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.
Get Involved
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
New Far Reaching Radio Tower Covers All Venezuela
Installing radio towers is not for the faint of heart. Climbing up to elevated heights is daunting. Facing strong winds in high temperatures requires patience. Overcoming numerous technical difficulties for weeks takes perseverance. Nevertheless, by the grace of God, SOM Colombia workers accomplished the complicated task of installing a radio tower on the Colombia border that extends transmission all over Venezuela and half of Colombia. Workers had to build the radio tower, install the complex antennas, and transmitter system, and rebuild part of the camp. Workers from SOM Colombia experienced extremely dangerous roads on the way back to their urban
Persecuted Christian Kogi Indians in Colombia
On August 6th, 2020, the Kogi cabildo leader José de los Santos Sauna Limaco, governor of the Kogi – Malayo – Arhuaco Indigenous Reserve in Colombia, was declared dead in a clinic. A Colombian Navy helicopter transported him to a clinic in Santa Marta three days prior to his death, as he was suffering from a high fever and having difficulty breathing. His death has been attributed to COVID-19; he was 44 years old. This is the man who was an enemy of Christianity in his tribe, who actively persecuted and maliciously punished the Christian Kogis, as well as falsely
(VIDEO) Expansion of Radio Ministry in Mexico
Radio Ministry in Mexico - Expanding Christ's Message SOM Mexico workers have been connecting with our contacts in Colombia. They saw first hand the incredible impact the radio ministry has had across South America. We are rejoicing with them in the expansion of the radio ministry in Mexico. Watch the encouraging video below of SOM Mexico/MAPS putting up their radio tower and expanding their witness. Get Involved with Global Impact Projects
Brinkman Adventures Audio Series – Featuring Russell Stendal
Brinkman Adventures Audio Dramatization Series Featuring Russell Stendal Captured in Colombia 1 Minute Sample Brinkman Adventures Season 8 features 2 exciting episodes that will take you on an adventure through the jungles of Colombia with Russell Stendal. Russell was kidnapped by guerillas for 142 days. Held at gunpoint deep in the jungle and with little else to occupy his time, Russell began to write the story of his life and kept a record of his five-month experience in the guerrilla camp. His “book” became a bridge to the men who held him and now serves as the
President Maduro of Venezuela Receives Jubilee Bible
An Amazing Event In December 2019, President Maduro of Venezuela received the Jubilee Bible (Edited by Russell Stendal), La Montaña and one other book written by Russell Stendal. This is further evidence of revival building in Venezuela! Please continue praying for the provision of 2 million Bibles for Venezuela. Donate For Venezuelan Bibles Learn More - Bibles For Venezuela Project
Courage in Colombia – Russell Stendal’s Friend Interviewed on 100 Huntley Street
Powerful story about forgiveness from the wife of a martyr in Colombia. Russell Stendal and SOM-USA are working alongside Kelly in Colombia. VOM Canada working with Colombia Para Cristo supplied the funds to build a house for Kelly and her children. Kelly is one amazing woman of God! 100huntley.com/watch?id=228652&title=courage-in-colombia--kelly-saenz- Learn More - Bibles For Venezuela Project
