Dear Friends,

This is another serious call for prayer for Colombia. We have asked for your prayers for the country twice in  the past two years and we believe they have contributed to peace during this time.

For the past month conditions along the Colombia/Venezuela border have become tenser. Chavez has closed the border to commerce, affecting thousands along both sides of the border. Valle del Cauca and its capitol, Cali have been hurt as a large percent of the exports produced here were exportexd to Venezuela.

Recently, nine Colombians were killed in venezuela and Chavez immediately accused Colombian paramilitarys for the massacre. Two Venezuelan guards were killed near the Colombian border and Chavez blamed these deaths on Colombians also. Colombia is asking for an investigation by proper authorities and offered to help with the investigation. So far no answer.

Chavez sent 15,000 more troops to the border for security reasons.

Today, Chavez went on television and asked the army and country to prepare for war against Colombia in case of any agression from our side of the border. This is the first time that Chavez has publicly used the word "war" in any of his inflamatory discourses. Colombia answered tonight in diplomatic terms that we hope to settle this conflict during dialogues between both countries.

No one can predict from one day to another what may happen, but there is more concern on both sides about what  could happen to bring about tragic results that neither Colombians nor Venezuelans want. President Lula from Brazil hopes to mediate between Pres. Chavez and Pres. Uribe (Colombia) in a meeting of South American heads of states later in November. 

Please pray for the two countries, their presidents and their advisors. Also please pray for State Department advisors as a new treaty allowing U.S. military to use Colombian airports is the excuse Chavez uses for the tension  and possible conflict. Pray for all peace makers involved. 

Thank you and may the Lord bless you,

Boyce and Beth