Guatemalan White in United States

Introduction / History

White Guatemalans have their ancestry in Europe, especially Spain. Most Spaniards intermarried with indigenous peoples, particularly in Guatemala, where the population was particularly dense. Spaniards born in the New World were once called Criollos. Such individuals were the elites in Latin American countries, but they eventually rebelled against Spanish control. After Guatemala s independence in 1821, the White Guatemalans remained powerful as landowners, businessmen, and military officers.

Most remain in Guatemala, but many eventually migrated to Belize, Mexico, Spain, Canada, or the United States. Those in the United States came as war refugees in the 1970s and 80s, or they arrived more recently in search of job opportunities. The latter group is more numerous. They are most likely to live in the Northeastern U.S., Texas, or Southern California.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today, most White Guatemalans in the United States live in cities where they work in various professions. Often, they arrive in the U.S. illegally. In places where their population is low, they blend in socially with other Latin Americans. Those

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though Roman Catholicism is dominant among Latin Americans, there are many Evangelicals among White Guatemalans. Evangelicals can be indigenous peoples or White Guatemalans. Some are missionaries in other parts of the world.

What Are Their Needs?

White Guatemalans need revival in their churches so they can live a more abundant life and serve Christ faithfully.

Prayer Points

Pray for revival in Canadian churches, leading to an expanding and consistent mission movement.
Pray for White Guatemalans to disciple men and women who will disciple others.
Pray for White Guatemalans to experience the abundant life Christ offers and share it with others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project