Justino and Zaida Perez-Ojeda – Mexico

For the first time in more than 100 years, the Ladies Society of the Fraternity of Evangelical Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) of Mexico (CICE) has decided to celebrate their 2007 annual assembly in the Sierra Huasteca, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.  After meeting with their president, Lic. Noemí Bravo, we are sure that this is a very meaningful and challenging decision for all of them.

The Sierra Huasteca is in the middle of the country.  In the Sierra there are two Disciples of Christ churches.  The Sierra is a natural exotic place with many multicultural differences.  Among these differences there are very strong indigenous culture and traditions and the presence of other “civilizations” of the country that represent different social, economical, political, and religious models.

This event is very transcendental because it means the recognition of the indigenous women in the society and the importance of the work they are doing for their families and community.  It is also significant that the pastor’s wife, Esther Flores, is the one in charge of coordinating the leadership and the work they’re doing.  Esther has a peaceful personality that surprises with her determined style and intelligence. The Disciples of Christ women will have the opportunity to listen to her testimony as a community leader, her Christian commitment, as well as the commitment to her family.  She has a great understanding of justice in society. 

Getting to the Sierra from very distant places is not the only challenge.  They also have to manage to live together for four days in different sub-optimal conditions. They have to coordinate and get food and deal with language differences.  Also, they must organize church services and other activities in a place that is far away from the city.

We pray for an environment of acceptance, respect, and admiration between the women from the city and women of the Sierra.  We pray for better life conditions for the Mexican families in the Sierra and in the entire country.  We pray for a stronger and determined church to face the new missionary challenges within and outside of Mexico.

Justino Pérez y Zaida Rivera

Consultants for the Program and Development of the Mission

Justino Perez-Ojeda and Zaida Rivera-Rivera are missionaries serving with the Christian Congregational Churches of Mexico, the Alliance of Evangelical Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) of Mexico (AICEDCAR) and the Fraternity of Evangelical Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) of Mexico. 

Justino is administered in the country by the Christian Congregational Churches of Mexico.  He serves as a consultant for the Mission Development Program.  Zaida serves as a consultant for the Mission Development Program.