Top 5 Challenges Missionaries Face in Mexico—and How We Overcome Them
Why Mexico Still Needs Missionaries
Mexico is a land rich in culture, tradition, and religious history—but it’s also a land in spiritual need. While Catholicism dominates the landscape, true biblical understanding is often lacking. Since 2007, our family has served here in northern Mexico as Baptist missionaries, planting churches, training national pastors, and reaching the lost.
Ministry here is fruitful—but it's not without challenges. Whether you're praying for missionaries, considering the mission field yourself, or just curious about life in Mexico, here are five of the biggest challenges we face—and how God helps us overcome them.
1. Religious Tradition Without Biblical Truth
Most people we talk to identify as Catholic, but few have heard the true gospel of grace. The challenge isn’t hostility—it’s confusion. Generations have been taught salvation by works, rituals, and church membership.
How we respond:
We patiently explain the gospel using the Bible as our only authority. We avoid attacking their beliefs and instead show what Scripture actually says. Often, this simple approach opens hearts and leads to salvation.
2. Lack of Solid National Leadership
There’s a shortage of well-trained, doctrinally sound leaders in many parts of Mexico. The need for national pastors, teachers, and church planters is urgent.
How we respond:
We’ve made training a top priority. Through our Bible Institute, we prepare men and women to serve, plant churches, and multiply the work. Our vision is long-term: we’re not just planting churches—we’re planting church planters.
3. Limited Resources and Infrastructure
From building materials to Bibles to transportation, resources are limited and often expensive. Inflation and fluctuating exchange rates only add to the challenge.
How we respond:
Our local church is learning to give sacrificially—and they’re doing an amazing job! We also welcome support from churches and individuals in the U.S. who want to help through special projects, donated equipment, or missions trips.
4. Cultural Barriers and Misunderstandings
Even after years on the field, cultural differences still require humility and flexibility. What works in one place may not work here.
How we respond:
We listen, adapt, and stay teachable. We also invest in relationships—trust opens doors. Ministry in Mexico isn’t about speed; it’s about faithfulness over time.
5. Spiritual Opposition
Though not always visible, spiritual warfare is real. Discouragement, fatigue, and attacks on unity are constant threats to fruitful ministry.
How we respond:
We stay grounded in God’s Word, walk in prayer, and lean on the support of faithful partners like you. Your prayers are not just appreciated—they are essential.
Final Thoughts
Yes, the mission field in Mexico has its challenges—but the opportunities far outweigh the obstacles. We’ve seen thousands saved, churches planted, and families transformed by the gospel. And by God’s grace, we’re just getting started.
Would you pray for us? Would you consider coming to serve—even short term? Or would you support this work so we can continue pressing forward?
📬 Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you, answer your questions, or talk with you about missions in Mexico.
Jonathan & Jenny Ashcraft
Missionaries to Northern Mexico
📍 Based in: Santiago, Nuevo León, Mexico
📧 Email: pray@jonathanashcraft.org
📸 Facebook: @jonathanashcraft
📷 Instagram: @jonathanashcraft
Interested in supporting or visiting the mission field? We’d love to connect!