Mexican believers facing persecution; Prison ministry draws interest more than workers; God can help us to forgive others

Good News for Today

More than 150 Mexican believers in Hidalgo, Mexico that have been forced from their homes because of their faith are protesting a local government plan to let them return home if they pay their persecutors $9,026, CSW (formerly Christian Solidarity Worldwide) said May 16.

Under the plan offered by the city, the members of Great Commission Baptist Church would pay the collective fine (150,000 Mexican Pesos) to the very Roman Catholic community leaders who forced them from their homes and property, CSW said, and would continue to suffer religious liberty restrictions imposed under the Law of Uses and Customs.

Three families would still be banned from their homes, and the Roman Catholic community leaders would face no penalties.

The displaced families, initially sheltered in the Municipal Presidency building, have been moved to another location and are dependent on community donations and aid from local churches for food and water.

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Churchgoers are more interested than involved in prison ministry, but most say they’d be fine sharing a street or a pew with someone who has been incarcerated.

A Lifeway Research study sponsored by multiple prison ministries surveyed U.S. Protestant churchgoers’ actions and attitudes toward inmates and those who have previously been in jail, prison or a juvenile facility.

One in 4 churchgoers (25 percent) have been involved in ministry among the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated or their families, including 4 percent who say they are currently participating. Additionally, 10 percent say they have been involved in prison ministry activities or training.

When asked about specific examples of ministry, at least half of churchgoers said they had no experience in serving the incarcerated or their families. They are most active in assisting families with loved ones in prison.

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Every human being who has ever walked on this planet has been wronged by someone. As difficult as it is to be mistreated by others, it is often more difficult to forgive others for what they’ve done to us. We may even think that reconciliation circumvents justice. We can learn from Joseph’s story in Genesis 45. God is directing our lives for His purposes, even when we experience mistreatment by others.

We, too, can learn to allow God to work in and through our relationships. We can rejoice over renewed relationships. We can affirm God’s plans for others’ lives. We can extend forgiveness. Acknowledging God’s sovereignty helps us seek reconciliation with others.