Prayer for churches in Northern Mexico

I wrote last month about the churches of Central America, asking what ministry looks like in communities immersed so thoroughly in violence and oppression. It begs some very basic, fundamental questions. For example, what is truly good news for people in slums overrun by narco-traffickers?

I remain concerned about Central America especially, since it’s where I grew up and where I’m most familiar, but I was interested to read this letter from a pastor associated with a church planting network in the extremely violent region of Northern Mexico, who is asking North American church groups to stay away, while requesting increased prayer and support. Comparing churches in Northern Mexico with the people of God in Scripture, he writes:

The Lord called his people to incarnate their lives and way of life in Babylon to be hope in the middle of darkness. In the same way, we as the people of God are called to incarnate our ministry in the cities where the Lord is sending us to serve. We are sure that this is very difficult, but we are looking to Christ as God incarnate dwelling among his enemies, showing His love for us.

It's a weighty perspective many of us can't quite grasp. He goes on to outline a few of the ways the churches are seeking to do this, and specific ways those in less chaotic regions can be praying.

[Photo credit: Redeemer City to City]

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