Kolbars are Kurds who live mostly along the Iranian border with Iraq. For generations, they have carried items over high mountain passes between the two nations. Their name means “those who carry loads on their back.” It is extremely dangerous work — every year, kolbars are killed by freezing temperatures, from falling off precipitous heights or after being shot by Iranian border guards. Desperation and a lack of job opportunities drive many Iranian Kurds into the life-threatening career: “They are a neglected people group,” said a front-line worker. He described how gospel workers in Iraq have been ministering to kolbars and have seen some come to know Christ as their Lord, only to be murdered by family members or imprisoned by border guards. “One woman was arrested and was ministering to other prisoners in Iran. But we haven’t heard from her in a long time and don’t know how she is doing,” the front-line worker said.
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Javier and Katherine lead a church in Buenaventura, considered to be the most dangerous city in Colombia. The couple ministers by caring for the needs of the community, which has drawn negative attention from the guerrillas who control the area. Through Javier and Katherine’s ministry, many have placed their faith in Christ and lives have been transformed, which has brought further opposition. Their lives have been threatened, and they have been forced to move several times, but they remain committed to sharing the hope of Christ. Earlier this year, Katherine was held at gunpoint by her brother-in-law, a guerrilla commander, while Javier was trapped, unable to help her. Though her brother-in-law was initially arrested, officials released him. He has threatened Katherine again, and she and her children have not been able to leave their house since his release. She and the children have also suffered significant chronic health issues.
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While Ethiopia is a majority-Christian nation, Islam is a growing force. Muslims now compose nearly 40 percent of the population, and Islamic extremists actively persecute Christians, sometimes violently, especially in areas close to the Somali and Sudanese borders. Sometimes the extremists destroy churches, and they recently set fire to one in Homosha, located in the far western part of the country near the border with Sudan. “Now the Christians in that area don’t have a place to meet for worship,” said a front-line worker. Numerous churches have been destroyed in that area, but the worker reported that VOM has helped rebuild many of those churches. He requested prayer for the congregations who have suffered in that region: “Please pray for the Christians to stand firm and preach the gospel.”
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