We are in Chiapas, Mexico training leaders. Because of our commitment to Africa, we have not returned to Latin America in nine years. Well, here we are again, this time we are deep into the Mayan Indian culture.
This area is near the Guatemalan border with mountains, high elevation, and very poor people. Today, I was witnessing in the town plaza (we called it the town square) to two Mayan men. After sharing Christ with them, I discovered they are leaving to come to the USA this week to find work. The average laborer earns only 20 pesos a day here, which is less than $2 a day. No wonder the Rio Grande River is flooded with Mexican illegal’s. They come to America to feed their children. A Mexican worker can make ten times the daily wage in our economy. So, regardless of our feelings about immigration, poverty is real and drives people to rash, irrational behaviors.
When I am embedded into a culture like the Mayan, my heart goes out to these people. Their life is very hard. They call themselves the “indigenous” to distinguish themselves from the Mexicans. The Mayan are a proud culture, and wish to always remain “Mayan.” We have a few “indigenous” in our leader’s conference. They are different! Which reminds me once again why I am here. Whether in Africa or among the indigenous Mayans, only the indigenous can reach the indigenous. I believe world missions will never get the job done unless we equip, encourage and train the “indigenous.” We American Christians have big hearts and big wallets to try and help the poor and the lost, but the task is too big for us. We must learn to empower the indigenous Christian to reach his own culture for Christ.
Pray for me, I’m trying.
Barry
