Christian Persecution in Nachig, Chiapas
Back in 2005, the Lord led us to a Tzotzil Indian community and to a very special family. At that time we didn't speak Spanish and they didn't speak much Spanish either, but God crossed our paths for a higher purpose. When we met Mr. Sanchez and told him how we wanted to help their community with water, he eagerly took us back to meet his wife and grown children. For some strange reason he trusted us when everyone else in his community was closed off and suspicious. They had a great need for water but what we didn't know at the time was how much greater their spiritual need was.
We made plans to come back at a later time and show the "Jesus" movie. After having a few setbacks, the enemy tried to cancel our plans but the Lord was in control, we finally came to their home one cold evening and around 30 of their family members huddle up to watch the movie. We'll never forget that night...you could hear someone translating the movie into their native tongue for the grandmother, while the kids sat with their eyes glued to the screen, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. After the movie, Gabe spoke while Gris translated. When he asked that simple question, "Would anyone like to receive Christ as their savior?", one man and one women said "Yes". Then Gabe asked, "Is there anyone else?", and the couple answered, "No, you don't understand, we all do." That night, their journey began. That journey, that we all go through, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and our lives with never be the same.
We've seen how the Lord has lead them and taught them even when they didn't have those ingredients that most Christians think are necessary for growth; like a church or a pastor. Their pastor was and is Jesus Christ himself. Unfortunately, they live in a place and culture where ignorance and fear rule. As the number of Christians in the area began to grow over the years, their neighbors grew in their hatred toward them and their "religion". At the end of 2009 and throughout 2010, life for our dear friends became very difficult. It started with people cutting off the electricity and water source from the houses of the Christians and escalated to the burning of Christians houses, cars and even setting one man on fire. It affects their everyday life with their businesses and simple tasks like going to the store.
When we saw the Sanchez family in October, they met us with tears in their eyes. They've gone through a lot. Mr. Sanchez and his wife are still having to live in another town because they are not safe in their home due to him speaking out publicly against the violence towards Christians.
The "beauty from ashes" side of the story is that today some of the same people who were involved in the mass burnings have now become followers of Christ! Also, some of the same former enemies have contributed to the building of a temple there in Nachig. It is the most beautiful little concrete building, that ironically sits in the middle of town on top of a little hill where it can be seen by everyone. It's a shell right now; no windows, doors, sturdy benches, etc. When we asked them their greatest need for the temple, they replied "a sound system with a keyboard". They want to be able to praise the Lord and let it be heard all around. We told them that we would share their story with you all and ask if there were any fellow Christians who would like to help them purchase this equipment. They only need $3,000 to buy what they need.
We wanted to share this need with you. For those of you who have supported us, you have in turn helped us be a support to them. If God is leading you to help these brothers and sisters in Christ, you can send it to us at: 210 Holmes, Lumberton, TX 77657 We will be seeing them again in March or April. We plan to show the "Jesus" movie again; this time in Tzotzil and in the temple.
I've included a link to a video that someone produced documenting the persecution of the Christians in Nachig. The words are in Spanish and at the end the man who is speaking to the reporters is Mr. Sanchez. I hope you'll take the time to watch it.
We made plans to come back at a later time and show the "Jesus" movie. After having a few setbacks, the enemy tried to cancel our plans but the Lord was in control, we finally came to their home one cold evening and around 30 of their family members huddle up to watch the movie. We'll never forget that night...you could hear someone translating the movie into their native tongue for the grandmother, while the kids sat with their eyes glued to the screen, and the presence of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. After the movie, Gabe spoke while Gris translated. When he asked that simple question, "Would anyone like to receive Christ as their savior?", one man and one women said "Yes". Then Gabe asked, "Is there anyone else?", and the couple answered, "No, you don't understand, we all do." That night, their journey began. That journey, that we all go through, when we surrender our lives to Jesus Christ and our lives with never be the same.
We've seen how the Lord has lead them and taught them even when they didn't have those ingredients that most Christians think are necessary for growth; like a church or a pastor. Their pastor was and is Jesus Christ himself. Unfortunately, they live in a place and culture where ignorance and fear rule. As the number of Christians in the area began to grow over the years, their neighbors grew in their hatred toward them and their "religion". At the end of 2009 and throughout 2010, life for our dear friends became very difficult. It started with people cutting off the electricity and water source from the houses of the Christians and escalated to the burning of Christians houses, cars and even setting one man on fire. It affects their everyday life with their businesses and simple tasks like going to the store.
When we saw the Sanchez family in October, they met us with tears in their eyes. They've gone through a lot. Mr. Sanchez and his wife are still having to live in another town because they are not safe in their home due to him speaking out publicly against the violence towards Christians.
The "beauty from ashes" side of the story is that today some of the same people who were involved in the mass burnings have now become followers of Christ! Also, some of the same former enemies have contributed to the building of a temple there in Nachig. It is the most beautiful little concrete building, that ironically sits in the middle of town on top of a little hill where it can be seen by everyone. It's a shell right now; no windows, doors, sturdy benches, etc. When we asked them their greatest need for the temple, they replied "a sound system with a keyboard". They want to be able to praise the Lord and let it be heard all around. We told them that we would share their story with you all and ask if there were any fellow Christians who would like to help them purchase this equipment. They only need $3,000 to buy what they need.
We wanted to share this need with you. For those of you who have supported us, you have in turn helped us be a support to them. If God is leading you to help these brothers and sisters in Christ, you can send it to us at: 210 Holmes, Lumberton, TX 77657 We will be seeing them again in March or April. We plan to show the "Jesus" movie again; this time in Tzotzil and in the temple.
I've included a link to a video that someone produced documenting the persecution of the Christians in Nachig. The words are in Spanish and at the end the man who is speaking to the reporters is Mr. Sanchez. I hope you'll take the time to watch it.
La Inquisición de Nachig (Chiapas, México) from Protestante Digital on Vimeo.
God is able and He will do more than what we can ask or think of. Thank you for your faithfulness to bring water and the gospel to those who are thirsty.
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