Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)
Members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the Mexican villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo have frequently encountered opposition from hostile community leaders. About a year ago, more than a hundred church members were forced to flee their homes and villages. (Click here to read more details regarding the displacement of these believers.)
Despite efforts made by state officials to mediate in the situation, all their attempts to achieve a resolution have failed. Even though a settlement was reached in September 2024, allowing the Christian residents to return to their homes, the believers soon discovered that the opposing villagers had no intention of honouring the agreement. The unresolved matter forced the believers to flee once again.
After relocating to the neighbouring state of Veracruz, the Christian families have begun settling into their new homes. With the support of various Christian organizations, they were able to purchase building materials for the construction of 42 houses on a plot of agricultural land – naming their small community “La Paz” (meaning “Peace”). In addition to plans for establishing essential sanitation systems, a school for the children, and a church building, the new settlers are endeavouring to rebuild their livelihoods.
While these believers are working to establish their new community in a different Mexican state, similar forms of opposition continue to persist for other followers of Jesus throughout the country. In the municipality of Contepec, for instance, a group of Christian residents are being pressured to participate in local religious rituals that conflict with their values. If they don’t comply, they too risk expulsion from their community. For more reports on the challenges facing Christians in various regions of Mexico, go to our country profile.
- Please pray on behalf of the exiled members of the Great Commission Baptist Church, asking the Lord to grant them the provisions, strength and hope they need to establish their new community and rebuild their lives.
- Pray that the residents of “La Paz” (“Peace”) will indeed be filled with the Lord’s peace, and that He would greatly bless their efforts to create a safe and welcoming environment for their families.
- Remember the many other Christians throughout Mexico – including those in Contepec – who continue to experience harassment because of their faith in Christ.
- May the resilience and perseverance of these persecuted believers in Mexico demonstrate the reality of the Living Christ to all those around them – including their opponents – enabling them to serve as powerful testimonies of His love, forgiveness and grace.
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