| This research, which is missiological in purpose, is an ethnographic descriptive study of the ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Cali (CPCC) and the incidence of homicidal violence in their contexts. The collection and analysis of the data followed a qualitative methodology.;In order to accomplish this purpose, the researcher first assessed the quality and effectiveness of the ministry of the CPCC. Second, he considered the underlying missiological principles and contextual dynamics of this ministry. Finally, he recommended some basic missiological principles that may be applicable to similar contexts.;The findings in this study revealed that the Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Cali have become a haven for their members, as places where they experience protection, comfort, encouragement, and hope. The CPCC has grown numerically since 1970. At the same time, homicides, narco-traffic, kidnapping, and corruption have become the marks of Colombian society. Personal conversion by faith in Jesus Christ, however has resulted in observable restraint of homicidal violence.;On the basis of the study on the causes of violence, and homicidal violence in particular, in Colombia, the researcher came to the following conclusions: (1) violence starts at home and is then taken to the streets, neighborhood, city and country; (2) vengeance is one of the main causes of homicide; (3) the rate of homicidal violence is high in the country because elimination is a primary means of resolving conflicts; (4) a person who enters into a relationship with God and the church stops being a perpetrator of murders.;The conquistador and feudal mentality in the Colombian society needs to be changed. People who are in the leadership positions have a particular responsibility to become peacemakers. Well-trained evangelical Christians, with further formal education, need to take places of influence in the country. |
