Pray for: Mexico

Pray into and against the massive drug trade and gang violence that accompanies it. Drug trafficking is big business in Mexico – thanks to both the USA’s insatiable habit (and to a lesser degree, Europe’s) and Mexico’s own growing troubles. This illicit trade fuels and enables other structures of sin – the cartels have expanded their activities to human trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, and even avocados and limes.

• The 500,000-plus addicts, whose number has grown rapidly due to increasing availability of cheap drugs. Mexico is poorly positioned to cope with the number of addicts in terms of prevention, treatment and ministry to those afflicted.
• The wealthy, powerful cartels that control it are ruthless. Most of their violence is directed toward each other, but police, armed forces, journalists and helpless citizens also die at their hands. Pray for a way to reach out to the cartel leaders and members.
• The government and police face great difficulties in combating the drug trade and those who run it. Informers and corruption undermine the effort, and fear of the heavily armed gangs prevents decisive action. Pray for courage and wisdom in dealing with these great challenges.

The Catholic Church dominated the country for 300 years, and now is very diverse. Most Mexicans are culturally Catholic but only 10% regularly attend church. Christ-centred renewal grew within the Catholic Church, and the Alpha course draws Catholics to Christ. Many Mexicans blend the gods and goddesses of Amerindian spiritism into a folk version of Catholicism. Pray for the Holy Spirit to break the influence of these ancient gods and the spirit world. Pray for renewal to spread through the Mexican Catholic Church.

Evangelicals numbered 800,000 in 1960. They now number over 14 million, and the movement still grows! The Catholic Church oppressed ministry work in the past, but the government now gives freedom at local, state, and national levels. Both international denominations and indigenous movements grow well. The Evangelical Fraternity of Mexico (CONEMEX) works for unity and for good relations with the government. A Pentecostal fellowship also brings together the millions of Pentecostals. Large events such as the March for Jesus/March of Glory and prayer movements draw believers together. Geographical distance and broken relationships divide many families, and many are first-generation believers who need help to grow in their commitment and faith. Pray for godly church leaders, and for more pastors willing to work among the poor in rural or slum areas. City jobs and bigger churches attract many new pastors.