Mixteco, Tijaltepec in Mexico
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International Mission Board-SBC - Jeff Dunson All rights reserved. Used with permission |
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| People Name: | Mixteco, Tijaltepec |
| Country: | Mexico |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 4,000 |
| World Population: | 4,500 |
| Primary Language: | Mixtec, Tijaltepec |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 95.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 1.40 % |
| Scripture: | Unspecified |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | No |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Mixteco |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Mixtec groups live in the mountains of Southern Mexico. They maintain a pre-Columbian language and culture. They have their own language, Tijaltepec Mixtec, though most also speak Spanish. Most live in Oaxaca in southern Mexico, but a couple hundred have migrated to Kern County in California for work.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Today the Tijaltepec Mixtecs in Mexico are usually subsistence farmers who grow corn, beans and squash. Their farming equipment is usually basic. They improve their diet through hunting and fishing. They go to the forests to collect things to sell in the markets. They sell woven and ceramic goods as well.
The culture of the Mixtec is both hierarchical and patriarchal. Those who move to the US usually maintain very strong cultural, family, and financial ties to their communities of origin. Most are oral learners and do not read or write in their own language.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The primary religion practiced by the Tijaltepec Mixtec people is a form of folk Catholicism. They revere Catholic saints, nature spirits and their ancestors, whom they believe are the guardians of Mixtec ways. They have regular fiestas to honor and revere their gods and patron saints.
What Are Their Needs?
The Tijaltepec Mixtec people need to put their trust and identity in the hands of the loving God of Creation who sent his son to make it possible for them to enter the Kingdom of God.
Prayer Points
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Tijaltepec Mixtec.
Pray God will have mercy on the Mixtec, doing whatever it takes to place them in a position to receive him.
Ask God to open the hearts of the Tijaltepec Mixtec to the gospel.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among them.