History

Low German speaking Mennonites migrated to Mexico from Canada in the early nineteen twenties (1922-23) and again in the late forties (1947-48) in order to preserve their faith, language and culture. A primary impetus for the initial move was the imposition by the provincial governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan of compulsory attendance for Mennonite children in English language public schools. The early migrants numbered about 8,000 and were concentrated in isolated colonies located in the States of Chihuahua and Durango. Their descendants now number well over 100,000 and only about one half of them are in Mexico. Others are scattered in many parts of North and South America.

MCC Work with Low German Mennonites: MCC began work among the Low German speaking Mennonites in Mexico in the early 1950's in response to hardships caused by a severe drought in the colonies. Early relief work was soon followed up by some medical, educational and agricultural development work.

MCC became active again among the Low German Mennonites in Mexico in 1976 with the publication in Canada and distribution in Mexico of the bi-weekly German language newspaper Die Mennonitische Post. The Post is still being published and is now also being supplemented by a monthly publication for children, Das Blatt. Both publications are subsidized by MCC Canada and have broad circulation in Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina.

Focus of Current MCC Activities: In recent years MCC activities also include programs which address social and economic concerns in LGM colonies. In the last few years the focus has been on supporting community programs such as personal care homes, a rehabilitation centre for those struggling with addiction or the home for mentally and physically challenged people. MCC service workers also assist LGM leaders in efforts to improve conflict resolution skills within their communities. These latter concerns have been addressed by the promotion of contacts with other different Mennonite or Amish groups and through visits and exchanges between LGM colonies in Mexico.

Low German Migration