Multiply Abroad: Reaching Indigenous Peoples in Mexico

Mexico is home to a vibrant mosaic of indigenous communities that make up a significant portion of the nation’s cultural identity. These communities, while rich in tradition and resilience, represent some of the least-reached people groups in the Americas. At Multiply, our mission is to equip local leaders and establish churches that bring the Gospel to these underserved populations. Pastor Eduardo Herrera Perez, a respected leader and church planter, stands at the forefront of this mission, embodying a commitment to both spiritual and practical transformation.

Eduardo Herrera Perez, a Multiply Catalyst and leader of Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel, a church that serves as a hub for spiritual growth, discipleship, and community outreach.

the peoples of mexico: A landscape of diversity

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), over 11.8 million people—9.4% of Mexico’s population—identify as indigenous. These communities are astonishingly diverse, comprising 68 national languages, 63 of which are indigenous, rooted in 11 linguistic families. Groups like the Nahua, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, and Otomi represent the rich cultural tapestry of Mexico, each maintaining their own languages, customs, and traditions.

Many of these communities have ancestral religions that combine pre-Columbian spiritual beliefs with elements of Roman Catholicism introduced during the colonial period. Practices often include reverence for natural elements, ancestral spirits, and regional deities. While these traditions reflect the cultural depth of indigenous communities, they also present unique challenges for evangelical outreach.

reaching the cultures within a culture through ministry

In Cuautla, Mexico, Pastor Eduardo Herrera Perez has dedicated his life to overcoming these challenges, reaching underserved populations, and cultivating faith-based communities. His calling to ministry emerged early, driven by a passion to see lives transformed by the Gospel.

Eduardo is the founder of Iglesia Bautista Emanuel (IBE), a thriving church that has become a cornerstone of evangelical faith in Cuautla and the surrounding regions. IBE serves as more than just a place of worship—it is a movement, dedicated to discipleship, outreach, and community transformation. Under Eduardo’s leadership, the church cares for vulnerable populations, including widows, orphans, and individuals with disabilities. Through food distribution programs, counseling services, and practical initiatives, IBE demonstrates Christ’s love in action. Eduardo and his team at IBE play a vital role in advancing the mission to reach Mexico’s indigenous peoples. This center equips leaders with biblical training, discipleship tools, and ministry strategies to plant churches and share the Gospel effectively. By raising up indigenous leaders who understand the languages and customs of their people, the training center overcomes cultural and linguistic barriers that might hinder outreach.

Leaders trained at the center return to their communities prepared to serve, plant churches, and multiply disciples. This approach fosters trust within indigenous populations and ensures that the Gospel is communicated in a way that resonates deeply with their cultural context.

While the work is impactful, challenges persist. Geographic isolation, poverty, and cultural barriers can make outreach difficult. Economic hardships in many indigenous communities limit access to resources, while strong ancestral traditions and Catholic influence often create resistance to evangelical efforts. However, IBE’s culturally sensitive approach and commitment to relationship-building have helped bridge divides, opening doors for the Gospel.

How You Can Help: Pray with Us

Please join us in praying for Rwanda during this time of uncertainty. Pray for wisdom for church leaders like Bonnie, that they would have discernment on how to lead their congregations. Pray for favor with local authorities and for provision to meet these new regulations. Most importantly, pray that the gospel would continue to spread, and that this season of difficulty would lead to a stronger, more resilient church in Rwanda. Join our team at Multiply in praying for these specific areas:

• Pray for the Church in Mexico: Lift up Pastor Eduardo, his team, and the leaders being trained to bring the Gospel to their communities.

• Support Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel: Consider ways to financially support our partners and their training center, funding training, outreach programs, and other ministry efforts through IBE.

• Spread Awareness: Share this story with your community to encourage prayer and support for the work in Mexico.

The story of IBE reminds us of the power of faithful leadership and the transformative impact of the Gospel. By equipping leaders to multiply disciples and plant churches, we are helping to reach Mexico’s indigenous peoples with the hope and love of Christ. Together, we can be part of a legacy rooted in faith, bringing light to communities yearning for hope and renewal.

— The [multiply] team