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
Is the Jubilee Bible a Good Translation?
Russell Stendal Answers the Question, "Is the Jubilee Bible a Good Translation?" Jubilee Bible Prioritizes Context and Spirit of Truth By Russell Stendal Many years ago, I was given a copy of an old Spanish Bible translated in the heat and enthusiasm of the Reformation—which was brutally put down in Spain by the Inquisition—when it was common practice to burn Bibles along with their owners. I immediately noticed a depth and clarity to this translation that brought forth a clear witness of the Spirit of God as to the meanings of many seemingly unfathomable passages that had intrigued me for
This is God’s Time for Either Repentance or Collapse
Venezuelan Economy Collapsing Twenty-five years ago, some of my Colombian pastor friends, thinking that their Venezuelan counterparts were too proud and arrogant, were fond of stating in no uncertain terms that the neighboring country was due for a healthy reality check. This was when Venezuela was one of the most prosperous countries globally, with its per capita income in the top ten nations worldwide before 2 million percent inflation hit. Now, per capita income is similar to Uganda's, and the economy is still going down. Venezuelan Economy is Triggering a Religious Upheaval to Take Place Meanwhile, a religious upheaval is
Bible Delivery
Dangerous Conditions Mark the Bible Delivery Journey Encouraging Bible delivery testimonies abound as we travel into remote areas like dangerous Colombia -Venezuela border. Praise God—the Lord has raised many pastors and evangelists to work under challenging conditions with little or no outside support. I recently met with two believers who work with one remote tribe. They (along with their families) have been listening to us on the radio for twenty years. Congregations they minister to are thriving even though no one has had a Bible in their language until now. This predicament is rapidly changing since we have printed
First Shipments of Piaroa Bibles Arrive in Venezuela
Anticipation has been building in Venezuela for many months amidst the Piaroa Tribe. After working for 25 years, a Bible translator has recently completed the entire Bible, and the first shipment of Bibles are finally being distributed. Transporting these Bibles over the dangerous, muddy, and drenched roads is no small feat. The thousands of Bibles are boxed and have to be loaded and unloaded onto big trucks and barges to cross the river. This river crossing is one of the most dangerous borders in the world. After all, the long-awaited day has finally arrived when the people can read
Fall Shipment of Bibles Passed through Customs
Shipment of Bibles Makes it Through Customs Amidst Many Challenges As the Economic Situation Deteriorates in Places like Venezuela, the Spiritual Revival Continues to Intensify. We are all delighted to be able to place highly sought-after books and Bibles into the hands of those who are desperately seeking God with all their hearts. Operations to put literature and other materials into challenging places are ongoing in multiple countries. Some of us have had some very close calls lately. However, we continue to distribute the Word of God by air, land, and sea. The enemy, however, has not been able
Explosive Growth in Broadcast, Desperate Need for Bibles in Venezuela
Broadcast Expands, but the Need for Bibles in Venezuela is Desperate Our radio broadcast has reached a new tribe in Venezuela in their native language for the first time. We have contacted a large tribe of over 100,000 people who speak the language and are eager to hear the Word. There is a new need for Bibles! We only knew about a few thousand in Colombia until now. A missionary just finished translating parts of the Old Testament and all of the New Testament. We are helping to print and to distribute the new translation. Completing the Scriptures allows us
