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.
In September, a new municipal government took office, leading to negotiations between the displaced Christians and leaders of both villages. This led to an agreement in which the believers would be allowed to return to their former villages, plus have the electrical and water services reconnected to their homes. In exchange, the Christians agreed to contribute financially to the communities' funds. Furthermore, it was decided that all criminal investigations relating to these incidents would be closed. More details regarding the proposed agreement are available here.
While the displaced Christians were optimistic that they would be able to return to their homes, they quickly discovered that their village leaders were not prepared to abide by the terms of the agreement. The ostracized community members were informed that in addition to contributing towards the villages' funds, they would have to financially support the local Roman Catholic church – even though the Baptist congregants are already supporting the ministry of their own church. They are also forbidden to speak with other villagers about their evangelical beliefs.
Additionally, the village leaders placed a ban on all conversion activities, stating that the movements of those affiliated with the Baptist church would be strictly monitored to ensure they have no contact with other Christians beyond the mentioned communities. Finally, the evangelical Christians were notified that they would not be reinstated on their villages' rolls for a year, meaning they will no longer have access to healthcare, education, nor any other government benefits. When municipal and state authorities were made aware of the unjust situation, they were unwilling to take action to enforce the terms of the agreement.
Considering they are no longer welcome in their former home villages and would not be receiving any support from the authorities, the exiled Christians have been forced to move from Hidalgo State to the neighbouring state of Veracruz. There, in the village of Chalma, they were offered an opportunity to rent land that they could potentially purchase at a later time. At last report, these believers are living in tents while awaiting government aid.
Rancho Nuevo and Coamila are indigenous Nahuatl-speaking communities where religious practices frequently combine elements of Catholicism with pre-Hispanic Mayan beliefs. The resulting syncretistic religion frequently involves heavy alcohol consumption and the practice of many other non-Christian components. Evangelical Christianity is often viewed by residents of these communities as a foreign and unwelcome religion. To read more reports on the persecution of evangelical believers in Mexico, and/or view informative videotaped documentaries, go to our country profile.
Prayerfully lift up these displaced believers as they seek to rebuild their lives in a new community, asking our Heavenly Father to divinely guide, protect and provide for each of their spiritual and practical needs. Throughout the process, may they tangibly sense the Lord's peace amid all the turmoil and uncertainty, assuring them of His abiding presence and tender-loving care. In the meanwhile, ask God to speak to the hearts of the opposing villagers in Coamila and Rancho Nuevo, in hopes that they too will eventually respond to the message of the Gospel by placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
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