SOM Latin America
Violent, armed militias and/or drug cartels control many remote regions of Colombia and Venezuela where there is no internet access. Colombia is the second-highest producer of cocaine in the world. (Afghanistan is the highest as of 2019.) After the conclusion of 54 years of civil war in 2017, vast regions are still under-served and unreached with a clean Gospel witness.
In 2009, American missionary to Colombia and good friend Russell Stendal approached David about joining forces with SOM International, which became the umbrella United States office to communicate with USA partners about the vital ministry in war-torn Colombia. The ministry in Colombia is touching the lives of people through Christian radio broadcasting and distributing Bibles and Christian materials. The work has now expanded to the people of Venezuela and other Spanish-speaking nations. Most importantly, there are relationships being built with Latin Americans of all political, religious, and ethnic persuasions as we demonstrate peace and love through faith in Jesus Christ.
Meet Russell, Director of SOM – South America
- Russell authored over 30 books, including editing the Jubilee Bible, in English and Spanish.
- Russell and the team have produced over a thousand radio programs on the Bible, family, marriage, children’s programs, and history.
- He was taken hostage five times by anti-Colombian government forces.
- Russell wrote the book Rescue the Captors while being held hostage for five months in the jungles of Colombia.
- He has consulted with Colombian presidents, generals, and other leaders throughout South America.
- Russell is a veteran Andes Mountains aviation pilot and used planes to parachute hundreds of thousands of Bibles and Christian materials into restricted and hostile zones of the Colombian jungle.
- Russell was nicknamed “The Apostle of Peace” for his influential role in the final Peace Accord in 2017.
Latest News from SOM Latin America
An Unwavering Mission for Biblical Literacy
Meet "Miguel," a dedicated Venezuelan missionary who tirelessly distributes Bibles and trains others to carry out missionary work in his country. One of his main tools for training is the SOM-Latin America film La Montaña. He has his trainees watch the movie before sending them out, telling them, “This is what you need to do.” The Struggles and Strengths Miguel's journey has not been without challenges. Over the past three years, he has been kidnapped twice. On one occasion, a dangerous terrorist group in Latin America demanded $5,000, and he didn’t call anyone on his team for help
Teaching, Loving, and Learning in South America
A testimony from Tim, a Canadian Christian, after attending a Bible conference with the South American people he once lived among for years as he translated Scripture into their tribal language. We set up our hammocks under a common roof structure, and I slept amid the snoring and roosters crowing through the night. The next day, I spent most of the day in my hammock, trying to stay cool in the 100-degree dusty wind that blew through the open-walled structure. I think I slept another six hours that day. I spent time praying, "What do you want
Love, No Matter What
At SOM International, God has introduced us to a special person, a remarkable leader, in every region where we serve. Each one of these leaders has the same things in common. Jesus found them and saved them. They have a consuming passion to reach their own country for Jesus. They hear and obey God every day…no matter what. God gave us a name for “no matter what”—the spirit of martyrdom. It means we depend on God’s Spirit to radically love others by telling them about Jesus, no matter what. It’s better to show you what it means to love
Children in the Persecuted Church Worldwide
Children Inspire Hope in the Face of Persecution Years ago in India, SOM CEO David Witt interviewed a high-caste, Hindu-background family. For their persecution for leaving Hinduism and preaching Christ, fundamentalist Hindus broke into their house and began to beat the father. The mother fell on the father to protect him. Then, the two young daughters followed suit and fell upon their parents to protect them. Together, they were beaten as a family. The two young girls told David how they prayed for their persecutors during the beating. They said they did not hold any bitterness toward the
The Lord Extends His Grace to Us
An Update from South America The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish that thou be prospered in all things and be sound, even as thy soul prospers. For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou dost walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my sons walk in the truth. —3 John 1–4 It was past midnight in a little, pine-yellow room of a small cabin somewhere in the iron range woodlands of America.
Latin America Update: Touching Reality
Bible Distribution This month’s update comes via a letter from Santiago, a Canadian partner with SOM International who supports the work in South America. I have known Russell’s family for about forty years—since I lived in South America. As an engineer, I worked with petroleum companies. However, in 2000, after feeling the guerrillas’ pressure for several years, my family and I decided to move to Canada. I have known about the Gospel since I was twenty-seven when I received the Lord in my heart. When we decided to leave South America, many judged me for abandoning the “boat.”
