By Zoila Palma: A Colombian pastor has reportedly been beaten to death by members of a criminal gang in Cartagena after refusing to lend them his motorcycle.
Local reports indicate that Jesús Alberto Puerta Pérez refused the request on October 7 after learning that the gang members intended to use the motorcycle to transport illegal drugs and had previously used it in criminal activities.
Authorities have reportedly made no arrests.
Puerta Pérez was a member of La Antorcha Encendida Church, an independent Christian congregation, and worked as a motorcycle taxi operator to support his family. He and his wife, who are both missionaries, regularly shared the Gospel with homeless people and gang members in Cartagena. The couple had previously established a church in María La Baja, south of Cartagena, but relocated to the city in December last year after receiving violent threats linked to the pastor’s preaching.
The pastor leaves behind his wife and three children, ages 5, 6 and 12, as well as his wife’s elderly parents, whom the couple had been caring for.
Anna Lee Stangl, Christian Solidarity Worldwide director of advocacy, called on Colombian authorities to conduct a “thorough and transparent investigation” and ensure those responsible are held accountable. The organization also expressed condolences to the family and pledged its solidarity during their time of grief.
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