Christian leaders in Chiapas, Mexico, are calling on state and federal officials to protect evangelicals following an attack in the city of Tumbala.

Sympathizers of leftist rebels known as zapatistas assaulted about 40 evangelical Christians while they were in their homes sleeping.

A 49-year old man was killed, and 20 other Christians including women and children were injured.

The Christians are members of the El Horeb Presbyterian Church. So far no suspects have been arrested.

Evangelicals in Chiapas are constantly under threat of attack. For years, they have been the targets of leftist rebels and traditional religious groups.

Greg Musselman of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada recently went to Chiapas.  Click play to watch his report.

*Originally published February 26, 2010.