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
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
My Father’s Heart by Alethia Stendal
My Father's Heart by Alethia Stendal EXCERPT FROM ALETHIA'S BOOK: In the past, there have been lots of chances of turning back, only dad never did. When I was 11 years old the missionary school in Bogota where I attended was suddenly swarming with missionary kids fleeing the violence of the eastern planes. Ray Rising had been kidnapped causing more than 300 missionaries to evacuate their base in Lomalinda. The nearby town of Puerto Lleras had been bombed and lay in ruins. Churches were destroyed. So many pastors were killed in this part of Colombia that it quickly became the
Religious Liberty For Women in Colombia & Nigeria
Fighting for Religious Liberty for Women - Reported by Marina Stendal Russell and I, along with our thirteen-year-old granddaughter Gabriella, recently traveled to Nigeria to attend conferences on women’s religious liberty and freedom. We were very impressed with the Christian African leaders we met. In Colombia, the security in rural areas has degenerated, particularly in areas known for drug growing and trafficking. Nigeria is experiencing an increase of Christian persecution and very difficult conditions for women and girls. The good news is the number of Christians is expanding rapidly in both Colombia and Nigeria. In many African countries like Nigeria,
Russell Stendal Featured on Canadian Program: Hundred Huntley Street
Below is a video interview with Russell Stendal that aired on 100 Huntley Street program. Resources from Russell Stendal [fusion_products_slider picture_size="fixed" cat_slug="russell-stendal-most-popular" number_posts="3" carousel_layout="title_on_rollover" autoplay="no" columns="5" column_spacing="13" scroll_items="" show_nav="yes" mouse_scroll="no" show_cats="no" show_price="yes" show_buttons="yes" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" class="" id="" /]
