Photo: Wikimedia / Frankms (cc)
More than 100 members of the Great Commission Baptist Church in Hidalgo State were recently forced from their homes because they refused to participate in their villages' religious festivals. The Christians took refuge in a government building in Huejutla de los Reyes, where they called upon municipal and state authorities to intervene. For more details on this situation, see this page.
On May 15th, Pastor Rogelio Hernández Baltazar and another church leader held a press conference, outlining the efforts that have been made by the municipal government. The church is being asked to accept an agreement in which the village leaders would fine the victims 150,000 pesos (over $12,000 CAD). The proposal also seeks to ban three of the Christian families from returning to their homes, stating that those who return will be met with the same severe restrictions they had been subjected to over the years. The church leaders expressed that they do not want to accept the proposal, despite being pressured by the government to do so.
Those seeking refuge have since moved out of the municipal building to another location in the city, where they are completely dependent on humanitarian aid from local churches. The number of displaced church members has grown to include over 150 people, as individuals who had been working outside their villages at the time of the displacement were refused entry when they tried to return home.
During this time of uncertainty, may God's peace, comfort and courage rest on these displaced believers. While continuing to meet their daily needs through the provision of local churches, may the Lord also miraculously transform the hearts of the opposing village leaders so that a reasonable resolution will soon be achieved. Additionally, pray that the governing municipal and state authorities would also realize the injustice of the situation and take necessary action to prevent this vulnerable Christian community from encountering further harassment and abuse.
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