But the tragedies did something more. To Estela Ferrucho with RTM Colombia, they were stark evidence that Colombia has regressed to where it was some 20 years ago.

Ferrucho is the executive director for RTM Colombia, a branch of TWR in Latin America. She explains that years ago, traveling along Colombia’s highways could be deadly. Guerrilla groups set up illegal roadblocks, and travelers risked kidnapping or even murder. 

Although Colombia has changed since then, trafficking (of multiple kinds) remains a hard reality. Today, Ferrucho says, the illegal armed groups in Colombia have increasing access to technology. She says government forces aren’t able to keep up due to dwindling manpower.

“The state military forces are in retreat because these groups have equipment — drones, weapons. The population is terrified for this,” says Ferrucho, speaking through a translator. 

Ferrucho says the attacks in April have also heightened uncertainty ahead of the May 2026 presidential elections. She says many Colombians live in a state of uncertainty, worry, anxiety, and mistrust — mistrust of everything and everyone.

Into this sobering context, RTM Colombia’s team broadcasts Bible-based content. Ferrucho says Thru the Bible is their flagship program. “This is more for Christians, because people study the Bible deeply,” she says.

But RTM Colombia also speaks to the broader experiences of Colombians. Another program called Claro y Contundente (Clear and Concise) shares the insights of a Christian psychologist. “She presents the dilemma and the reality with how people can face that, applying the word of God and the value of the Word of God,” says Ferrucho. 

The team is also preparing content that offers hope and help to those imprisoned in Colombia and their families. 

Please pray

As security concerns continue in Colombia, Ferrucho says the next generation has received distorted messages about how to live.

(Photo courtesy of TWR)

“The situation is that we have youth in rebellions, youth that don’t want to work, youth that are dishonest, and youth that do not respect anyone,” says Ferrucho. 

Pray for transformation. Ask God to raise up godly young people in Colombia. Pray also for their protection from recruitment by guerrilla groups. 

Read more about RTM Colombia’s story here. 

Header photo courtesy of Alejandro Ortiz via Unsplash.