Legend says the Huaves came to Mexico from Nicaragua, Central America, over 3000 years ago. They clashed with the local Mixe population, which moved to the mountains. Then the Zapotecs and Mexica (Aztecs) pushed the Huave to the coast where the Huave Zone is located on a peninsula formed by the Gulf of Tehuantepec and the Pacific Ocean on the southeastern coast of Oaxaca, near the Port of Salina Cruz. Besides the coastal areas, the Huave peoples live in low forested hills, pastures, and swamps.
The Huave peoples have many subgroups divided by location and dialect. One of these is the Santa Maria del Mar Huaves. They are an aging population and many younger people are leaving their traditional communities.
The Santa Maria del Mar Huave s primary livelihood is fishing. They also are involved in traditional agriculture activities.
Santa Maria del Mar Huave women are known for weaving white cotton cloths with many brightly colored geometric figures. They use these for wrapping tortillas, putting them under their market products, or for decorating their home altars.
The majority of Santa Maria del Mar Huaves call themselves Catholic, but they do not practice their doctrinal beliefs. In addition, many practice traditional indigenous religion. They have religious brotherhoods. Their faith is in their dead ancestors, to whom they bring fruit and offerings for daily blessings.
God has been blessing the Huaves, but even so, there are still thousands who have not yet put their faith entirely in Christ. Many have also come to Christ, and today, the Santa Maria del Mar Huave have the chance to take the only savior to the less-reached peoples of Oaxaca.
The struggle with alcoholism is one of the biggest challenges facing the Santa Maria del Mar Huave people. At the root of alcoholism is a feeling of hopelessness that only Jesus can heal.
Pray for many dramatic conversions of Santa Maria del Mar Huave people who need to be freed from alcoholism and spirit worship.
Pray that established Huave churches will keep growing and taking Christ to other villages.
Pray that many will be drawn to Jesus in such a way that they will embrace him no matter the cost.
Pray for Santa Maria del Mar Huave disciples who will make more disciples.
Scripture Prayers for the Huave, Santa Maria del Mar in Mexico.
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Mateo_del_Mar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huave_people
https://oaxacaculture.com/2009/07/they-speak-huave-here-a-day-in-san-mateo-del-mar/
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
