Pastor Leider Molina, 24, was shot and killed on Feb. 9 outside his church in Caucasia, Antioquia state, in northwest Colombia, where locals say violence has escalated over the last four months.

“Communist guerrillas, paramilitary groups, criminal gangs and drug cartels all see the church as an enemy to be eradicated because, thanks to the preaching and courageous action of leaders and pastors, many young people have renounced armed conflict and illegal activities,” a source said.

Franklin Graham is preparing to hold the Festival de Esperanza in the border city of Cúcuta, a common crossing point for Venezuelan refugees, April 19-20. BGEA and Colombian churches pray that the Gospel message will bring hope to this desperate region.