I bet you didn't know

Through our connections with the seminary here in Mexico we meet tons of other people in ministry. We also have the privilge to visit them and do ministry with them! This past month we had an opportunity to meet a new family in our state that does a very unique ministry. But the ministry isn't the most unique part, it is the "where". For safety concerns I will not be sharing exactly where they work or exactly what they do due to other organized groups that also work there if you get my drift. This small town which is near several other similar small towns is like something out of a book. There is so much control and abuse that you can't even enter without them knowing who you are and what you are doing there. And the people that live there are basically slaves. But there is light, there is hope because of some very brave people. In this town the priest and the other group have the final say on everything, even selling your house or going to the doctor. Everyone knows everyone and without a connection or approval you can't do much. So, over the course of many years the people doing ministry there have had to start a business that more or less blended in with the rest and kept there heads down while building relationships good enough to just live there and not get in trouble. Over time they achieved some amazing relationships and began to do the work of the Lord. They had to use catholic bibles and catholic ideas or the people would leave. One family in particular after reading the catholic bible with them and then switching over to the true one began to understand what God did for us and live for Him. They became best friends and started doing lots of life together, it was a break through and amazing. Then one day they came to them and said we are very sorry but the priest says we can no longer be your friends becuase you read the bible and help us do it too. After that they wouldn't talk to them anymore. The priest says if you read the bible it will make you crazy, only he is allowed to read it. Can you believe this place is real!? The religion, tradition and power group run the town and this is only one example of many in our country. But yet there is hope, brave people like the ones in this town are taking steps in faith to love others as God loves us. There is so much more I could share but I just wanted to give you all a glimpse. I share this with you all so you can see a reality and pray for all those who are affected.