Shanenawa in Brazil

shah-neh-NAH-wah

Shane means "blue bird" and Nawa means "foreign people." Most Shanenawa people speak Portuguese, but a handful still speak Shanenawa and are interested in resurrecting its use. Some are farmers and shepherds while others are fishermen, so they have diverse lifestyles. Along with other Amazon tribes, the Shanenawa have joined together in an organization to preserve their way of life.

Ministry Obstacles

The Amazon rain forest is the largest obstacle to reaching the Shanenawa as well as other unreached tribes in the region. In many ways it is a hostile environment. Their houses are built on stilts because of flooding. It is not a welcoming area for outsiders.

Outreach Ideas

The best way to reach the Shanenawa would be for the Shanenawa followers of Christ to lead the others among them to evangelize the Amazonian tribes. Amazon people are best suited to identifying with fellow tribes and their needs.

Scripture Focus

"The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!"  Psalm 47:9

Scripture Prayer

Pray that the Lord will find honor and worship from today’s people group. May they understand that they belong to Him.

Prayer Focus

Pray for Shanenawa believers to make disciples among their people and that a movement will spread from tribe to tribe. Pray that the Holy Spirit would respond to our prayers for the Shanenawa to have open hearts to Jesus Christ. "You do not have because you do not ask God." James 4:2