Maskoy Pidgin in Paraguay

Maskoy Pidgin
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group.
Send Joshua Project a map of this people group.
People Name: Maskoy Pidgin
Country: Paraguay
10/40 Window: No
Population: 6,900
World Population: 6,900
Primary Language: Guarani, Paraguayan
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 100.00 %
Evangelicals: 5.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Hispanic American, other
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Maskoy is a language originating in the Gran Chaco region of South America. Pidgin refers to a hybrid version of a language. Pidgin languages are usually variations of major languages imposed on indigenous people by major colonial powers. One of these is Maskoy Pidgin. Maskoy is an indigenous language, and it has elements of Spanish, the dominant language of Paraguay.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Maskoy speakers (and those who speak Pidgin) have been economically marginalized. Long ago they lost their land. In the 1980s some were living in dire poverty, often as wage laborers on cattle ranches. They attempted to get enough food through hunting and gathering. In desperation, some notified international organizations in hopes that outside pressure would mean change in Paraguay.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Maskoy Pidgin speakers are Christian, either Roman Catholic or Evangelical. There is the danger they will resort to indigenous religious practices rather than depending on the Lord of lords.

What Are Their Needs?

The Maskoy Pidgin need to put their identity in Jesus Christ as they lose more and more of their traditional culture and language.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to lovingly guide the Maskoy Pidgin community as they face an uncertain future.
Pray for their leaders to look to Jesus for hope and joy.
Pray for Maskoy Pidgin disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project