[CBS 뉴스] [미션리포트] 도전과 가능성이 공존하는 멕시코 선교

[CBS News] [Mission Report] Missions in Mexico: Where Challenges and Possibilities Coexist Located in the southern part of the North American continent, Mexico is seeing rapid growth of evangelical churches within its traditional Catholic culture. However, access to the Gospel remains difficult in rural and indigenous regions. This is Mission Report, delivering news from the mission field. Today, Missionary Lee Ju-hyeok, who is dedicated to missions for the next generation in Mexico, brings us this report. Q1. What is the missionary situation in Mexico? The missionary situation in Mexico can be described as a somewhat unique environment where great potential for spreading the Gospel coexists with serious social challenges. Even within a traditional Catholic culture, evangelical churches are growing rapidly, and next-generation ministry, urban missions, and indigenous missions are emerging as particularly important tasks. Although Mexico is traditionally a Catholic country, religious changes are currently taking place as evangelical and Pentecostal churches grow rapidly. In particular, there is an increasing trend among the younger generation to break away from existing religions to seek new faiths, as well as the phenomenon of hereditary succession. From a missionary perspective, great possibilities and difficulties coexist. While youth ministry and media missions are active in large cities, many rural and indigenous regions still lack access to the Gospel. Furthermore, in areas with indigenous tribes and language usage, Bible translation and the training of local leaders remain critical tasks. Q2. What is the situation of local churches in Mexico? Next-generation ministry has currently established itself as a very important area in local churches in Mexico. Overall, within a social structure characterized by a high proportion of young people, the church's engagement with adolescents and young adults is emerging as a core challenge. Urban churches are actively operating youth-centered worship services, praise gatherings, and small group discipleship training, and digital ministry utilizing social media and video content is also rapidly expanding. In particular, the role of the church in helping adolescents gain emotional stability and a sense of community belonging is being emphasized. On the other hand, in rural and indigenous regions, support for next-generation ministry itself is often lacking, so educational materials and ministry support training remain critical tasks. Additionally, due to issues of poverty and family breakdown, adolescents are sometimes exposed to early labor or street environments, making the church's care function even more critical. Q3. What are the challenges for missions in Mexico? First is the issue of the social environment. Structural problems such as drug crime, wealth inequality, and family breakdown are so severe that many youth are growing up in unstable environments. Therefore, the church is required to go beyond simple religious education and fulfill the role of a safe community that protects and cares for these youth. Second, there is a shortage of educational and ministry resources. In particular, rural and indigenous regions lack educational materials for the next generation, discipleship training programs, and trained ministers; thus, continuous support and the development of local leaders remain critical tasks. Third, there is confusion regarding religious identity. As traditional Catholic culture, the growth of evangelicalism, secularization, and digital culture all exert simultaneous influence, youth are struggling to establish their values ​​and faith. Our Alegria Mission is conducting next-generation ministry to achieve the missionary task of building up Mexico's next generation with the Word of Life. We run a daily after-school program for children and serve as the headquarters of a faith community where young adults worship together and share their lives. Q4. What are your prayer requests for Mexico? First, I pray that the next generation in Mexico, living amidst a dangerous social environment, may be safely protected under the shade of God's wings. Second, I pray that local churches in Mexico may receive sufficient educational support and that ministers and local leaders be raised up to serve the next generation. Third, I pray that the next generation in Mexico, living amidst confused values ​​and secular culture, may possess a clear faith identity within the Gospel. Amidst the chaotic environment of Mexico, where Catholic tradition, the spread of evangelicalism, and digital culture exert simultaneous influence, I ask that everyone pray together that the next generation in Mexico may grow into children of the Lord who live by faith within the Word of Truth. #MissionReport #NorthAmerica #Mexico #Catholic #Mission