and obedience to God, Russell continues to risk his life in order to witness. He writes, "I have seen many guerrillas turn from their violent ways after reading the Bible and listening to our radio broadcasts. If we want peace in Colombia, we have to point people, even terrorists, to the true source of peace and forgiveness."
I have had the opportunity to listen to Russell speak and I have read his book "Rescue the Captors." Russell writes about his life's story while he was held captive. As he reads the story to his captors they have many questions about Christianity and start to question themselves about what they believe. Russell uses this time to witness to them and encourage them to seek God.
All of this motivated me to make these parachutes (these can be ordered through Voice of the Martyrs) to help bring the gospel. With the help of some friends and family we made 40 parachutes! Our boys wrote Bible passages on them in Spanish and we shipped them off to Colombia. It was incredible to think that these parachutes, filled with Christian literature would be landing in the jungles of Colombia! We are praying that those who read and hear about the Gospel will have their hearts softened and turn to God.


Here is a short video of parachutes being packaged and dropped off in Colombia.

This video shows the extreme violence in Colombia, but also that God is at work changing even the most hardest hearts.  Do not watch this with your children because it does contains violence.

writing letters

Imagine this.
It is early in the morning. The guards have cruelly grabbed the man in the cell next you. You are bracing yourself to hear his tormented cries. Will I be next? As you look around you stand up to pace.  Five steps this way. Turn. Five steps back. In one corner on the cold cement floor lays your worn out blanket; torn and dirty. In the other corner is your overflowing putrid smelling chamber pot. The days have turned into weeks and now the weeks have turned into months. It has been a long time since your house was surrounded by the mobs of jeering, angry men that spring night. It felt like hundreds of hands were all over you, kicking, spitting, and beating you with sticks. You were thrown into this old jail cell without the chance to kiss your loved ones good-bye. You have missed your children's birthdays and your anniversary. Oh, how you miss them. You pray that they are safe and are provided for. God has provided for you, even in this cold, damp cell. He has been your Strength and has put Bible verses that you have long forgotten into your mind. Yesterday your hands shook as you opened a letter written from a sister in the Lord from across the ocean.  A letter full of encouragement and your heart is thankful to God.




"Pastor Dmitry Shestakov was arrested in Uzbekistan, in January 2007, and sent to prison labour camp. Four years later, he was released. While in prison, Dmitry received thousands of letters from Christians all over the world. One day, prison officials called Dmitry to their office to ask if he had family in the U.S. Dimitry replied that he has many brothers and sisters around the world - his spiritual family - who are concerned for his well-being. Prison officials then arranged for an interpreter to translate the letters into Russian for Dmitry to read. He was very encouraged to know that so many people cared." (VOM magazine, special edition)
Writing letters provides tremendous encouragement to Christians who might otherwise feel forgotten. It raises awareness to those in authority that this prisoner is known to many and this can lead to better treatment. Letters impact and they allow us to come along side them.
When I started writing letters my perspective on life changed. Even though I still struggle with the loudness of our boys and their continuous messes:), I am near them and am able to provide and care for them. Many parents long for their children. They are far away from their children and don't know if they are even being cared for.
Writing letters allows time to pray for our brothers and sisters. I took cards that had pictures of God's creation and wrote in there. Our boys have also drawn pictures and I have sent those along as well.
You may write in English and include a Scripture verse. Tell the prisoners that they are not forgotten and that you are praying for them. Even in a jail cell temptations come hard to these men and women. They have to fight against bitterness and learn how to forgive their captors and guards. They are taunted and urged to turn away from Jesus.
Do not mention VOM or any other source of information when you write. This puts everyone in danger. Do not send money or gifts and do not write a return address. I introduce myself as Kerri from Ontario,Canada. Go to www.PrisonerAlert.com for the names of the men and women who are in jail serving time for being believers.
During the next four weeks I hope to write to six or more prisoners. Are you with me?!

Hebrews 13:3 "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you are also in the body."

praying for the persecuted

No matter where the The Voice of the Martyrs ministers, the first request of Persecuted Christians is always the same:
                            "Pray for us"

You may be thinking how can I pray for people that I know so little about.
God's Word to us remains our best guide.

As you come to the Throne of Grace on behalf of the Persecuted Church, pray:

-That persecuted believers will stand firm in their faith. (1Peter 5:8-10)
-That they will not be fearful but trust God. (Rev. 2:10)
-That they will not seek to retaliate, but entrust themselves to Him who judges justly & seek to live in peace with everyone. (Rom 12:17-21, 1 Peter 2:23)
-That they will be enabled to rejoice, even in suffering. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
-That they will be able to love & forgive those who persecute them. (Matt. 5:43&44; Luke 23:34; Col. 3:13)
-That they will bless those who have persecuted them. (Romans 12:14,21)
-That they will keep their eyes on Jesus, persevere in their faith, & not grow weary or loose heart. (Heb. 10:32-39; Heb.12:1-3)
-That they will trust God to enable them to proclaim the Gospel even while suffering. (2 Tim.4:16-18)
-That they will rely on the Lord's strength & not on their own. (2 Cor. 1:8-9)
-That those who oppress Christians may experience repentance & salvation, just as Paul did. (Acts 9)
-For the provision of Bibles & other Christian literature to reach the most remote & needy areas where they are in the shortest supply. (Ps. 119-42-43)
-That those who suffer tremendous physical pain & trials will be delivered by the Lord from their agony. (2 Cor. 1:9-11)
-That the local leaders of the Persecuted Churches around the world would continue to faithfully fulfill their God given responsibilities. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
-That those of us who have religious freedom will understand what it means to suffer with other members of the worldwide church. (1Cor. 12:26)
-That we who have religious freedom would have the boldness & courage to speak out & seek to make changes in the name of the Lord, on behalf of persecuted believers. (Prov. 31:8-9)
-That we who have religious freedom would faithfully remember to pray for our Christian family worldwide who are in prison & suffering for their faith. (Heb. 13:3)


I hope that this will help you as you remember these brothers & sisters in the Lord who need much encouragement & prayer.

*the prayer list was taken from a VOM handout

christians under persecution

On Sunday, November 13 it is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Christians. Thousands of believers will be setting time aside to pray for their brothers and sisters in Christ who daily feel threats, battle fear & loneliness, have been torn away from their loved ones, experience hunger, pain, discomfort, and live in horrid, unimaginable circumstances. We also pray that our brothers and sisters experience God's abounding grace so that they become bold and dare to witness, as well as learn the joy of forgiveness.
During the month of November, I am going to focus and write about the Persecuted Church and what it means to be "chained with prisoners - those who are mistreated as if we ourselves are beside them" - Hebrews 13:2.

Behnam Irani lives in Iran where 98.64% of the population is Muslim and 0.51% professes Christ. He is a 41 year old church leader. Behnam was in his home in April 2010 leading 10 young men who were newly converted in Bible Study. A raid took place and Behnam was arrested and sentenced to one year in prison for "propaganda against the regime." A few weeks ago, 3 days before his release the sentence was extended by 5 more years. There is concern that he might be charged with apostasy.
The reality is that this is happening all over the world.
Mothers & fathers are abruptly forced from their homes, at times even beaten or shot in front of their children. Families are followed and watched. Neighbours can become sources of information.  Churches are burned to the ground while crowds cheer and chant "death to the Christians." Children watch their parents being snatched away and are left to defend for themselves. Those who help these poor children also risk their lives. I can write on and on. This is what is happening and we are called to take action.
I hope and pray that during these next few weeks that you will stay with me. There are ways that we can encourage -(pour courage into) those who are bound with chains.