Multiple expulsions of religious minorities from Tuxpan de Bolaños, located in Mexico's Jalisco State, have led to the forcible displacement of 64 men, women and children from the Huichol indigenous group on December 4th because of their religious beliefs. The outcasts were violently removed from their town of residence and taken by truck into the mountains where they were left abandoned.
According to Dr. Jorge Lee Galindo, director of the Mexican religious freedom organization Impulso 18, local authorities destroyed most of the homes, making it difficult for the families to return. Among the 64 expelled citizens were 22 evangelical Christians (7 adults and 15 children). Thankfully, the Christians were able to find shelter at the Puente de Camotlán Church in Nayarit State; and their former fellow residents, the 42 expelled Jehovah Witnesses, have been provided lodging in a municipal auditorium in Bolaños (Jalisco State).
The expulsions of religious minorities from Tuxpan de Bolaños follow the forcible displacement of 20 other Christian families (a group comprised of about 50 individuals, including children) in January 2016, after threats were made against them the month prior. A resolution adopted by the village assembly during that time mandated the expulsion of the evangelicals for refusing to convert to the community's tribal religion.
Even though the Jalisco State Human Rights Commission recommended community dialogue to resolve the issue back in December 2015, religious intolerance of other faith groups persists. Government officials have since taken no action to defend the expelled religious groups nor to command compensation for their destroyed properties. Additional information on the challenges facing evangelical believers in Mexico can be found here.
Pray for the Lord's ever-abiding presence to strengthen and encourage the many wrongfully treated families and individuals. May His protection, provision and comfort serve to remind them of His great faithfulness and the fact that He will never leave nor forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5,6). Ask Him to sovereignly guide them to a safe and welcoming community -- wherever that may be -- so they can rebuild their lives and fulfill the promising plans He has in store for them (Jeremiah 29:11). In the meantime, may they be used as vessels of His compassion and grace by ministering to one another and also to those whom they will meet along their new journey.
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