A second Protestant church leader has been assassinated in Colombia, which demonstrates yet another violent assault on Christian ministry that has been taking place in that region of the world. Ivan Garcia, 28, was shot multiple times after concluding religious services. Garica, suffering six wounds, two of which were in the head, was killed last Wednesday according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide, which is based in the United Kingdom.
According to The Christian Post, Garcia, his 14-year-old daughter, and six other individuals were taking a walk along a rural, unlit road after a celebration at the People of God Christian Vision Church when the attack occurred. Two suspects on a motorcycle ambushed the group, dismounting and opening fire on them. They then hopped back on the motorcycle and took off.
A woman who was accompanying Garcia was wounded when a bullet hit her arm.
Pastor Karen Nierles, García’s wife and the leader of the New Rebirth in Christ Church in Garital, Magdalena Department, said García had been married to her for six months. She added that his active participation had significantly contributed to the church’s growth from seven to 30 committed members. García was a former member of an illegal armed group before returning to his Christian faith, Nierles said. However, he had never disclosed receiving any threats or warnings prior to the attack.
“A few days ago, he told me that he was not afraid to teach the Bible, that he had a new life. He told me, ‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,’” Nierles said.
Pastor Yimys Peñalosa, leader of the Church of Revival and Fire for the Nations, Under His Glory denomination — which includes Pastor Nierles’ church — said that about a month before the assassination, García and Nierles heard two gunshots as they were leaving García’s workplace. They quickly returned home but did not perceive the incident as a direct threat. García’s funeral took place last Saturday in Zulia Department, where he was raised and where his mother resides.
García’s murder marks the second targeted assassination of a Protestant Christian leader in northern Colombia within two weeks. On Dec. 29, 2024, Pastor Marlon Lora, along with his wife, Yurlay Rincon, and adult daughter, Ángela, were killed when hitmen opened fire on them while they dined at a restaurant following a Sunday morning church service in Aguachica, Cesar Department.
Santiago, the pastor’s son, was immediately hospitalized and placed in critical condition. A few days later, the man succumbed to his injuries.
“CSW grieves with the family and church community of Iván García. The nature of the attack on Mr. García, like the massacre two weeks ago of Pastor Marlon Lora and his entire family, indicate that these are premeditated, targeted assassinations,” Anna Lee Stangl, director of Advocacy at CSW, said of the tragic slaying.
When it comes to persecution of the faithful, Colombia placed 34th in a ranking of the worst countries for Christians, according to a list that was put together by Open Doors International.
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