Nicaraguan, Mestizo in Canada

Introduction / History

After Spanish colonizers settled in Nicaragua, disease killed off a high percentage of the indigenous population. War and slave-like working conditions ended the lives of many of their young men. Spanish men were usually single; they often married indigenous women. Their children were what we call mestizos. Though ethnically part European and part Amerindian, culturally they could be either or both. For that and other reasons, mestizos are hard to define. One cannot generalize about their worldview.

Nicaraguan mestizos are dominant in Nicaragua, but they also live in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Honduras, and Spain. For decades, they have been fleeing political and economic turmoil in their home country. They have come from both upper and lower-middle class backgrounds. A small number came to Canada as refugees. Many settle in Quebec where they must learn French rather than English.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some are getting job training and getting settled in the new country.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They are mostly Roman Catholic, but the Charismatic movement is making inroads into the spiritual beliefs of many Nicaraguans in Canada.

What Are Their Needs?

Like other Christianized or semi-Christianized people, mestizos need a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to bless their lives. They need the peace and joy that come from a close relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for Mestizo Nicaraguans in Canada to accept and embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in their churches and homes.
Pray for the Lord to use them to win, equip, and disciple many from Latin America s least-reached ethnic groups.
Pray for the Lord to bring healing and love to their families and communities, showing the entire country what God can do with those who are submitted to Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project