'In the Shadow of the Cross' Spanish Training Manual

VOM Canada is pleased to be partnering with The Voice of the Martyrs Mexico in the printing and distribution of new Spanish Christian training materials. In fact, this month began the nationwide distribution of a very special book, Estando en la Sombra de la Cruz. (A total of 10,000 copies have recently been printed of the first edition.) It's designed to be used as the basis of in-country training sessions that will be presented throughout Mexico.

This simple yet condensed training manual has been based on the internationally recognized writings of VOM Canada's former CEO, the late Glenn Penner, whose foundational "theology of persecution" message was initially published in the book, In the Shadow of the Cross. The new Spanish edition of the manual includes several inspiring testimonies representing Christian persecution in the Mexican state of Chiapas, practical encouragement for those experiencing tremendous challenges because of their faith, and a call for the Mexican church to remember the persecuted brothers and sisters of their country and around the world. (More about persecution in Mexico can be reviewed here.)

In reference to the launch of the new Spanish edition, VOM Canada's VP of International Ministry and Operations, Anthony Rhodes, states: "We are privileged to be working with faithful partners like The Voice of the Martyrs Mexico in the advance of the Gospel. It is our hope and prayer that this manual will encourage and equip the Mexican church to a strong, passionate and active faith."

Thank the Lord for overseeing and blessing the work of translating, editing and printing the new Spanish training manual, "Estando en la Sombra de la Cruz." Ask Him to now grant great wisdom to the various ministry teams that will be travelling throughout Mexico to teach this highly effective ministry material. May the Lord keep them safe as they journey across the country, powerfully presenting His Word for today's church so that others will be fully trained and equipped to fulfill the call of God on their lives (Hebrews 13:14).

If you're interested in learning more about the study book, In the Shadow of the Cross, which is printed in English, please visit our online store.

  • 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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Mexico News

  • Christians Displaced Again After Negotiating Agreement
    People are walking uphill, surrounded by trees.
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

    Members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the Mexican villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo have frequently encountered opposition from community leaders for refusing to participate in festivals that go against their Christian beliefs. In March 2024, these difficulties came to a head when Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar was arbitrarily detained, along with other church leaders, for 48 hours. Eventually, 151 believers were forced to leave their homes and find refuge in the nearby city of Huejutla de los Reyes.

    Read more...

  • Displaced Christians Allowed to Return Home
    A congregation in Mexico is standing together.
    A church service in Mexico.
    Photo: VOMC

    On April 26th, 151 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church from two villages in Hidalgo State were forced from their homes because of their belief in Christianity. These believers have experienced years of tension because of their refusal to participate in local religious festivals involving their villages' ancient tribal rituals, drunkenness and debauchery. Prior to the forced displacement, hostile community members physically attacked several of the believers, turned off the power to their homes, banned their Christian children from attending school, and committed many other incidents of intimidation and harassment. (Learn more.)

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  • Christians Face Expulsion and Extensive Property Loss
    People are holding a sign at a protest. The sign when translated reads,
    Evangelicals protesting in Oaxaca.
    Photo: CSW
     

    In November 2023, community leaders of San Isidro Arenal, a town located within Oaxaca State, mandated that Roman Catholicism will be the only religion permitted in their community. Following this decision, 13 evangelical families began to experience threats and violence from those opposing them. A month later, three of the families were forcibly expelled and took refuge in the Playa Vicente Municipality of Veracruz State.

    Read more...

  • Displaced Christians Pressured to Accept Agreement
    A white church building is surrounded by trees with a hillside in the background.
    A church building in Hidalgo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)

    More than 100 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in Hidalgo State were recently forced from their homes because they refused to participate in their villages' religious festivals. The Christians took refuge in a government building in Huejutla de los Reyes, where they called upon municipal and state authorities to intervene. For more details on this situation, see this page.

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