Colombia

Civil war has raged in Colombia for the past forty years. The conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and has left over three million people homeless.

The United Nations has described the situation in Colombia as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Despite some improvements to the security situation and a decline in the incidence of murders and kidnappings, the situation in the rural areas continues to be poor. The road to lasting peace is rocky.

The partner of FELM in Colombia is the Iglesia Evangélica Luterana de Colombia (IELCO) that has 60% of its members in Bogotá.

Recently, the Church has significantly increased its emphasis to working with internally displaced people and human rights. Through its social programmes the Church reaches 7000 people around the country.

Ministry and Congregational work

The focus areas of the Church in Colombia that FELM supports are:

• To strengthen Lutheran identity
• Church growth
• Christian education
• Financial sustainability

Poorer congregations are provided funds to pay salaries, produce education materials and train new church workers. FELM funds the theological seminary, organizes intensive courses and provides student scholarships.

Community Support and Capacity Building

FELM sponsors the education of 200 children in Colombia. Sponsorship is extended to those children who cannot afford to go to school or do not have access to education due to being internally displaced. Some of these children are given the opportunity to continue their education beyond secondary school.

A few years ago a new family support project was initiated in Bogotá that targets vulnerable and marginalized families. In the activity centre that was established families have access to tuition for children, therapy for victims of violence and abuse as well as a variety of workshops and courses.

Peace Building

FELM supports the country programme of the Lutheran World Federation that aims to rebuild the human fabric of post-conflict Colombia through its peace building and human rights efforts. A key for successful peace building is coordination between local organizations and advocacy. The programme is particularly focused in the areas of Cauca, Choco and Arauca.