THE GRANDEST CANYON

The road to Batopilas

The Copper Canyon in northern Mexico, is a series of massive canyons in the Sierra Madre mountains. Popular for hiking, it gets its name from the copper-green hue of the canyon walls. Many years ago there were silver mines throughout the area. The famous Chepe train connects the region via over 80 tunnels and nearly 40 bridges.

Did you know that the Copper Canyon is composed of six, interconnected canyons that, when combined, are significantly larger than the Grand Canyon, and in some areas deeper as well?

Batopilas, established in the 1700's.

Indian woman selling baskets.

Several years ago Lloyd took Spanish Bibles to give away in the Copper Canyon area.  He and a fellow traveler drove the Jeep down the long winding road to the bottom of one canyon to a city called Batopilas. It was a difficult and long drive to the city that was established by Spaniards in the 1700's. 

Sitting on a lookout point selling their wares.

While in the Copper Canyon, Lloyd met many Tarahumara Indians who would rather call the area Bachotigori, the place of enclosed waters. He enjoyed visiting with these people and took many pictures of them selling their wares.

Lloyd returned to the Copper Canyon another year, taking gifts along with Bibles with him for the people. Learning that the women loved colorful clothing, he took brightly colored head scarves, coffee and other treats. The Tarahumara Indians are a proud and impressive people. One day we’d like to return to that area.

The long train ride is very scenic. 

A train ride Lloyd took runs through the entire length of the canyons. Dramatic tunnels and bridges take the train all the way to the west coast of Mexico.  This is a popular tourist attraction that is widely known.

Pottery and baskets from the Copper Canyon.

The people in this remote area need the gospel. In centuries past the Indians hid from Spaniards who wanted to enslave them to work in the mines. Now drug cartels are a threat to the area. Because the Indians are skilled runners, they are being threatened and used to run drugs across the border into the United States. God’s word can break the bonds and set these people free.

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. Psalm 95:4-6

LOST TRIBES IN MEXICO

Tarahumara chief holding a branding iron carried as a weapon.

The Tarahumara Indians of northwestern Mexico (also known as foot runners) have long hidden themselves in the vast forests of the Copper Canyon. When the Spaniards first entered that area, they enslaved the indians and forced them to work in lucrative copper mines. For that reason, many people moved deeper into the canyons and kept to themselves for generations.  They lived in the old ways and did not experience the changes in modern civilization. That meant that they also did not hear the gospel.

Young couple carrying feed for their animals.

 Lloyd traveled into this area with a load of Spanish Bibles. Although the Tarahumara speak Spanish, they have their own language. At that time a Bible translating organization was working to publish a Bible in that language.

The memorable thing about these people is the way they dress. Some of the men wear western clothes, but others mix western with an unusual loin cloth that is longer in the back and comes to a point.

This couple was dressed up as they walked along the mountain road.

Most of the time the people are shy and they are reluctant to speak with strangers. Also, they will not accept water since they carry their own drinks. But Lloyd managed to greet several people he saw on the road and was privileged to give them Illustrated Spanish Bibles.

This man was traveling deeper into the canyon to escape the cold weather. He accepted from Lloyd gifts of food and an Illustrated picture Bible.

Tarahumara Indians are known to run long distances and even run down deer and other animals for prey. They are blessed with endurance and skill to navigate the rough area where they live.

There are people in areas all over the world who still need to hear the gospel. Please pray with us for the lost, especially in Mexico. Not only the lost tribes, but all who are spiritually lost as well.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."  Mark 16:15