Guasima del Caiman

Guásima del Caimán

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9

He was just a young man in his twenties. From the day of this birth in the mountain village of Guásima del Caimán, along with his family and village neighbors, he had adhered to the traditional polytheistic religion to which his ancestors had been sincerely devoted for centuries before. It left him empty and searching for meaning in life. His misdirected pursuit led him to a stint in the Tepic penitentiary.


When Román, the first Huichol to give his heart to Cacáüyári, the one true God, shared the truth with José Lopez, he repented of his past, asked forgiveness for his sins, and accepted the gift of salvation for which he had been fruitlessly hunting. José’s life changed dramatically, and he could hardly wait to share the “Good News” with his family and friends in Guáisma del Caimán. He hiked the long trip through the mountains back to his natal village. How disappointed he was when everybody who heard his message mocked him, rejected his pleas, and insisted that he leave the village never to return.

José conceded, but he never ceased to pray for his village.
He studied God’s Word diligently, and eventually he became the pastor of the little group of believers in his new village of Salvador Allende. He made many mission expeditions to villages throughout the Sierra Madre leading hundreds of his Huichol brothers to Christ, and though he started many new churches at great personal expense, he never lost hope for Guásima del Caimán.

Last month, two messengers from the village arrived at his home reporting from some of the villagers that they were ready to listen to him. For the first time in 25 years, José returned to Guásima del Caimán and found many villagers waiting to hear the “Good News” from which José has not deviated since the day he accepted. Thirty-six Huichols received Christ during his visit, and others are considering the Truth. Around half of them made the long journey on foot to the village of Zapote de Picachos for the dedication celebration of their new building two weeks ago.

Placing their faith in Cacáüyári and His provision for their forgiveness is not without cost. The village shaman is furious and went directly to the municipal judge to stir up trouble for them. The newborn believers were brought before the judge and his council who threatened to take their fields and crops from them and to banish them from the village.

Click here to see pictures of José's trip to Guásima del Caimán.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal 6:9