The Hidden Agenda

An Extraordinary True Story Behind Colombia's Peace Negotiations with the FARC

De: Russell M. Stendal

Narrado por: Mark Christensen

God is moving in the hearts of powerful leaders in all the Colombian fighting factions, and peaceful meetings are now taking place in Havana, Cuba.

Marxists guerillas, right-wing paramilitary, and the Colombian government each have their own agenda. Who would have guessed a meeting of the minds would take place under the helpful auspices of communist Cuba? And that these battle-scarred leaders would give reporters and missionaries the opportunity to challenge some of their core philosophies and even pray with them?

During the often intense negotiations, it becomes obvious that even the most hardened individuals can have a change of heart. Previously seen only as men to be feared, these powerful leaders are now turning to the only one who can provide lasting peace - the Lord. The Stendals have witnessed Army generals having daily prayer and distributing Bibles to their troops, guerrilla commanders requesting and receiving prayer for healing, paramilitary commanders asking their many victims, one by one, to forgive them, and many other powerful demonstrations of what the Lord does through those willing to love their enemies. God's agenda is winning, and we watch in awe.

©2014 The Hidden Agenda (P)2014 Russell M. Stendal

Not What It Could Have Been

This book is really a witnessing of converts to the Evangelical faith, and, in that light, it's probably a terrific read for someone about to face the challenges of missionary work. As a historical piece on the events leading to the negotiations with the FARC, the author's perceptions of his work overly influence the narrative. I think my biggest disappointment was the need the author felt to criticize other Christian denominations (I want to insert here that I am not Catholic, the most common target of his ire) and the lack of humility I found in the story was told. On several occasions, I found myself remind of the Parable about the Publican and the Pharisee.