Asheninka, Ucayali-Yurua in Brazil

Introduction / History

The Ucayali-Yurua Asheninka are one of the larger indigenous tribes in Brazil.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Ucayali-Yurua Asheninka live a subsistence lifestyle, connected to the land with only enough food for one to two days, and they must work hard to produce enough food to eat. Their hunters do not find enough meat. To make matters worse, the lands of indigenous peoples is often exploited by loggers and other outsiders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Animism still has a strong grip on the lives of the Ucayali-Yurua Asheninka. Christianity is often viewed as the religion of those who wish to use them, so they want nothing to do with it. Only a few Ucayali-Yurua Asheninka identify as Christians. Missionaries who can offer medical treatment and perhaps a medical facility would greatly improve their lives and possibly open the door for a gospel witness. Also, teachers committed to students' welfare would help in improving their lives for the future.

What Are Their Needs?

The Asheninka, Ucayali-Yurua need protection from those who will exploit their physical environment, which is all their have. Most likely, they will need friends who will help them adjust to modern living, since it is unlikely their homeland will be safe from outsiders for very much longer.

Prayer Points

May the few believers grow strong in the word, resulting in a people movement to Christ.

Pray for the Lord to improve their lives physically, economically and spiritually.

Pray for the Lord to prepare and raise up Christ followers who will lay down their lives for the Ucayali-Yurua Asheninka people.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts to hear of the savior of all mankind.

Text Source:   Joshua Project