Religious leaders from several denominations in Colombia take part in one of Bogota’s 482-year history celebration and took time to honor all the lives lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Simón Bolivar Park, on Aug. 6, 2020. [Photo: Facebook]
August 28, 2020 | Bogota, Colombia | Laura Acosta and IAD News Staff

Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colombia recently took part in a celebration of the 482nd birthday of the city of Bogotá, which doubled as a ceremony to honor those who have died from the Coronavirus pandemic. The event took place on August 6, at Simón Bolivar Park in Bogotá.

“We wanted to begin this commemoration of the 482 years of our city by uniting in offering condolences and remembering the history we have built together since our city was founded,” said Claudia López, mayor of Bogotá. The mayor also invited leaders from other denominations to the event.

With tears in her eyes, the mayor encouraged citizens to have hope and continue to follow safety guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of infections. Bogotá is home to 7.4 million people.

Mayor of Bogotá Claudia López speaks during a special commemoration on Aug. 6, via national television and Facebook live session. [Photo: Facebook]
The Health Ministry in Colombia reports that there are currently more than 345,700 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the country and 11,624 deaths. Bogotá has nearly one-third of the cases in the country.

“There are more than 48,000 Seventh-day Adventists who live in Bogotá and we are happy to join you in the celebration of the 482 years and offer the following prayer to the Protector and Creator God, the protector God of this city,” said Pastor Henry Beltrán public affairs and religious liberty director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Colombia.

“Be of good courage and strength,” he continued. “Let’s trust in the Lord for He watches over us.”

Church leaders have reported 30 deaths among its members in South Colombia, with 70 members who have tested positive with the coronavirus.

Pastor Henry Beltrán, public affairs and religious liberty director for the church in South Colombia, shares words of hope and reads reads Psalm 121 during the session. [Photo: Facebook]
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Colombia has provided humanitarian assistance through its Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Colombia, to needy families, Venezuelan immigrants, and the most vulnerable persons during the pandemic crisis.

To learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Colombia, visit unioncolombianadelsur.org