A Colombian pastor was reportedly beaten to death by members of a gang he had been preaching to in Cartagena.
Jesús Alberto Puerta Pérez was killed on Oct. 7, according to the advocacy group Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), after refusing to let gang members use his motorcycle.
Puerta Pérez worked as a motorcycle taxi driver and belonged to La Antorcha Encendida Church, an independent congregation. CSW says he had at times lent the motorcycle to the men he preached to, but refused this time after being warned they planned to use it to move illegal drugs. CSW's sources believe the group wanted to link him to a crime and attacked him in anger when he said no. No arrests have been reported.
Who was he? He and his wife served as missionaries for eight years and regularly shared the Gospel with homeless people and gang members in dangerous parts of Cartagena. The family had moved there from María La Baja after threats over his preaching, and friends kept warning him to be careful.
Who survives him? His wife, their three young children, and his wife's elderly parents, for whom she is caregiver.
What is being asked? CSW's director of advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, urged Colombian authorities to carry out a "thorough and transparent investigation" and hold those responsible to account. His church mourned him on Facebook, saying only the Lord has the last word.
Please keep his widow and children in prayer. JubileeCast joins readers in asking God for comfort for the family, and for justice and peace in Cartagena.
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