On Sunday 28 July 2019, four Protestant Christians were forced to leave their homes by the authorities of the village of Cuamontax Huazalingo, Hidalgo state, Mexico. The village leaders told the victims – Gilberto Badillo, Uriel Badillo and their wives, Agustina Lara and Adelina – that the expulsion was the consequence of their refusal to sign an agreement that bans Protestant Christians from entering the village.

Today, just over three years later, religious minority communities in Mexico continue to be routinely and systematically targeted. Join us this week as we pray God’s protection, peace and love over them.

Find out more at csw.org.uk/mexico

Sunday 31 July

The Badillo families were forced to take refuge in a nearby village after the leaders of Cuamontax Huazalingo led an attack on their homes, stealing belongings and breaking doors and windows. Such forced expulsions are not uncommon in indigenous communities governed under traditional laws and customs. Please pray protection over the Badillos and all religious minority families forcibly displaced from their homes.

Monday 1 August

The forced displacement of the Badillo families followed months of threats, including the cutting off of their access to electricity and running water. Harassment like this is commonplace against religious minorities living in indigenous communities governed under traditional laws and customs. Pray that all basic services withdrawn from religious minority households would be immediately and fully restored.

Tuesday 2 August

To date, the Badillos have been unable to return home, despite complaints filed with the Regional Human Rights Office, municipal authorities, the Federal Religious Affairs Office and the office of the governor of Hidalgo. Pray that God would soften the hearts of individuals at all levels of the Mexican government to respond to these appeals.

Wednesday 3 August

In March this year we published our ‘Let her be heard’ report, on the experiences of indigenous religious minority women in Mexico. Praise God for the 27 women who shared their stories with us, and pray that each one would remain secure in the love of God that surpasses knowledge.

Thursday 4 August

Give thanks to God for all those who have already read and engaged with the report. Pray that ‘Let her be heard’ would continue to be read widely, inspiring policymakers to take concrete action to ensure the rights of these women are protected.

Friday 5 August

‘Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.’ – 2 Thessalonians 3:16a. Pray this verse over Christians of all denominations in Mexico today, that they would know the Lord’s peace at all times and in every way.

Saturday 6 August

Father God, we lift the nation of Mexico to you today. We pray for protection for the oppressed, peace for the weary, and transformation in the hearts of those who perpetrate injustice. Let your love reign in Mexico we pray. Amen.

Download a printable copy of this week’s Prayer Diary.