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| UN workers in Nochixtlan following Sunday's conflict |
This has been a tense week for Oaxaca. On Tuesday the U.S. Embassy sent out a security message for U.S. Citizens about mass demonstrations in Oaxaca, and I think it summarizes well was has been going on. So, I share it with you, along with a few more details of what our experience here has been.
Mass demonstrations have occurred
regularly in Oaxaca, Mexico.
For nearly 30 years the teachers' union has held annual demonstrations in order to have their demands heard. These demonstrations last at least one or two months. This year the teachers have taken over the city center for over a month now, then a few weeks ago they blockaded the major highways in the state.
Some of the recent demonstrations have
turned violent.
Sunday
night there was a conflict in Nochixtlan, 50 miles north of the city of
Oaxaca, between protestors and police that turned violent. Shots were
fired, people on both sides were hurt, people on both sides died. It is my understanding and belief that these demonstrations turn violent when radical groups/individuals join the cause of the teachers. It often seems like these people are not so much seeking justice for the teachers, but conflict with the government.
Protestors have blocked major highways to and from the
city of Oaxaca.
Each year is different, and in recent years the protests seem to become more brazen to draw attention to their cause. For weeks the major highways have been blocked in various places by the teachers and it has been a great challenge (to put it lightly) to travel north to Mexico City or south to the isthmus.
Due to these blockades, trucks are unable to enter the
city and some areas are experiencing food and fuel shortages.
Supplies are running low in the city. A few examples: Our cook went to Walmart, Sams Club, and Soriana and found them all completely out of eggs. She said Walmart is also out of produce. Our prison ministry pastor reports that the meager meals at the jail across the street are getting even smaller in portion size.
There are
also reports of looting.
In the days following Sunday's events, looters took advantage of the anger and chaos, and stole thousands of dollars worth of products from various stores during the night.
Public transportation has suspended
intermittently due to the violence and fuel shortages.
Transportation by big bus companies to Mexico City or Puebla has been suspended, I imagine because they simply can't get there and also to minimize loss of property. Protestors often steal buses and cars to use for blockades, even setting them on fire. On Monday, public transportation in the city was suspended because of uncertainty what the day would bring.
While no problems
have been reported at Oaxaca’s international airport, protestors may block
access at any time.
It is for this reason that we have asked the group coming next week to postpone their trip to Oaxaca. We are thankful for the safety we feel here at the children's home, but with the strained calm of the city right now, we can't guarantee what the airport will be like in a few days.
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We appreciate your prayers for Oaxaca -
for the teachers and the government and the
people. For those who lost loved ones, for those who still struggle, and for the future generations. For resolution to conflict, peace, and restoration.
I think that in these times it is especially critical that those of us who call ourselves followers of Christ do not react with fear or hatred, but with wisdom and love. And I think a great way to love people is to pray for them.
So, please pray for all of Mexico, and for the world, and for your
neighbor, and while you're at it, for your enemy. It is hard to truly
pray for someone and continue to hate them. When you hear world news that breaks your heart, don't just talk about it or post about it or worry about it - pray first. Then pray again.
Love God and love one
another. There is no commandment greater than these.
