Missions To Mexico

Leafrivermac · 08-06-2005, 07:42 AM

I have never been on a mission trip to Mexico. I was wondering tho . . .those of you that have been on the mission trips to Mexico . . .what did you percieve your purpose as being?

Goose 11 · 08-06-2005, 08:31 AM

When I was a Y.M. I led a few groups to Monterrey, Mexico. We built buildings for the church to meet in, but also for the community to use as a shelter and a food bank, and clothing place. The church is the center of most of the communities there, a sad fact about Mexicois that the "Catholic" priests have made it clear to the people that any church that doesn't have a building is not really a church. So, many churches that meet in homes are not given the respect they deserve. Mexico is a socialist country, and because of that theyare very poor in any area that the goverenment doesn't own/or provide assistance for, like down in Cancun. But the people are very receptive to the gospel! And we have enjoyed much success in working and teaching them. I would go back in a heartbeat! In fact I will return next summer in June/July. If you have an opportunity GO!! If there is anything you'd like to ask about it I'll domy best to answer.
Trae

Rebel Hog · 08-06-2005, 08:48 AM

Bro.Mac, I have never been on a mission to Mexico, but our church has 4
church supported missionary families in Mexico and we have themin many
other countries also.

Leafrivermac · 08-06-2005, 08:53 AM

I was wondering, because of some of the Mexicans I have spoken to say that . .especially the youth groups that go to these poor areas often impose themselves on and show a lack of consideration for these peoples personal property. Going with the attitude that " we are doing you a service so we can wander into your dwellings and use your personal property because we have needs." Mexicans are a pretty religious people anyway, and it's true that the nation is predominatly catholic and other religions are discriminated against (which is an understatement in some areas), but building these folk a building is not going to change that .
I'm wondering if these mission trips really understand these peoples and are they really addressing their iminent needs. Often, from what I have heard of and pieced together it seems that folk are not necessarily trying to take Christ to mexico . . .which is obvious since much of the place is of a God fearing people, but are taking a denomination there.
The mindset of some of white america that I have witnessed of folk that I know is one of " Oh I'm going to go witness Jesus to these poor ignorant people and end up feeling real good about myself".

Tazman · 08-06-2005, 08:58 AM

Brother Mac and others if you wish to answer, do you feel some of this missionary work is more anti-Catholicism then bringing people to Christ?

I am not asking this to stir the pot, just curious.

Rebel Hog · 08-06-2005, 09:08 AM

Bro.Taz, I spent 1 and 1/2yrs in the Philippines and Catholicism has been there
for over 300yrs. Even the leper colonies are under the priest and nun's. When I
was there in 1960 all the churches were catholic.
No, I don't think it is a mission against Catholicism, I think it is another way to
teach what the Bible says other than Catholicism.

Tazman · 08-06-2005, 09:18 AM

Brother Hog is religion as important to a community in the Phllipines as it is in Mexico?

Leafrivermac · 08-06-2005, 09:22 AM

Taz, Probably and rightfully that is the case. Little known to much of the world there are some major persecutions going on in some areas of Mexico by the Catholics. Things such as bounties being put on Apostolics and other christians heads up to $2000.00 for the killing of the Pastors and in some cases their families in places such as Oaxaca and Chiapas. Many such horror stories are known by the Hispanic Apostolic Pastors that have ties with these areas.

Rebel Hog · 08-06-2005, 09:26 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Tazman

Brother Hog is religion as important to a community in the Phllipines as it is in Mexico?

Bro.Taz, there is no difference in thier religion.When the Spaniards conquered the
two countries, they set the standards of religion to both as in Spain.
Brother Taz,American Catholicism andCatholicism in other countries are different.

Tazman · 08-06-2005, 09:54 AM

Brother Hog that I knew, I have had numerous American Catholics say the very same thing, some feel the American Catholicism is the way and others state exactly the opposite.