The Mennonite Brethren conference in Colombia has called on the global Anabaptist family to support them in prayer after the La Samaritana MB congregation in La Toma gave shelter in May to about 300 people fleeing violence between illegal groups and the army.

The Mennonite Brethren Churches of Colombia council of elders made the request in a pastoral letter from Mennonite World Conference President Henk Stenvers.

People who abandoned their farms and animals after being caught in the crossfire were welcomed at the church building with food, mattresses and messages of encouragement.

“We ask for your prayerful support for the end of this armed conflict, that the families may return to their homes in peace and security and for God’s blessing on the congregation in La Toma, which is manifesting God’s mercy to those who need it so much,” wrote the church leaders about violence affecting northern Cauca, a region near the Pacific coast in southwestern Colombia. “We also thank God for the prompt response of the Mennonite Central Committee in sending support to help with the maintenance of the people in refuge in La Toma.”

Stenvers encouraged prayer that families living in fear may be able to return safely to their land.

“Pray for the peace processes that continue to struggle to take root in all corners of Colombian society,” he wrote. “Pray for the people of La Samaritana. May they receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, so they can act with courage and love.”