Maria Concepción began 2023 in hospital, following a cruel attack linked to her religious minority identity.

As a staff team around the world, we prayed urgently for Maria, knowing she was in intensive care and showing little improvement. Members of her Baptist church had even cleared a plot of land for her burial, as hope for her survival was dwindling.

Mercifully, Maria Concepción pulled through. Today she walks with the help of her son and a cane; her recovery is nothing short of miraculous. Yet her experience is just one example of the severe and ongoing violations of freedom of religion or belief in Rancho Nuevo, Huejutla de los Reyes, Hidalgo State.

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Sunday 1 October

Give thanks for Maria Concepción’s recovery – truly an answer to prayer. Ask God to strengthen her daily as she continues to heal, both physically and emotionally. Pray specifically for her persistent back pain to ease, and for other women who have been through similar situations and are struggling to access medical care.

Monday 2 October

Despite ample evidence of serious human rights violations in Rancho Nuevo since at least 2015, Hidalgo state officials have failed to intervene since then. Such inaction nearly cost Maria Concepción her life. Pray that there will be a change of attitude in the local authorities and that the Mexican authorities will do everything in their power to protect religious minorities and bring Maria’s attackers to justice.

Tuesday 3 October

‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ (Psalm 46:1) Pray that this would be true for Maria Concepción and others who are suffering because of their faith. This is often at the hands of their own community leaders, and many in Rancho Nuevo are close relatives.

Wednesday 4 October

Give thanks for our Latin America team, who have been supporting Maria Concepción since the attack. Pray for God to sustain their efforts in research and advocacy, and give them wisdom, so that voices like Maria Concepción’s may finally be heard by people in power.

Thursday 5 October

Mexico’s Law of Uses and Customs allows indigenous communities to govern themselves according to their traditional customs, as long as they do not infringe on fundamental rights. In practice, however, freedom of religion or belief is often violated without any consequences. Pray that this law will be properly implemented.

Friday 6 October

Pray for understanding and peaceful coexistence between the religious majority and minority groups in indigenous areas of Mexico. Pray that community leaders would understand their responsibility to uphold the rights of everyone to practise a religion or belief of their choice.

Saturday 7 October

Father God, draw close to Maria Concepción – one of many indigenous women who suffer terrible ordeals because of their religious identity. Restore them with the hope that change is possible in their communities and across Mexico. Amen.

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