Krenak in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Krenak are a First Nations people that lives in Brazil’s state of Minas Gerais, just north of the city of Sao Paulo.
They have survived several massacres, both during colonial days and by a totalitarian government from the 1960s-80s. They faced near slave conditions, beatings, torture and the taking of their land by Brazilian farmers. Their population plummeted during that time, and it has not recovered.
In 2015, there was a natural disaster that led to a dam breaking. That dam held back mining waste that ran toxic sludge through the Krenak homeland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

With little political clout, the Krenak people are still vulnerable to being taken advantage of. They are fighting in the courts to recover their land.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though some identify as Roman Catholic, most remain animistic, worshipping gods of nature, etc. Their culture and very existence is in question. Most of them want to revert to their old spiritual ways as a means towards keeping their identity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Krenak are a small people group. They need to adapt to the outside world so they won’t die out as a tribe.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Krenak people who love the Lord to disciple others to take Christ to their families.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in their churches, drawing many to put all their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for them to seek the Lord’s guidance as they face the uncertainties of the future.

Text Source:   Joshua Project