New Convert to Christianity Jailed

Juan Mendez Mendez
Photo from Compass Direct

On April 7, Juan Mendez Mendez (25) became a Christian. Two days later he was jailed by local authorities in Chiapas, Mexico for choosing Christ over their religious blend of Roman Catholicism and native custom.

On Easter Sunday evening, town leaders in the Tzotzil Mayra village asked Mendez to meet with them after they noticed him missing from a local church festival. They asked him if he had accepted Christ. He said that he had. The leaders then threatened to jail him. The next day, village officials summoned Mendez again, questioned him about his conversion to Christianity and had him imprisoned. He was released at approximately 6:30 a.m. the following morning without further threats.

Pray that Juan will remain faithful to his newfound faith. Pray that he will find opportunities to share Christ with his persecutors. Pray that his commitment to Christ will be an encouragement to other believers (Philippians 1:12-14).

For more information on persecution facing Christians in Mexico, click here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    129,875,529 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) (62), Predominantly Amerindian (21), Amerindian (7), other (10)

    Religion (%)
    Roman Catholic/Syncretism (78) Evangelical (11.2) unaffiliated (10.6)

    Leader
    President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (2024)

    Government type
    Federal presidential republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system with US constitutional law influence; judicial review of legislative acts

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Mexico

    Pray that the Christians residing within these regions will exemplify the grace of God toward those who oppose them. May these believers be further strengthened and encouraged to continue faithfully sharing the Gospel and demonstrating the love of Jesus. Ask the Lord to abundantly bless and multiply their efforts, resulting in a great harvest of lasting spiritual fruit in the lives of those within their communities and beyond – impacting the nation of Mexico as a whole.

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