Hostile
Mexico
Specific areas within Mexico have a high concentration of indigenous minority groups. These minority communities, which maintain a separate identity and language, are systematically oppressed by local authorities. Christians among them are persecuted by Marxist and animist groups as well as village leaders. Tribal leaders persecute Christians in defense of their indigenous culture in several rural areas, and the federal government allows this. These communities are remotely located and difficult to reach. Despite persecution, the number of Christians has continued to grow in these areas.
Major Religion
Many people in rural Mexico practice a syncretistic blend of pagan practices and Roman Catholicism. There is a strong Marxist (atheistic communist) movement in some southern areas, especially in the state of Chiapas.
Persecutor
Syncretistic pagan leaders and armed Marxist rebels as well as local authorities and other groups persecute Christians in central and southern Mexico.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN MEXICO
Christian converts are rejected by their community and are often forced from their homes and villages in some rural areas. Large groups of Christians have at times been driven from their homes in the south. Converts and faithful witnesses for Christ lose their jobs, inheritances and land. Those who remain in their communities are marginalized, partly because they will not participate in pagan celebrations that feature drunkenness and debauchery.
Access to Bibles
There is little access to Bibles in these isolated communities, and few are available in the indigenous languages. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM distributes Bibles in both Spanish and indigenous languages, provides support for those driven from their homes and communities, and responds to persecution incidents. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Mexico
- Gabriela has been repeatedly attacked because of her faith in Christ. Pray for her as she continues to share the gospel.
- Pray for the work being done among rancherias in central Mexico, where drug cartels oppose Christian work.
- Pray for provision and encouragement for Feliciana, whose husband was killed in 2014 for his bold witness to Christ.
- Using Acts 14:22 as a guide, pray for strength and perseverance for Christians driven from their homes.
- Ask the Lord to protect house churches that experience attacks from occultists and others opposed to the gospel message.
