Russell Stendal, a member of a missionary family that has been supported by Madison’s City Church for decades, was presented with the Shahbaz Bhatti Freedom Award by First Step Forum this week in Bogota. The award is named after Pakistan’s first Christian cabinet member, who was murdered five years ago for his criticism of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Others who have received the award include Pope Francis, Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and Dr. Hany Hanna of Egypt.
Stendal is recognized for his consistent Christian witness to members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, also known as FARC, during and after his kidnapping by FARC guerillas in 1983. His ministry, and the relationship that he established with the rebels and their leaders, helped bring an end to Colombia’s 50-year civil war, which is called the world’s longest continuous war. The peace treaty was finalized in November, 2016.
The Colombian military has also awarded Stendal a Damascus Gold Medallion, in recognition of his consistent witness to members of the Colombian military. A ministry update from Stendal’s Pan America Mission states that the Colombian army has changed its code of conduct for the post conflict period. “The new doctrine is named ‘Damascus,’ inspired by the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.”
Madison’s City Church, then known as Madison Gospel Tabernacle, began a long-term supporting relationship with the Stendal family not long after they moved from Minnesota to Colombia in 1964 to begin their ministry. Russell, his parents Chad and Patricia, and other members of the family have been regular visitors to Madison, participating in the church’s annual missions conferences.