Praying for the Persecuted

I believe that prayer can change the course of events which is why I get excited every time I receive my weekly prayer update from Voice of the Marytrs USA and Canada.  If you haven't signed up to receive your email updates, you can do that at www.persecution.com .

This week we have some urgent requests that need your attention.

(Compass Direct) - MEXICO
Huichol native mobs in Jalisco state have driven Christians from their homes and threatened to burn them to death, according to news reports. Beginning August 14th, the first wave of 70 Huichol refugees from the village of Agua Fria, near Mezquitic, fled on foot across the state border into Tepic, Nayarit, beginning August 14th. The total number of refugees was expected to reach more than 300. Most arrived ill from the 20-hour walk. The refugees took only one change of clothing per person. They left behind some 250 acres of land, along with bean and corn crops, cattle, horses, burros, chickens and houses, plus personal possessions. Town leaders insisted that if the Huichol Christians wish to return to Agua Fria, they must renounce their faith and return to native traditions and rites-such as drinking liquor and using hallucinatory peyote-which are practiced alongside Roman Catholic customs.

Pray these believers will remain firm in their faith during this time. Pray they will live out the words of the writer of Hebrews, "But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them" (11:16).

Mexico is my neighbor to the south and it amazes me that this type of persecution is happening so close to me.  Please diligently pray for these Christians and Catholics to remain firm in their faith.