Huasteco, San Luis Potosi in Mexico

People Name:	Huasteco, San Luis Potosi
Country:	Mexico
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	88,000
World Population:	88,000
Primary Language:	Huastec
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	96.00 %
Evangelicals:	2.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Maya
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Huastecos, or Teenek, are an indigenous group dwelling in the eastern region of San Luis Potosí. Beginning as the descendants of Mayan groups in the Veracruz coast, the Huastecos were hunter-gatherers who spoke a form of Mayan. They were culturally significant as their region developed. Eventually, they were conquered by the Aztecs, which limited the spread of their influence. The arrival of Spanish colonization in 1519 was met with resistance from the Huastecos, causing intense conflict between the two groups. This conflict was somewhat put to rest by the Spaniards’ “peace by purchase policy,” in which indigenous tribes were bribed with valuable goods. This “peace” led to Spanish evangelism of the Huastecos.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The San Luis Potosi Huasteco have resiliently maintained their traditional culture to the present. Huastecan dance and music have had a considerable influence on Mexican culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Catholicism, which has been syncretized with cultural spiritual beliefs, is the majority religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The San Luis Potosi Huasteco need to put Christ first in their lives.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord of the harvest to send loving workers into his harvest.
Pray for active discipleship among this people group.
Pray they would even take the gospel to other people groups in their region.
Ask for their fellowships to be Christ centered, with a spiritual hunger, discernment, and protection from false doctrine and spiritual counterfeit.
Ask God to strengthen faith in Christ among the San Luis Potosi Huasteco people.