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.
Believers in Santa Rita, Chiapas state, Mexico, have suffered increased persecution in recent months from caciques—powerful local leaders who are traditionalist Catholics—who oppose their Christian faith. On September 15, caciques invaded the properties of 10 Christian families. They took over the farming plots in their backyards, denying the families access to their primary food source.
The caciques also forbade residents of Santa Rita to buy food from markets owned by Christians… or to hire Christian men to work as laborers or construction workers in the countryside. The latest attacks have been a harsh blow for the Christian families who are already struggling financially. Most of the families are from Jesus is the Way church, affiliated with Assemblies of God. They have endured many years of persecution for their refusal to participate in pagan rituals. This persecution has included being denied access to drinking water and electricity. Despite continuing harassment, believers in Santa Rita remain firm in their faith, and people in the village are slowly being influenced by their example. Several traditionalist Catholics have commented, “How do they have so much strength to resist persecution? We want to be like them.” Open Doors provides encouragement and support for believers who suffer for their faith in Chiapas. Please continue to pray for the church in Chiapas, and particularly for the believers in Santa Rita at this difficult time.
