The fanatical religious leaders of the town resented the growth of the gospel. Open opposition began. Dad and Mother had both known when they began the ministry, there would be opposition as the previous missionary family quickly left in fear for their lives.
One Sunday morning during morning worship service, a group of protestors began to march around the compound with banners and shouting "Out with the Gringos", "We don't need their medicine!"
Graffiti was painted on the walls of our building.
Although it was a fairly peaceful demonstration, Dad knew if God did not intervene, He could be forced to leave the country.
 |
| The Compound |
Looking to Scripture for strength, they came upon Isaiaih 59:19 "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him"
With the wooden window shutters wide open the service continued. The singing continued with Aztec and Totonoc songs.
In spite of the hatred and threats, the town authorities did not intervene. Shortly after that a notice was delivered to Dad summoning him to the Presidencia, the local Town Hall/gov. offices to present his government credentials. Unfortunately, Dad did not have them as it was his understanding he had been given permission to be in the country and in Zapotitlan. His credentials were with his lawyer, who inconveniently had not given him a copy in order to secure permanent resident status for Dad.
Unfavorable accusations and false reports to the governor about Dad being in the country illegally and conducting illegal functions in the church Sensing the seriousness of the situation, the Lawyer advised Dad to leave the country for a month as his life had been threatened.
While dad spent a month in Laredo at the home of friends of the Pilgrim "Peregrino" Church, Mother with my brother and I traveled back to Zapotitlan from Puebla with soldiers to protect us and the mission compound.
In the meantime Dad's attorney in Mexico City went to see the Governor in Puebla who sent word to the Zapotitlan Presidencia that Dad had a right to be there. So Dad rejoined us back in Zapotitlan a month later.
So while all this drama was taking place the mayor took advantage of the situation. They wanted to build a kindergarten. To get the funds they fined those protestors responsible for the up rising. The local nuns directly responsible were jailed and fined.
I am inclined to guess that the above story was some time around late in the year 1950 or 52 perhaps. Clue #1 It was in Zapotitlan Clue #2 Both me and my brother just babies. If I find other significant clues I will add.
The years we lived in Zapotitlan were 1949-1953 and then we went on furlough, July 1953-Mar.1954.
When we returned from furlough, we relocated to Cuautempan.
No comments:
Post a Comment