The Sumu of Nicaragua are known as “Mayangna,” or “the people,” in their own language. At one time, the Sumu occupied a large part of Central America. Primarily nomadic, they took traditional occupations of hunting, fishing, gathering and farming. The invasion of European peoples negatively affected the population rate, and the Sumu suffered from new diseases and slavery. After the introduction of firearms to Nicaragua, the Miskito people conquered the Sumu. Survivors lived in isolation from outside influence. In the 1980s, conflict between the Nicaraguan government and Indian resistance forces decimated the Sumu population. Since then, the Nicaraguan government has created a more accepting atmosphere for the Sumu, and many have begun to reclaim cultural identity. However, they are a fading people group, and may soon be absorbed into the Miskito.
Today, the Sumu are a rainforest people, settling near rivers. Their houses are designed with thatch or tin roofs, split bamboo, elevated palm floors, and post-and-pole framed structures. Farming is still a dominant profession, with plantains and bananas being staple foods. Hunting is also a popular activity, though weapons have morphed from archery, spears and blowguns to rifles and shotguns. Fishing provides an additional source of sustenance and income.
Little is known about the pre-colonial Sumu beliefs. Today, the Sumu adhere to Moravian spiritual teachings. They believe in the Christian design of the universe, holding to the traditional doctrines on sin, heaven and hell.
The Sumu need to put Christ first in their lives.
Praise God for providing the Bible for this people group.
Ask him to enable the Sumu to follow Jesus and make disciples.
Pray for workers to be sent into the harvest, sharing the gospel in a culturally relevant way.
Pray also for believers among the Sumu to take the gospel to the unreached in their region. Ask God to protect this people group from false doctrine.
Pray for unity among believers, as well as a commitment to Biblical truth.
Scripture Prayers for the Sumu in Nicaragua.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/sumu
https://www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Sumu-and-Miskito.html
https://www.everyculture.com/Middle-America-Caribbean/Sumu.html
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Sumu |
People Name in Country | Sumu |
Alternate Names | Honduran Sumu; Nicaraguan Sumo; Sumo; Tawahka |
Population this Country | 11,000 |
Population all Countries | 21,000 |
Total Countries | 3 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 3 ● |
Unreached | No |
Frontier People Group | No |
GSEC | 4 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | |
People ID | 13390 |
ROP3 Code | 107313 |
Country | Nicaragua | ||
Region | America, Latin | ||
Continent | North America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | 50 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Atlántico Norte and Jinotega departments: Bambana and Tungi along Waspuk river; Santo Tomás de Umbra on the upper Wawa; Panamahka dialect along Wanki river; Tuahka dialect: Wasakin area near Rosita. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Nicaragua |
Region | America, Latin |
Continent | North America |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | 50 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Atlántico Norte and Jinotega departments: Bambana and Tungi along Waspuk river; Santo Tomás de Umbra on the upper Wawa; Panamahka dialect along Wanki river; Tuahka dialect: Wasakin area near Rosita.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Christianity |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.40 %) |
85.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
10.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
0.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
5.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Mayangna (11,000 speakers) |
Language Code | yan Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Mayangna (11,000 speakers) |
Language Code | yan Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Mayangna |
Primary Language: Mayangna
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1999) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1998-1999) |
Bible-NT Audio | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Mayangna | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | My Last Day video, anime | Jesus Film Project |
General | Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text, audio, video | Faith Comes by Hearing |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
General | YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Android Bible app: Mayangna | YouVersion Bibles |
Mobile App | Download audio Bible app as APK file | Faith Comes by Hearing |
Mobile App | iOS Bible app: Mayangna | YouVersion Bibles |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |