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Alicia* is only 12 years old, but she has already faced heavy persecution for her faith in Jesus. "We're not bad people, and we don't hurt anyone," she says. "We just worship Jesus."
But in this remote corner of Oaxaca, Mexico, "just worshiping Jesus" carries a heavy cost. For their faith, Alicia's family has lost access to basic services, endured threats of violence, and had their rights—guaranteed by the Mexican constitution—trampled.
"When we're together, we sing songs to Jesus. It helps us not to be afraid."
Alicia*, young Mexican believer
It may be surprising to hear about Christians being persecuted in Mexico. After all, more than 95% of Mexicans are Christians, according to the World Christian Database.
But in parts of rural Mexico, like where Alicia and her family live, ancestral rituals are celebrated more than the official teachings of Roman Catholicism, which are blended into the local beliefs only on a superficial level. So when families like Alicia's become evangelical Christians, converting from a syncretic mix of Catholicism and indigenous religion, they're seen as turning their back on their community's culture.
That means persecution—and the attacks are sanctioned by local authorities through a legal system called "Uses and Customs," which grants indigenous communities the right to self-governance based on their traditional practices.
While it's meant to preserve indigenous culture, it often leads to serious abuses. Indigenous Christians in Mexico face severe persecution under this system. Believers who refuse to participate in syncretistic religious practices can have utilities cut off, property confiscated, and children denied education. They may face imprisonment, forced labor, expulsion, or physical violence.
For 70 years, Open Doors has strengthened Christians in the world's most dangerous and restricted countries—places where other organizations cannot operate. Through decades of building trust and providing long-term, holistic support, we work with Christians facing persecution in over 70 countries, including Mexico.
When Alicia's family became believers in Jesus, they began to be watched—and threatened—by the local authorities.
"They told us we would be killed," Alicia remembers. "But Jesus said to fear not."
Because they refused to participate in traditional rituals—and because they openly worshiped Jesus—local authorities cut off their water and blocked the family from accessing healthcare. Alicia's grandma got sick, and they weren't allowed to take her to the village clinic.
"We went on our knees and prayed," says Alicia. "Jesus is the one who heals, not the doctors."
Her grandmother did recover, but that didn't soften the community's hostility toward the family. When local authorities found out they were gathering with other believers, they made it clear that Alicia's family was no longer welcome in the village.
So they left—forced out of the only home Alicia had ever known. The family moved to another village, one where they hoped they could worship freely. But the persecution has continued there, too.
"They put my dad in jail," says Alicia. "They don't let us do anything. They won't let us build a church."
Despite the danger, Alicia and her family refuse to give up their faith in Jesus. And they're not alone. Open Doors strengthens persecuted Christian communities in Mexico through security and sustainability training for church leaders, biblical persecution response training, basic theology training, legal representation before authorities, vocational training, and trauma care through therapeutic and biblical support.
Over 380 million Christians globally are persecuted for their faith, making Christianity the most persecuted religion on the planet. Yet God is working powerfully even in the most restricted countries, transforming lives and building the church where it seems impossible.
Alicia's family has received persecution preparedness training and economic empowerment support through Open Doors partners in the region. They've learned how to respond biblically to persecution, how to protect themselves and their children, and how to generate income even when the community tries to exclude them economically.
"Before, we were a little afraid," Alicia admits. "But now we have more courage. We know that God is with us."
These days, Alicia finds strength in singing worship songs.
"I like to sing," she says. "When we're together, we sing songs to Jesus. It helps us not to be afraid."
Alicia's favorite song is about trusting God, even when life is hard. She sings it often—when she's helping her mom with chores, when she's walking to school, and especially when she's scared.
Her family can't afford presents for Christmas. But this Christmas, they'll still gather together to worship Jesus, to sing songs, and to thank God for keeping them safe. Their celebration may be simple, but their hearts are full. Their Christmas is about thanking God for what He has done and trusting in what He will do.
"If someone is sad, we sing to remind them that God is with us," she says with hope. No matter what, Alicia and the other Christians in this community will keep singing, hopeful in Christ's promises.
Christ is on the move. God is working powerfully in the most restricted countries, transforming lives and building the church even where it seems impossible. Throughout its history, Christianity has spread like wildfire in the face of the most intense persecution—and today is no different.
*Name changed for security reasons.
