International Day Of Prayer 2023/Mexico's Untold Story Of Christian Persecution

 

On this first Sunday in November we remember our fellow brothers and
 sisters in Christ around the world who daily face persecution for their faith.

Christian Persecution in Mexico

Image courtesy/VOM Radio

According to a recent update from Voice of the Martyrs Ministries, many Christians
around the world are unaware of the severe persecution of our brethren in Mexico,
 where those living in rural areas often face extreme opposition, not only 
from criminal gangs, but also from religious leaders, and regional politicians.

While Mexico City is one of the world's most largest and prosperous cities 
 and much of the nation is beautiful and free,  Christians in rural areas 
face daily danger from crime groups, often referred to as cartels, 
 and especially believers who openly condemn their illegal activities:
 narcotics, bribery, human trafficking, and murder. 

 Those who take a stand for godliness-which is the message stressed to 
 youth from Christian pastors, parents, and teachers- too often competes 
 with the more lucrative careers of street criminals and their highly
placed bosses.  Those standing for righteousness and truth
are paying a brutal price in many areas of Mexico,
including in communities along the U.S. border.

Another danger faced by Christians, especially in areas of
southern Mexico, comes from Marxist groups which have
obtained semi-autonomy in the region.  Many people
are surprised to learn that decades after the collapse 
 of the Soviet Union, Marxist ideology is still thriving
in many parts of Central and South America today.

Also according to VOM, another threat facing Christians 
 is the widespread misuse of law and communal violence
in order to enshrine traditional pagan beliefs
 in rural areas of Mexico.

The traditional beliefs of  Mexico center around
a blend of Roman Catholicism and paganism. VOM
reports that while the people are free to believe what
they want, pagan or otherwise, both government and
religious leaders often use the law to intimidate and
harass Christians and others with competing beliefs.

As Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:12, "For we are not
wrestling with flesh and blood, contending only with
physical opponents, but against the despotisms, against
the powers, against the master spirits who are the
rulers of this present world darkness, against
spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly sphere."

Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Mexico,
that the light and truth of the gospel message of salvation
will be a strong and effective deterrent to ingrained
pagan beliefs, and will continue to go forward and
 eventually crush Satan's stronghold in the region.

Pray that the enemy's blinders on the minds of not only the common people,
but the cartels, and political and religious leadership, will be destroyed,
and that they will surrender at the foot of the Cross and to a knowledge
 of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as their Savior.  That they will
 recognize Him alone as The Way, The Truth, and the Life.

Pray for all of our persecuted brethren around the world, that 
their lives and commitment to Christ will bring clarity and truth
 into the lives of those bound in spiritual darkness.

Pray for the salvation of Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem.

Maranatha!  Come Soon Lord!