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Florencio and Maria Guzman have ministered in Monterrey, Mexico and other areas of Latin America for 27 years. The Guzmans are involved in evangelism, leadership development, discipleship and writing Bible training curriculum. They also have a vital ministry to the “garbage people” in Monterrey.  Here, Florencio shares his perspective on the increasing violence in Mexico and finding God in the midst of it.

In the past six years, 70,000 people have lost their lives and there are more than 27,000 missing as result of the violence in Mexico. This situation is becoming part of everyday life within a culture of destruction. The criminal organizations are destroying individuals, families and the society. No doubt the satanic purpose is in action: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10a).

Drug cartels are present in rural areas, small towns, large cities, prisons, and even in schools. The violence they generate is shown by their cruelty, vengeance, and power to intimidate their rivals. Some of their criminal activities include drug trafficking, kidnapping, human trafficking (including children), extortion, and assassinations.

The social inequality, poverty, unemployment, low wages, discrimination, forced migration, subhuman conditions of life, concentration of wealth in few hands, disintegrated families, abandoned children, and job markets closed for the youth without education are several of the factors that have led to the situation in which we now find ourselves.

There are many reasons that originate violence, but the main reason is that people have left God out of their lives. When this happens, there is a war within the people’s heart. That internal turmoil generates violence in the family and crisis in the institutions of the society. It seems that a dark cloud is covering all over Mexico.

However, thanks to our Lord Jesus and Savior, there is a lot of good news as well. There are many souls who were translated from the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). There are people who suffered the death of their loved ones, lost their homes, cars, savings, or who have been kidnapped. By the work of the Holy Spirit and faithful Christians, many of them received Christ as their Savior and Lord. They have learned to forgive and love their enemies. Violence generates violence. Forgiveness and Christ’s love generates life.

As Christ’s disciples we have to step up to incarnate His redemptive mission in the world. We know our Lord is all powerful to overcome the evil forces that are oppressing humanity.

We know we are here in Mexico by divine purpose. Therefore we see all this context of violence as an opportunity to reach out souls for Christ. God loves every human being, even those who are slave of sin and Satan. That is why Jesus came to rescue the lost (John 3:16).

Regarding the violence, one day it will be over. God’s promise will become a reality: “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will be down with the goat” (Isaiah 11:6), and “…Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)

As missionaries, God has given us this great blessing to continue reaching the unreached, sharing the Good News of Jesus to those who only know Him as a story. We know that all around the world there is violence at different levels. However, we continue to place out faith in our Father and Almighty God Who always sends His blessings and protection to us and His people.