A few days before we left Chiapas, we had the opportunity to visit the Tojolabal village of Saltillo. Or more accurately, the Annex of Saltillo. Almost 20 years ago, five families from Saltillo made the decision to become Christian. Because the village was very resistant to the Gospel, these families were expelled from Saltillo and forced to live elsewhere. Not only were they forced to leave their homes but also their farms and way of living.When we lived in Chiapas in the early 90's, we had the privilege of visiting these believers as they lived in various locations, including three storage buildings behind a local church. During that time, more families became Christian and were also forcibly removed from Saltillo. One believer was even shot and killed as he walked back from his field with two of his children. After several years, all of the expelled were eventually allowed to settle in the Annex of Saltillo. This meant the people were able to resume working their farmland and provide a living for their families.
Fast forward 15 years and our recent visit. The believers in the Annex are doing well. There are two churches in the village, and the original church is being expanded (see picture). The pastor was out of the village the day we were there, but we did visit with one of the original five believers and his son. Juan told us about going to a nearby village to do mason work. No one in that village was a Christian; in fact the entire village supported the Zapatista movement. But Juan began sharing the Gospel with one of the men he was working with. Little by little, the man became more interested and asked to have the pastor come along as well. O
ver time, the entire village turned away from the Zapatista beliefs and turned toward the Lord.Saltillo still does not allow Christians to live in their village. In fact, Juan told us that just a few days before, several men living in Saltillo who had recently become Christians were jailed for their beliefs. Please pray for these new Christians and their families as they face imprisonment and likely expulsion. Also please pray for the Tojolabal believers living in the Annex as they continue to witness in Saltillo and other neighboring villages. Donna
This is so interesting as I am also in the middle of reading "These Words Changed Eveything" about the Chamula conversions. I am so convicted that these believers are willing to put everything on the line for their faith - and what am I doing? Thanks for the post and also the tip about the book. I heartily recommend it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story and the reminder to pray for these fellow Christians, Donna.
ReplyDeleteDonna, your post made me go back into my memory of years ago when this original story was just breaking. What a faith these people had/have to continue to witness of their faith and endure the possibility of persecution. Makes me just want to hug this Juan and thank him for his commitment to God. Would that my faith would be as strong in that sort of environment. God is powerful and faithful and that certainly is shown in your post today.
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