Fast Fire Update: Mexico

City: Mexico City

Augustin Garduno

The church is growing in Mexico but so are negative factors as well. They seek signs of gospel transformation, not just numeric growth.

Since we were last together…

What has been your greatest success?

Gathering of leaders around Mexico. Working with leaders from 20 cities. More leaders are being attracted to the vision of transformation.

What is working well?

New approach to talk with the people in the community. They set up places to talk. 4 main problems: Marriage, Financial, Parenting, Stress. Using publicity they appeal to help solve each of these problems at a kiosk around the city to help with these problems. They have trained volunteers at the kiosk to provide print and other resources. 100 people per day come to the kiosks. 75% of people respond to the gospel after talking. Even though the counselors are not experts, but they listen and offer help, and the gospel. They then invite people to larger group meetings for an expert to address the issues.

This came as a result of the idea of going to listen and learn from the people, not staying in the church.

Christian organizations are joining together.

What is “stuck”?

Lack of follow-up is the main weakness.

Lack of partnership with secular organizations. Many pastors believe this is worldly or satanic. They must convince pastors that there is no moral compromise.

What has been your biggest surprise?

The involvement of authorities in one city to help churches transform the community. The authorities were impressed by how the churches and Campus Crusade provided real help to the community. The authorities asked for a 6 year plan of how they will bring help to the city.

Model:

Develop the team that includes churches, Christian organizations and key city leaders. All developing strategies: prayer homes, kiosks, families, universities, social work, city leaders, women and church planting. Special emphasis on University and city leaders. Many are suspicious of returning to liberation theology and the social gospel. Nevertheless they are working for city transformation.