“God sent His children to comfort us”
“What scared me most was that they would kill us. Burn us alive, one by one.”
No one should face this fear. Especially not a child. Yet these words are spoken by 12-year-old Alicia, from Oaxaca, Mexico, as she remembers the terrifying persecution directed at her family.
When Alicia’s father refused to take part in local indigenous worship practices, it sparked fury among villagers. They cut off the family’s electricity and water, seized their land, and banned the children from going to school.
“We saw your support as an answer from God”
But, when everything seemed hopeless, you stepped in with generous acts of support.
Open Doors local partners visited Alicia’s community. Your gifts helped Alicia’s family start a small sheep-breeding project, giving them a livelihood, dignity and purpose. You also provided persecution training to 12 families, strengthening their faith.
“God sent His children to comfort us and give us strength,” says Alicia. “They gave us words of encouragement. That was what we needed.” Alicia started a diary, writing the names of people who hurt the family so she could pray for them.
Then one day, incredibly, the village leaders agreed to talk. The family’s electricity and water were reconnected. Rights were restored. Now Alicia’s family remain in the village, living as salt and light.
“We saw your support as an answer from God,” says Alicia. “God is telling me, ‘Don’t be afraid, I’m here.'”
