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. SOM International became the umbrella United States office to communicate with USA partners 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 persuasion as we demonstrate peace and love through faith in Jesus Christ.
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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.
- Russell 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 of the final Peace Accord in 2017.
Latest News from SOM Latin America
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
Risking Much for the Gospel | Venezuela
Braving Danger to Deliver Bibles, Books and Radios for Venezuelans Nearly 1400 miles border Columbia and Venezuela, where mission field workers risk much for the Gospel Mission field workers are risking much to bring the gospel to the people of Venezuela. First, the border between Colombia and Venezuela has officially been closed for over two years. While the border extends some 2,219 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea to Brazil. Also, the border passes through sterile deserts, rugged mountains, grassland prairie, and the mighty Orinoco River, which has numerous large tributaries on either side. Indeed, the border is a haven
Why Christians are #1 Persecuted People in the World
Christians face daily threats around the world In countries where freedom of faith is only a distant dream, Christians face persecution every day. Additionally, National leaders often push minority groups aside. These leaders in power have structures in place to acquire and maintain control. SOM International has witnessed this dynamic for over a decade on multiple continents around the globe. Moreover, Christians are the #1 persecuted people group in the world. Why do Christians take the lead in affliction? Therefore, the following are five main reasons Christians face the heaviest weight: 1. The Gospel brings transformation (Revelation 21:5), and people
[PHOTO GALLERY] 2020 Highlights from South America
2020 Highlights from South America 2020 Highlights Reported by: Russell and Marina Stendal In reflecting back on the highlights in 2020, it was a very productive and successful year for our ministry and you have been a vital part. At first, things did not look so good due to the pandemic lockdowns. This, however, gave us time to finish writing, editing, and publishing many book projects in English and Spanish that had been on the back burner. (Visit Our Bookstore Here) I was also able to preach through all sixty-six chapters of Isaiah in both languages. Read more about Russell Stendal
Bibles by the Boatload in Venezuela
Bible Delivery: Bibles by the Boatload in Venezuela By Russell and Marina Stendal Turmoil and unrest continue to increase in the world around us, but we are finding unprecedented opportunities to share the gospel and to witness exponential growth. One of the world’s most dangerous places is the 1,378-mile Colombia/Venezuela border. This region is home to many diverse and corrupt factions and is also teeming with millions of desperate individuals fleeing the economic devastation of Venezuela or attempting to procure necessary food and medicine in Colombia. Colombia is where drugs, gasoline, cattle, gold, and even diamonds are being smuggled, not
