Young Christian Killed in Chiapas

A Christian named Lorenzo Lopez (20) was killed by local tribal people in the region of San Juan Chamula, Chiapas state on June 11, according to VOMC sources. Lopez, his brother, Juan Lopez, and his cousin, Juan Diaz Mendez, were visiting the area in order to repay a debt to a local man. Not finding the man at home, they decided to leave but were surrounded by approximately thirty local people who demanded to know why they were in the area. The crowd refused to believe their explanation, suspecting them of being evangelists, and beat them. Juan Lopez and Juan Diaz Mendez were able to flee but Lorenzo was captured, tortured, stoned and hanged. Two days later his body was found buried at the attack site.

Pray for comfort for those who mourn the loss of Lorenzo. Pray that the Lord will be exalted through this tragedy and that people in Chiapas, Mexico will be drawn to Him (Philippians 1:20).

For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Mexico, and in particular Chiapas, click here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    129,875,529 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) (62), Predominantly Amerindian (21), Amerindian (7), other (10)

    Religion (%)
    Roman Catholic/Syncretism (78) Evangelical (11.2) unaffiliated (10.6)

    Leader
    President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (2024)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Mexico

    Pray that the Christians residing within these regions will exemplify the grace of God toward those who oppose them. May these believers be further strengthened and encouraged to continue faithfully sharing the Gospel and demonstrating the love of Jesus. Ask the Lord to abundantly bless and multiply their efforts, resulting in a great harvest of lasting spiritual fruit in the lives of those within their communities and beyond – impacting the nation of Mexico as a whole.

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