Jacalteco in Guatemala

People Name:	Jacalteco
Country:	Guatemala
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	56,000
World Population:	57,600
Primary Language:	Jakalteko
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	90.00 %
Evangelicals:	6.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Maya
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Jakalteko people group is one of nine languages in a cluster of neighbors. Though the languages are all in the Mayan family, no group's mother tongue can be easily understood by speakers of another.

The mountainous area where these people groups live is dotted with volcanoes. Most families engage in agriculture, raising plenty of food in the fertile soil. Some supplement their income, raising coffee, sugar, cardamom or bananas as cash crops. Sheep provide wool for a wide variety of woven and embroidered clothing and intricate handicrafts.

Among these indigenous peoples, about 70 percent are animists, who revere spirits in nature and of ancestors. About 30 percent are Christians, but their impact on their society has regrettably been minimal.

Mayan religion pervades traditional rites, customs and ways of thinking. In recent years, foreigners have stirred a resurgence of interest in Mayan worldview, along with its religious practices.

Some Christian believers clearly demonstrate their faith through their choices and attitudes, but they long to better understand their relationship with God. How does He affect their daily lives and relationships? Many are asking for Old Testament Scriptures.