The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18
Manuel Amador (1995)
Shot Dead
“When I heard the shots, my heart dropped to the floor. I could hear people screaming, and there was chaos and confusion. Against the counsel of my neighbours, I ran to see what had happened. I found my husband lying on the floor in a pool of blood. I picked him up, hoping he had some last words for me; but it was too late… he was gone.”
This is how Manuel’s wife recalled the dreadful night that her husband, a pastor in Uraba, Colombia, was shot dead. The Association of International Christian Ministers had called a meeting on 3 July 1995, with Manuel as one of the leaders, to discuss the massacres that were happening in the Uraba area. Many people had left Uraba, fearing for their safety, but Manuel and others decided to stay. A second meeting was planned for 13 July after which they intended to send an SOS to the church worldwide, revealing the violence in Uraba. Manuel was shot the night before the second meeting. He had been a pastor for only four years, and was well-known and well-loved in the area.
In the storm the tree strikes deeper roots in the soil; in the hurricane the inhabitants of the house abide within, and rejoice in its shelter. So by suffering the Father would lead us to enter more deeply into the love of Christ.
Andrew Murray (1828-1917)