Diseases carried by the Spanish in the 16th century destroyed the early Aztec Empire. Its colonial past makes Mexico’s culture distinctive; part Amerindian and part Spanish. A total of 298 languages are spoken in Mexico.

Corruption and an uneven distribution of wealth in Mexico have created a wide gap between the rich and the poor. The country’s economy has improved since it made trade agreements with the United Stated and Canada, but widespread poverty remains. A third of the population live hand to mouth under the poverty line.

For 130 years Mexico officially separated itself from the Catholic Church – but since 1992 restrictions for the Catholic Church has been lifted and there is greater freedom for religious minorities.

Over half the population is less than 20 years of age.

The peaceful change of government in the year 2000 has given hope to many that things can change for the better in Mexico.

18 million people live in poverty in Mexico City - one of the biggest and most polluted cities in the world. 7 million live in filthy housing as squatters. As many as 600,000 children sleep on the streets each night. Few Christians are working among the cities poorest and most needy people.

Pray that churches can develop effective ways of reaching out Mexico’s 3.8 million students.

The national media likes to portray evangelical Christians as being anti-Mexican. Pray that on a ‘one to one’ level Christians can share with people about God and break down these prejudices.

Pray that the new government can bring hope and strong leadership and tackle the nation’s poverty gap.