Before sharing their story, Manuel and Sandra had to get away from their Colombian village.
First, they had to get permission to leave from the paramilitary commander overseeing the village. Then, they had to cross a wide river and ride a motorbike for 40 minutes to reach an area where they felt safe enough to talk. And if they returned home a minute past the curfew imposed by the paramilitary commander, they knew there would be consequences. “We would be killed,” Manuel said.
For Manual and Sandra, this is a recurring pattern. When they’re not sharing the gospel in their own village, they’re traveling to nearby villages for the same purpose. But their travels are far from routine. In order to share the hope of eternal life with their neighbors, they must occasionally face the reality of physical death along the way.
“I have gone through a lot of difficulties,” Manuel said softly. “I have seen people die in front of me. When I see them, I feel something. I feel fear that they are going to hurt me, too. We have a God who strengthens us, though. What we have to do is preach to them as well. In spite of my fear, I feel happy that I am serving the Lord.”