Lily of the Valley church is 28 years old, the second oldest church in the Presbytery in northern Mexico. Churches begin as "missions" then as "fellowships" and finally as full fledged churches. The Presbyterian church in Mexico does not allow the ordination of women, although they can attend seminary to lead in music ministries, or children's ministries, or to assist their husband's who are pastors. Not everyone supports this position and given time it will likely change, but its interesting to hear people talk about it.
Lily of the Valley is a self supporting church. When members tithe 10% of their income, it only takes 10 members to support the pastor at an average salary of the rest of the congregation, which is the norm. With more members, more ministries are supported.
In the early 1900s the Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in the US made an agreement to divide spheres of influence in Mexico. The Presbyterian church got the southern part of the country, so the church is strongest in Chiapas. Mexican Presbyterians have since spread the church north.
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