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
Honoring Albert Luepnitz
Here in Bogota, Albert Luepnitz just finished another ministry tour in which a large number of military officers including top generals (retired and active) responded and were deeply touched by the Lord. Albert received military awards and honors from the Army, Air Force and the National Police and a ceremony is pending with the Navy. The first spiritual encounters have begun between converted guerrilla leaders and converted generals as they encourage one another with the testimony of what Jesus Christ has done in their lives. This cuts directly through the past fifty-three years of violence, hatred and mistrust. This
A New Song In Colombia – Latin America Update
Click Here To Listen To Update Reported by David Witt Beautiful music rang throughout the meeting hall last week as world - renowned Cuban pianist, Frank Fernandez, honored Russell with a concert on a grand piano in Bogota, Colombia. Leaders and dignitaries traveled from afar to honor Russell Stendal for his contribution of the peace process. Over three hundred people packed into a meeting room with overflow and security out the door. Those present included retired and active generals, a colonel from the Colombian military, and police chiefs. The VIP list continued with doctors, lawyers, ministry leaders and
Latin America – Prayer Alert
Special Report Regarding Russell Stendal Reported By: David and Cindy Witt (April 1st, 2015) Spirit of Martyrdom Ministries Bogota, Colombia We just returned from the field in Colombia and printed this special report quickly to update you with the latest information regarding Russell Stendal. We see the battle continues for truth in Colombia both spiritually and judicially. Russell Stendal as a missionary was visiting red zone areas distributing Bibles, school supplies, Christian material and radio receptors (with a Christian signal). Russell is being investigated for “rebellion against the State of Colombia for aiding and collaborating with FARC guerrillas.” A guilty sentence could mean up to 15 years
Russell Stendal Arrested Tried Released
Russell Stendal Arrested, Tried, & Released "If you preach the true Gospel of the Lord, you will have to live it...our Lord Jesus said it, you will suffer persecution for my name’s sake…" Russell Stendal Bogota, Colombia Reported By David and Cindy Witt The morning of Wednesday, February 18th Russell was warned of an impending arrest. An ex-paramilitary commander, turned Christian, received word of a plot to frame Russell. Two guerrillas conspired with other enemies of the gospel, to witness against him. A few hours later Russell was invited to the police station to discuss some concerns by
Pabel – Fearless Martyr for Christ
Pabel and his wife Kelly Israel David (5 years old) and Linda Estefania (3 years old) Pabel entered into the Loving Presence of his Savior November 2014 "Pabel Lived and Died for the Cause of Jesus Christ" - A Martyr of Love Written By: Samuel David Hernández These were the last words of his wife Kelly at the end of our conversation we had over the phone that lasted two hours. This is the only interview made of the widow and of our friend and co-worker Pabel Andrey Losada Trujillo, after he was tortured and killed last week. He was only
Latin America Update
During the month of November, we recognize the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In the last nearly 20 years of this special focus of prayer, millions have prayed for our global family. Much intercession has been given for peace in Colombia. In recent years, the Colombian government has entered into peace negotiations with the FARC communist on the Island of Cuba. The Stendal family and the staff have been instrumental in this peace process. In many secret meetings in the past two years of negotiations, Russell, Alethia and other workers have met with top FARC and government officials.
