On December 22, 1997, a tragedy occurred in Acteal village, located in Chiapas, Mexico. Long-festering ideological and political differences led to an armed confrontation resulting in the senseless killing of 45 indigenous Tzotzil Indians, 37 of whom were women and children. The manhunt for the perpetrators resulted in the arrest and imprisonment of 90 people, of which 83 were unjustly imprisoned. An Open Doors contact reports that about 60 percent of the prisoners in the Acteal case are Christian.
We have recently been updated that the prisoners are doing well in general, although many of them suffer from some sort of illness. The illnesses that are most often suffered are gastritis, diabetes, and hemorrhoids. For this reason, Open Doors has brought in medical groups to help provide the prisoners and other evangelicals with the necessary medical attention.
Fortunately, the imprisoned brothers are allowed to hold church services. Among the incarcerated are six preachers who faithfully lead the services. To supplement the encouragement and Bible instruction from these services, Open Doors provides workshops on the theme of Standing Strong Through the Storm. These workshops strengthen the brothers through biblical lessons that they are able to follow along in their own Bibles, which are printed in their native language, Tzotzil--though some of the brothers can also read Spanish. Most of the brethren have learned to read while in prison and the few who can’t are starting to learn with the help of the others.
Please Pray:
- That the believers falsely imprisoned for the murders in Acteal will be healed from their illnesses and released from prison. (Matthew 8:8)
- For the families of the men imprisoned to be able to stand strong in the face of adversity. (1 Corinthians 16:13)
An update on those Christians in Chiapas who were expelled from their homes, from Open Doors."The following people were expelled by authorities: Jose Gonzalez Gonzalez, along with his wife Francisca and their seven children; Nicolas Gonzalez Perez, his wife Ernestina and their six children; Armando Morales Dircio, his wife Catarina and their 1-year old son. Read More...We ask that you not only help us lift up these displaced families in prayer, but we also encourage you to join us in sending letters of encouragement to them. We highly encourage children to write letters, also. Writing Guidelines:- Please do not mention Open Doors in your letters.
- Print or write clearly, in simple language. (only write in English)
- Be sure to include the children’s names on the envelope.
- Do not say anything negative against other religions or the government.
- Share words of comfort and encouragement.
- Sign your name inside.
- Provide your name & country, not your full address. (in the letter)
- Don't send money with the letters.
- Be encouraging, keep the message brief, but include 1 - 2 Bible verses.
Send all letters to:Open DoorsATTN: Guerrero FamiliesPO Box 27001Santa Ana, CA 92799"
"Traditionalist Catholics" expelled 20 evangelical Christians, including 14 children, from their homes and dumped them on the edge of town. It appears that their 'crime' was refusing to pay local fees for celebrations honoring Catholic saints.Caciques, (local leaders), in sympathy with these Traditionals, told the evangelicals they would be burned if they returned to their homes."Traditional Catholics" practice a combination of Catholicism and local native religion.Read more here.
Four Young Christians Ambushed in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas, MexicoAgustin Gomez, 21, and Carlos Perez, 24, were hospitalized. Carlos sustained five gunshot wounds to the chest and was treated for internal bleeding and shock. He remains in serious condition. Agustin was also treated for gunshot wounds, but was released. Along with 15-year-old Andres Gomez Gomez and 13-year-old Santos Jiménez Perez, Agustin and Carlos were ambushed on the road while heading home from collecting water for their families, living in a village where there is no water. Read More>>Please Pray:
For these four young men—for healing, comfort, strength, perseverance, and God’s demonstration of His love for them during this time। 2 Chronicles 16:9a For local Christians in San Juan Chamula who face similar persecution and violence—that God will protect them, use their testimonies to challenge surrounding beliefs, and bring glory to Himself. John 17:20-24
Muslim Students Set Fire For the Third Time to High School Chapel in Nigeria
The Government Science Secondary School’s Chapel of Adonai was burned down three years ago by Muslim students, a time when many Christian students were also beaten to the point of hospitalization। This most recent arson attack is the second since services resumed last September, according to Compass Direct News. On both occasions, staff and students managed to put out the fires. Prior to this most recent attack, letters were dropped into the chapel mail, warning Christian students and staff members of an impending attack unless they left the school.*
Read More>>Please Pray:
For the students and staff of this school—that they will not be discouraged by the repeated attacks, but that they will see God’s sustaining hand of protection over them and their Chapel of Adonai: Psalm 55:22 That these Muslim students will be awakened to the love and compassion of God, who both preserves and blesses His children through trials of this kind, as well as offers forgiveness to those who inflict these wounds. 1 Kings 18:39
