At least 70 evangelical Christians in Mexico's east-central region were homeless on Saturday, September 17th after being expelled by local authorities from their village where traditional Catholics reportedly threatened to ‘crucify or lynch’ them. The government of Puebla state ‘bowed’ to pressure from the traditional Catholics in San Rafael Tlanalapan village, 60 miles from Mexico City. Initially 50 Protestant families were ordered to leave the village by September 12th but some were allowed to stay on condition that they would worship outside the area. Additionally they are not allowed to get involved with traditional Catholics, who practice a mixture of indigenous and Catholic rituals. Regional government officials said, ‘there is an agreement that evangelicals not originating from the area have to go as the state government can not guarantee their safety.’
Pray: for an end to decades of small town persecution of Evangelical Christians by local authorities, and for the Holy Spirit's presence to be established across Mexico. (Is.65:1)
More: http://www.worthynews.com/10963-mexico-evangelicals-leave-village-amid-crucifixion-threats
Mexico: Drug violence traps believers in fear
01 Sep 2011Most headlines involving Mexico over the past few years have revolved around some sort of drug cartel shootings, kidnappings, or most recently, arson. Of the 40,000 deaths that have occurred since 2006 connected to Mexican drug cartels, most have been men actually caught up in some way with the cartels. But the violence has spread easily and quickly outside those circles to include many civilians, paralyzing many who live along the border with fear. ‘People have a feeling that today could be the day that they die,’ says Todd Szalkowski with E3 Partners. ‘They literally approach every day, because of the violence there, as if it could be their last day on earth. People are afraid to gather in large groups, and that affects church-going people’. He added, ‘They're seeing their pastors abducted out of the pulpit and held for ransom. Gripped by fear, even believers are too nervous to attend church’. (See also Prayer Alert 33-2011)
Pray: to the Lord while He may be found and pray that God would anoint our prayers and heal the Land. (2Chr.7:14)
Mexico: Christian war against cartels
25 May 2012Decapitation, rape, murder, mass corruption and national chaos is the fruit in Mexico of America’s illicit drug use. A Mexican offensive against drug cartels has raged since President Felipe Calderon took power in 2006 making a crackdown on drug cartels the hallmark of his six-year term, which expires later this year. However in a wide perception that the crackdown has not worked his party is losing hope for re-election. Mexico has a high percentage of Christian believers in the population and over past years hundreds of prayer vigils, walks and demonstrations have been held regarding the corruption, terror and drug wars in the land. On Sunday soldiers arrested the perpetrator of the decapitation and dismembering of 49 people dumped on a highway last week. Graffiti sprayed at the scene of the corpses showed the mark of the Zetas, who are fighting for control of the region. Their empire consists of hired killers, smugglers, kidnapers, extortionists and of people involved in then the crude oil industry.
Pray: for prayers against corruption to be answered and for God’s chosen president to lead the country out of immorality and corruption.(Is.1:23-26)
A row between Catholic Church leaders and Mexico City's mayor over gay rights has embroiled the Supreme Court. ‘Would any of you want to be adopted by a couple of lesbians or queers?’ said the Archbishop of Guadalajara at a recent news conference where he reacted to Supreme Court ruling granting equal rights to same-sex couples, including the right to adopt, was constitutional. The Cardinal’s next comments fanned the flames of the quarrel further when he alleged that Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard had bribed the Supreme Court judges to hand down a ruling that supported gay rights. Mr Ebrard is now sueing Cardinal Sandoval Iniguez for defamation. A Church spokesman urged Mexican voters to punish the mayor's party at the next election. The dispute has taken further twists and turns, drawn in other players and is closely followed by the Mexican media. At its heart is tension between the Roman Catholic Church and the secular state. Pray: that God’s truth will rid Mexico of its endemic corruption through the church’s grace filled message of truth, love and peace. (Ps.45:2) More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11119011
Mexico: Bishop pleads with drug cartels
10 Dec 2011The Bishop of Cuernavaca in Morelos has added his voice to appeals for peace between feuding drug gangs over Christmas. Poet-turned-peace activist Javier Sicilia became a full time peace campaigner after his 24-year-old son was murdered by a drug cartel in March. Now the Bishop has joined the calls for a truce saying, ‘I appeal to them as brothers and in the name of God to understand that this is not the way of goodness, that this is not the way of peace, that this is not the way of life as brothers and sisters, and as human beings.’ The number of people killed in gang-related violence since 2006 is 40,000. Mgr. Cortes said the violence was causing pain and distress to Mexicans and the perpetrators were acting ‘more through ignorance than malice. We must be messengers of peace, and hope that this Christmas will be a time of peace and love for all.’
Pray: for God in His mercy to hear the cries of thousands mourning the death of a loved one because of drugs. (2Sa.22:3)
Mexico/US: Drug cartels
24 Feb 2013For decades Mexico has been scarred by struggles among drug cartels for control over the lucrative drug trade to the US. The conflict has left 70,000 dead since 2007, paralyzed whole cities with fear and spawned a culture of corruption reaching the upper levels of the Mexican state. The rape by suspected drug gangs last week of six Spanish women vacationing in Acapulco has heightened fear and questions government control of crime. It didn't help that at the same time as the rape of the Spanish holiday makers, Mexico's minister of tourism was in Spain, attempting to promote tourism. This is Mexico's moment, was her theme.
Pray: 2013 would be Mexico’s moment for the government and police to overcome the evil vicious drug war violence. (2Sa.23:3-4 & 6-7)
Mexico gang attacks Christian youth camp
20 Jul 2012Mexican police are searching for an armed gang that attacked a Christian youth camp outside Mexico City. Prosecutors said the gang subjected the campers to an ordeal lasting several hours. Seven girls were sexually assaulted and other youths were beaten. The attackers took cash, cameras and mobile phones and escaped in two stolen vehicles. The Governor of Mexico State, Eruviel Avila, has promised to do everything possible to catch those responsible. About 90 members of the Christian youth group were camping in tents in the Colibri ecological park near the town of Ixtapaluca. The attackers burst into the camp at around midnight on Thursday firing shots into the air, the victims said. The park is in a hilly region with no mobile phone coverage so it was some time before the alarm was raised. Mexican newspapers have questioned why there was not better security at the site .STOP PRESS:Police in Mexico have arrested 17 people in connection with the attack.
Pray: for all the youngsters that their ordeal will leave no lasting effect and that the authorities will succeed in finding the perpetrators.
More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18845208
Mecca: Hajj October 13th to 15th
04 Oct 2013Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca to stand before the Kaaba praising Allah. It is a ritual designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by presenting everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah. The Hajj is designed to make Muslims feel theimportance of life here on earth and the afterlife by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth and pride. In the Hajj all are considered truly equal. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes, perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. - Christians are invited to pray throughout the Hajj for the millions of Muslims from all over the world who will flock to Mecca to perform the rituals and follow the steps of Muhammad their prophet. For a prayer guide and brief prayer video click on the more link below.
Pray: for seekers to encounter ‘The Son and the radiance of God’s glory’ and see ‘the exact representation of He who sustaining all things by his powerful word’ as they discover Gods provision for the purification of sins. (Heb. 1:3)
More: http://www.pray-ap.info/hajj