Purepecha in Mexico

People Name:	Purepecha
Country:	Mexico
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	72,000
World Population:	72,900
Primary Language:	Purepecha
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	96.00 %
Evangelicals:	1.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Central American Indigenous, other
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Purepecha tribe was once called Tarascan. They live along the Sierra Madre Mountains in the state of Michoacán. The mighty Aztecs never conquered them largely because the Purepecha were adept at forging and wielding metal weapons. Their ancestors were not engulfed by the Spanish Empire until the 1530s, over a decade after the Aztecs were conquered. The Spaniards proceeded to use up the forests in the Purepecha homeland.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Purepecha leaders in Michoacán, Mexico decided to make their community self-governing without considering the ramifications. Now this tribe must provide their own water, sanitation and education.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Purepecha believed in God of the sky, earth, and the sea. They are mainly Roman Catholic today, but there are elements of their ancient religion that remain.

What Are Their Needs?

Purepechas need to put all their faith in the person, Jesus Christ, rather than a religious institution.

Prayer Points

Pray for Purepechas to put all their faith in Jesus Christ.
Pray for Purepechas disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to send the wind of his Holy Spirit to purify the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico.