mexico letter

The ministry focus this week is Mexico.  The focus is selected by the missionary of the week appointed location. Keep in prayer Andrew and Tiffany Bucksot whose ministry focus is training nationals (Mexicans) to become missionaries in the 10/40 window.

 

Population 2010: 110,645,154

Religion: secular state with freedom of conscience and practice of religion. The 130 year break between the Mexican government and the Vatican ended with official relations being restored and many restrictions ended in 1992. Constitutional changes in 1992 also granted fairer treatment for religious minorities, but persecution of non-Catholics persists in some areas.

Answers to Prayer:

  • There is a steady growth of Evangelicals, now over 8% (over 9 million) up from 2.1% (800,000) in 1960.
  • Increasing freedom for ministry continues
  • The missions movement is beginning to blossom and play a greater role globally.

mexicoChallenges to Prayer:

  1. Mexico is a growing nation that is still discovering its own identity. Pray that Mexicans, both indigenous and Mestizo, might find their ultimate identity and destiny in the love of Christ and the purposes of God.
  2. For 300 years the Catholic church dominated Mexico. Recent times have seen it stripped of much of its privilege and power, while retaining a high degree of cultural influence. Pray for renewal to spread and deepen by the Holy Spirit’s power, and for the polluting influences of ancient gods and the spirit-world  to be broken among those with Christo-pagan beliefs and practices.
  3. Foreign missionaries’ roles have changed significantly. Their presence is still needed in facilitating Bible translations, mobilizing Mexicans for mission, children and youth work, theological education and leadership development. Pray that their ministries may assist the Church to be what God desires.

Sections of the population and peoples with few committed Christians:

  • The Rosary Belt consists of Zacatecas, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Colima, Michoacan and Queretaro. Often called the 10/40 window of the Americas by latino evangelicals. None of these states are over 2% evangelical.
  • Indian peoples are largely Catholic in name but pagan in practice
  • The wealthy elite. Pray for others to show interest in spiritual things.

Information provided by Operation World, 7th edition.