Church of God Pastor Killed in Guatemala
A Guatemalan Church of God pastor was murdered a few days ago while on his way to a territorial ministers meeting, apparently by drug traffickers known as “The Zetas,” who control the area near the border with Mexico.
Neftali Leiva, father of five daughters, the youngest only two years old, was gunned down as he neared the place of the meeting, according to his territorial administrative bishop, Jose Clara Vela. The shooting was witnessed by another pastor. No one knows what motivated the attack.
World Missions has set up a relief fund to help care for the widow and children. It is identified as Project 020-0803-063.
The border territory is only about 30 miles long, but it is home to 73 Church of God congregations. Overseer Clara reports that 20 new churches have been planted in the region in the last two years. Although the church is growing stronger, it is in an area of violence caused by drug distribution and transit.
“When we travel in the area, we go with the car windows down so people will see who we are and not confuse us with their enemies,” the overseer said.
The pastor who was killed had been on leave for nearly a year because he had been severely injured when hit by a car. He and his family had been cared for by the territorial church office, and the ministers meeting marked his return to full-time ministry.
Source: Charisma News | BILL GEORGE, CHURCH OF GOD WORLD MISSIONS