Mexico
Date Entered: 1988
Major Ministries: Pioneer church planting
Country Profile
Population: 106,682,500
According to legend, the Aztec gods led the Indians to a dry lakebed where they found an eagle with a serpent in its mouth. Out of this lakebed, more than 7000 feet above sea level, is the world’s largest city. Mexico City is growing by nearly one million people each year; 60% of the growth is due to births, the remaining 40% from migration to the city. The average age is 14.2 years with 62% of the population being under the age of 19.
This mega-city wrestles daily with millions of daily commuters and a steady stream of tourists, making it the world’s most polluted and congested city. Noise levels often exceed 100 decibels. Despite a booming tourist income, the city’s economic situation is desperate. The current debt exceeds $2.5 billion, while unemployment and underemployment run close to 60%.
While it is estimated that 98% of Mexico City is Roman Catholic, only 10% of urban Catholics attend church weekly, compared to 70% in 1959. Only a few biblically sound churches have been started in the city. Without a gospel witness, there is an overwhelming need to introduce the lost to Christ.
There are numerous scriptural examples of reaching urban centers. In the Old Testament, Jonah illustrates God’s concern for the salvation of the lost in urban centers. In the New Testament, Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. And the apostle Paul planted churches in the growing population centers of the Roman world.
ABWE, following the Biblical example, is planting growing Baptist churches in Mexico City. Our missionaries are successfully overcoming the challenges of severe government restrictions and the high cost of land to plant new churches.
Personnel needs include church planters, musicians, children’s and youth workers, and teachers to train national pastors.
An effective ministry in Mexico City depends on practical in-service training; a commitment to learning Spanish; reaching out to individuals through creative, caring evangelism; and the ability to build lasting relationships.
We are asking God to send forth laborers equipped to meet the special challenge of urban church planting in Mexico City.