The Zapotecs, the largest indigenous people group cluster of Mexico, live primarily in the southern state of Oaxaca. This people group, however, reaches across much of Mexico. San Pedro Quiatoni is one of the many Zapotec languages.
Many Zapotecs are among the poorest of Mexico's citizens. The primary sources of income are farming and various crafts such as pottery and weaving. Their farmland is often rocky. It is very difficult to grow enough corn, beans, and squash in their mountainous homeland.
The primary religion practiced by the Zapotec peoples is a form of folk Catholicism. They revere Catholic saints, nature spirits and their ancestors. They have regular fiestas to honor and revere their gods and patron saints. Most identify with Christianity, but their form of it blends it with beliefs in the spirit world. For example, there is often little difference between Roman Catholic saints and certain ancient gods.
They need to put all their faith in the God of the Bible. The Bible clearly teaches that we need to depend entirely on the Lord of lords for protection, for our physical needs, and for eternal salvation. This is compromised when we look to any other.
There are efforts to translate the Scriptures into their Quiatoni dialect of Zapotec. Once this is completed, they will need the same materials in oral forms since not everyone reads their language. They will also need discipleship materials
Pray that this last stage of revision and checking the translation of the New Testament into Quiatoni Zapotec will move along quickly and accurately.
Pray for safety for the translation team and their families since Satan tries to keep the translation from being available to the people.
Pray that the leadership of the churches will realize that the use of God's word in their own language will deepen their own and their congregations' understanding of it.
Pray that soon there will be Zapotec disciples making other disciples for the glory of the Lord.
Scripture Prayers for the Zapoteco, San Pedro Quiatoni in Mexico.
https://charitigrace.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/animistic-zapotec-peoples-of-mexico/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
