Day of the Christian MartyrSample

Rocio Pino, Colombia

Rocio Pino was known for sharing the gospel wherever she went. “All who come here will hear about Christ,” she had said about her life in a Colombian “red zone,” an area controlled by paramilitary forces and Marxist guerrillas like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

One day a female guerrilla fighter stopped by Rocio’s house, and Rocio shared the gospel with her. “The Lord is waiting for you,” she told the woman, handing her a New Testament. Rocio’s witness for Christ drew the attention of FARC commanders, and a few weeks later, she was shot to death on her doorstep. Since the FARC had mined the road leading to Rocio’s village, emergency services could not help her.

Knowing the risks, Rocio and her family had chosen to live and share the gospel in this dangerous area of Colombia because they took Jesus’ Great Commission seriously. Though it cost Rocio her life, her Christian witness amid violent oppression was worthy of Christ and helped advance His kingdom.

Scripture

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person — though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die — but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6–8

Prayer/Response

Thank you, Jesus, for dying for me while I was still Your enemy. May I love others like that — not because I have to, but because You are alive and working through me. Thank You for giving me relationships to steward for Your glory. May I make much of Jesus today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.