Russell Stendal
(Photo courtesy of VOM Canada)
Colombia (MNN) — Last week’s arrest of Russell Stendal highlighted some of the danger that exists in Colombia for Christian pastors.
Friday, Colombian missionary Stendal underwent trial on charges that he had participated in rebellious activity with FARC guerrilla rebels (read that story here).
Our friends at Voice of the Martyrs Canada shared this update from Stendal:
Great news! The Lord turned the tables at the last minute. The prosecution went on for hours and hours, and I spoke for ten minutes. The judge believed me, told the prosecutor he had been wasting her time, and threw out the case. I have been completely absolved.
-Russ
Christian Broadcasting Network says the judge ruled Stendal, 59, not guilty of supporting the guerillas. Gary Lane, reporter for CBN, says he’s known Stendal for over 12 years. Stendal’s heart has been to share the Gospel with the violent FARC group. Lane describes him as being devoted to bringing Colombians to Christ.
Sources of the Associated Press say Stendal moved to Colombia with his family as a small child. His parents were also missionaries.
Greg Musselman of Voice of the Martyrs told MNN last week that Stendal has been air-dropping Christian literature, Bibles, and small radios into dangerous parts of Colombia for a long time. Musselman says he’s also been kidnapped five times.
Pray that Stendal and his family would remain faithful, despite opposition. Ask God to make Himself known in Colombia and to bring an end to the violence.
We join in PRAISING the Lord, for the VICTORY that He helped to bring to pass.
We pray that God’s protection, wisdom, and strength, will bless their lives, as they follow our King of kings, and Lord of lords, in doing the work He has called them to do for such-a-time-as-this!!!!!.
Alabado sea El Senor! Gloria a Dios por haber sido absuelto de un delito no cometido.. Yo le hable al Presidente Santos de la labor de este extraordinario misionero y le invite a que nos reuniesemos con el, con el expresidente Uribe para tratar el correcto asunto de la paz.. Como siempre, las minorias somos puestas a un lado y nunca se dio el resultado positivo.. Se sigue buscando la paz por donde nunca se encontrara.. Que pena! Pero es la realidad. (TRANSLATION: Praise the Lord! Glory to God for having been acquitted of a crime not committed .. I will talk to President Santos of the work of this extraordinary missionary and will invite us to join him, with former President Uribe to address the issue of peace correct. . As always, we are minorities set aside and never the positive result was .. It continues to seek peace where you never find .. Too bad! But it is reality.)
We praise and thank the Lord that our brother Russell has been released! Continue to embolden and strengthen this brother and all who work sharing the Gospel of Christ in Colombia!
God is so good. God is preparing his army all over the World. Russ is a favored Son, winning hearts for the kingdom. Heaven invaded Earth, once again. And we are surprised? We Love You Lord, Thanks for saving my Brother!
Praise the Lord! He attends to the prayers of His children (1 Peter 1:3).
Glory to God for His faithfulness! He showed Himself strong again on the behalf of those whose heart is right with Him. My Brother, keep up the good work. We are with you and your dear family in prayer. We shall yet overcome!