Remembering Martyrs: Francisco Montoya, Colombia

Dec 8, 2022 | VoM

On 8 December 2004, Francisco Montoya, a Colombian preacher, was shot in the head by FARC guerrillas while on a trek to spread the gospel in the remote village of Novita.

Knowing the possible fate that awaited him, Francisco still asked his church to send him to minister in this dangerous region. The risk was great, but the need for people to hear the gospel was greater.

The FARC guerrillas surrounded him as he trekked through rough terrain to reach the village. The guerillas knew Francisco was a religious worker, and they marched him from town to town until they eventually reached a mountain base in another region of the country.

There, they forced Francisco to his knees, shouting false accusations and insults at him. He was killed with a bullet to the head.

Armed only with God’s love and a conviction to serve the lost, Francisco had left the safety of the city to minister in rural, guerrilla-controlled communities. Faith overcame fear as he demonstrated the greatest love of all.

To learn how you can pray for Colombian believers like Francisco, click here .