February 4, 2012
A married couple who had served for 28 years as Baptist missionaries in Mexico were murdered on Jan. 31 at their home near Monterrey, Compass Direct News reports. John Casias, 76, and Wanda Casias, 67, were strangled with electrical cords when intruders broke into their home and stole a safe, televisions and ministry vehicles, along with other items. The area has suffered heavily from attacks by drug cartels in recent weeks; drug traffickers in Mexico oppose the message of Christ because it turns people away from their business, and thus Christians have been among their targets. Christians noted that the assailants would not have needed to kill the Casiases in order to rob them. They are survived by 10 children who have reportedly said they hope to continue their parents' ministry of founding churches, holding daily vacation Bible schools and youth camps, and emphasizing Bible study and music.
