20-30 Church leaders are assassinated each year in Columbia. The most recent murder was of pastor Henry Rodriguez, 44, who was shot dead as he left United Pentecostal Church in Bogota’s afternoon service on September 16th .The reasons behind the murder are unknown but it was carried out by what appeared to be professional hit men using a moped, a method commonly used in professional hits in Colombia. While the assassination of a pastor is extremely unusual in Bogota, countrywide church leaders are frequently targeted by illegal armed groups. The Colombian Council of Evangelical Churches Peace said leaders are targeted because of their refusal to cooperate or support the objectives of the illegal armed groups; however, the reasons behind the murder of Pastor Rodriguez are unclear, as he had not reported receiving any threats prior to Sunday. Rodriguez, who was on course to graduate from seminary in October, is survived by his wife and three children. CSW is calling for a full investigation.

Pray: that the Colombian authorities would carry out a full investigation into this and similar assassinations and for those responsible to be brought to justice. (Ps.45:3-5)

More: http://blog.godreports.com/2012/09/pastor-shot-dead-in-colombia-where-20-30-are-assassinated-each-year/#more-2209