Jacalteco in Mexico

Introduction / History

The Jacalteco 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 live in Guatemala, but there are also some in Mexico.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Jacalteco 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.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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.

What Are Their Needs?

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.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to send power encounters that will clearly demonstrate his unbridled power and goodness.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in their families and churches, so their devotion will be only for Jesus.
Pray that soon Jacalteco disciples will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project