“I am a doctor, from Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, working in private practice," Mauricio Escobar explains. "But I am also a missionary serving indigenous communities in a ‘red’ zone in Nariño, Colombia.” He adds with a smile, “I am bi-vocational.”
Colombian “Red Zones” are primarily regions along the Venezuelan and Ecuadoran borders. They are very dangerous “Do Not Travel” areas because of drug-related crimes, terrorism, kidnappings, and civil unrest. Imagine serving there…
“I came here because of God’s leading,” Mauricio explains. “This is a place full of coca, promiscuity, prostitution, and everything you can imagine you would find in an area where there is no authority. The majority are working in illicit farming and most churches here are spiritually empty.”
“In my practice as a doctor, I dedicate myself to healing one’s soul with the Word of God and to healing one’s body, as I am able. I love to study God’s Word and have earned diplomas in theology, family counseling, transcultural and world missions.”
“I am very grateful to God for LOGOI and have a lot of your Bible resources. Currently, I have started a study of Basic Theology which I am also teaching to a small group of young believers. It is a joy to help them mature, grow and faithfully serve the Lord. We are known as the Christian Reformed Bible Church, The Door of Faith.”
With much emotion Mauricio recounts that it has been 40 years since he was “rescued by our beloved and merciful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” he continues. “I have a long story full of struggles, sadness, and deceptions, but thanks be to God, I have far more happiness, joy, triumphs and great blessings from our loving Father.”
Mauricio has three prayer requests. First, that the Lord would eradicate cocaine from his region. Second, that the Lord will raise up his congregation to be a light for the Gospel to the world around them. Third, that the Lord will be glorified in and through their lives every day He gives them breath.
It is an honor and privilege to serve, help, and encourage Mauricio and his precious family. Few—if any—of us would be willing or could even serve in such a dangerous place. But God has raised up another “Dr. Luke.” Would you please take a moment right now and pray for Mauricio, his wife Tatiana, and their daughter, Valentina.
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