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
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
One Million Bibles For Venezuela
Transporting this Amount of Bibles per Week for 100 Weeks In order to reach our goal of one million Bibles for Venezuela we would have to transport this many Bibles per week for the next 100 weeks. Then, only 1 Venezuelan in 30 would have a Bible. However, it would be enough to greatly encourage all the churches and to give Bibles to most of the key decision makers in the country.
Radio Broadcast and Bible Distribution in Venezuela
Radio Broadcast and Bible Distribution on One of the Most Dangerous Borders in the World The situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate. In the midst of the upheaval we are engaged in distributing a container load of beautiful study Bibles to besieged pastors and leaders. There are many places where the border between Colombia and Venezuela has been closed and we have to be very creative in order to accomplish our task. Last week, several of our co-workers were arrested and accused of taking humanitarian aid across the border, which unbelievably has been criminalized. After several hours in
Lomalinda: A Beautiful Hill by Russell Stendal, Jr.
Lomalinda is a beautiful place! by Russell Stendall, Jr. It’s located in the plains of eastern Colombia, however Lomalinda isn’t flat. Lomalinda translates to “Beautiful Hill” an apt name for this land. The rolling hills are a peaceful contrast from the stubbornly flat land it lies between. Sadly, Lomalinda has not seen peace for the last few decades. It has been smack in the middle of the war that has assailed Colombia for the better part of 50 years. In the late 60’s and early 70’s, Wycliffe Bible Translators found this hidden paradise. They were enticed by the large lake,
