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“[Our village] held a meeting just to discuss us, the Christians. They debated whether to tear down our houses or burn them … What scared me most was that they would kill us ... burn us one by one.”
No one, especially a young girl, should have to think about such atrocities. But for 12-year-old Alicia, this is a constant and painful memory that’s never too far from her thoughts. Instead of burning down the family’s house, Alicia’s community took an unexpected approach. Her village—including friends, relatives and neighbors who once cared for them—voted to cut off her family’s access to water and electricity.
Alicia’s family lost access to basic services, endured threats of violence and had their rights (guaranteed by the Mexican constitution) trampled.
To this young girl, these acts of aggression and threats seem senseless. “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 where Alicia lives with her mom, dad and younger sister, “just worshiping Jesus” carries a heavy cost. Religion is heavily tied to cultural identity. In these indigenous communities, people say they are “Catholic”—but in reality, the belief system is very different from doctrinal Catholicism that’s practiced in the rest of the world (and even in other parts of Mexico). In these communities, Catholic traditions are blended with pre-Hispanic religious beliefs.
“They don’t even read the Bible when they gather,” explains Alicia’s mother, Flor*, who grew up in the traditional belief system. “They say they accept other religions, but only if you conform to their customs. So, there’s no real freedom.”
And while you might think these acts would cause a young girl to turn from her faith, Alicia holds tight to Jesus’ promises: “Jesus came to save us from our sins,” she says. “What I love most about Him is that He loves us deeply, no matter who we are, He wants everyone to be saved.”
Where does this deep faith come from in such a young girl? And how has it endured so much pain? Open Doors workers were able to capture Alicia’s powerful story and share it with us:
Watch Alicia’s story here
Soon after the violence began, our team heard what happened and visited Alicia’s community. Together with 11 Christian families also persecuted for their faith, Alicia’s family joined persecution preparedness training led by Open Doors. For the first time, the believers learned the term “persecution” and how to face it biblically.
“[During the training seminar], we understood that God was with us,” Flor says. “No matter how long this lasted, He would provide a way out.”
Open Doors staff continued to visit the believers, and the words of encouragement and prayer became a much-needed balm for Alicia’s family.
“We felt we were not alone—that God sent some of His children to comfort us and give us strength,” Alicia says.
As the families began to fast and pray, they witnessed a miracle. Village leaders gave them the opportunity to stay if they paid a fine. Gradually, their services were reconnected. Today, Alicia and the other Christians can follow Jesus in their community … but under strict limitations.
“We can’t build a church or speak openly about our beliefs,” she says. “If we try, they might take everything away again.”
Still, they continue to worship Jesus, gathering in homes, especially during Christmas. 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. After all, they’ve seen His goodness in action—and trust He will be with them even as they live under constant risk.
Alicia and her family pray for their community to one day know Jesus, too. “I hope God touches their hearts and changes their customs,” she says, “that they’ll allow us to follow Jesus freely.”
*Name changed for security reasons
