The longest running conflict in the Americas may now have a chance of peace. Historic progress was made recently as Colombia's president and the leader of the FARC rebel group set a six-month deadline to sign a peace deal. This civil conflict has lasted over five decades: some of the harrowing consequences are:- 220,000 dead and 5 million internally displaced. Colombia has long been held captive by violence, revenge, and corruption. Thousands die every year from drug-related crimes. Bogotá has one of the highest numbers of street children in Latin America and Colombia has one of the highest numbers of internally displaced people. Dozens of pastors and priests are killed every year. The deal between the government and FARC clears the path for a final peace deal settlement to be signed within months. Also, Prayercast reports that the Church is growing - even within the worst prisons, confirming that in the darkest of places the light shines the brightest.