Ecuadorian, Mestizo in United States
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| People Name: | Ecuadorian, Mestizo |
| Country: | United States |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 369,000 |
| World Population: | 14,369,200 |
| Primary Language: | Spanish |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 94.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 9.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Hispanic American, other |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
After Spanish colonizers settled in Ecuador, disease killed off a high percentage of the indigenous population. War and slave-like working conditions ended the lives of many of their young men. Spanish men were usually single; they often married indigenous women. Their children were what we call mestizos. Though ethnically part European and part Amerindian, culturally they could be either or both. For that and other reasons, mestizos are hard to define. One cannot generalize about their worldview.
Ecuadorian Mestizos are mostly in Ecuador, but they also live in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. They also live in several European countries. In general, South Americans and Caribbean people live in states like Florida and New York while Mexicans and Central Americans live in southwestern states.
With few exceptions, Ecuadorians didn t come to the U.S. until the 1960s. Those who arrived in the 1990s often worked in restaurants. They frequently gained legal status and were able to have their families come to the U.S. Those who arrived in the 2000s had seasonal, outdoor work in construction, etc. They had to save their money during the lean months.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Mestizo Ecuadorians in the United States probably join other South Americans for social events. Like other immigrant groups, they earn money that they send to family back in the home country.
What Are Their Beliefs?
They are mostly Roman Catholic, but the Charismatic movement is making inroads into the spiritual beliefs of many mestizo Ecuadorians.
What Are Their Needs?
Like other Christianized or semi-Christianized people, mestizos in Ecuador need a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to bless their lives. They need the peace and joy that come from a close relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for mestizo Ecuadorians in the U.S. to accept and embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in their churches and homes.
Pray for the Lord to use them to win, equip, and disciple many from Latin America s least-reached ethnic groups.
Pray for the Lord to bring healing and love to their families and communities, showing the entire country what God can do with those who are submitted to Jesus Christ.