The victims tend to be indigenous Mexicans, as opposed to those of Spanish descent. They are poor, uneducated, ignorant of their rights and culturally marginalized — many don’t even speak Spanish!
When indigenous Mexicans come to Christ, they come under heavy pressure from mayors and other village officials to continue to pay for village festivals that involve extremely heavy drinking, sexual immorality and sometimes even the satanic practices of the Santa Muerte movement.
The Christians, who are looking to flee the world and its evil practices, can no longer participate in or support these activities. When they refuse to pay the thousands of dollars required of them as a group, then the real trouble starts. They are threatened and their utilities are turned off. If they don’t turn away from Jesus, they are expelled and lose their homes and lands. If they refuse to leave or try to return, they are beaten and tortured. Many have even been raped or murdered...