'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 Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (2018)

    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

  • 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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  • Over 100 Christians Forced from Their Homes
    A white church building is surrounded by trees with a hillside in the background.
    A church building in Hidalgo.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)

    For several years, community leaders in the villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo, which are both located within the state of Hidalgo, have been inciting trouble for members of the Great Commission Baptist Church – pressuring them to participate in festivals that go against their beliefs. In December 2022, one of the non-compliant members was admitted to hospital after being tied to a tree and beaten. Additionally, since 2018, the children of church members in these villages have been banned from attending school.

    Read more...

  • Christian Woman Severely Beaten
    Green fields with hills in the background.
    A rural area in Hidalgo, Mexico.
    Photo: Flickr / David Cabrera (cc) 

    Since 2015, members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in the community of Rancho Nuevo, Hidalgo State, have been prohibited from accessing their land to cultivate crops. On December 21st, Maria Concepcion Hernández-Hernández was physically assaulted for merely viewing her plot of land after being asked by a neighbour to remove two trees from the property. When local leaders were informed that the Christian woman had gone to her land, she was ambushed and brutally beaten.

    Read more...

  • Christians Penalized for Not Participating in Festival
    A group of men praying, arms wrapped around each other
    Photo: VOMC

    For the fourth consecutive year, Christians from the Alpha and Omega Presbyterian Church in Nueva las Tacitas, Chiapas State, are being forced to participate in a religious festival or face fines from village leaders. Every year, the people of the area celebrate the Santa Cruz Festival on May 3rd. This festival is part of syncretistic religious beliefs, involving a combination of Roman Catholicism and traditional tribal religions.

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