Wayuu, Guajiro in Venezuela

Introduction / History

The Wayuu people, also known as Guajiros, live generally in a peninsula named La Guajira, straddling the border that runs between Colombia and Venezuela.

What Are Their Lives Like?

La Guajira is a harsh region home to the Wayuu's traditions of pastoralism and small-scale trade. The Wayuu are clan-based, with multiple clans forming settlements or rancherias.

For the Wayuu, cattle are their main source of pride and wealth.

Traditional Wayuu music is closely tied to the economy and social life. For example, they sing to their cattle. Music is also a part of their meetings, celebrations, and mourning rituals.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A person of importance within the Wayúu community, the “Piachi,” is the holder of spiritual knowledge leading the Wayuu to communicate with the spirits during various rites and dances.

The Wayuu believe that life does not end with death, but that a r

What Are Their Needs?

The Wayuu people need hospitals and schools for their basic needs. The Wayuu suffer a high rate of both maternal and infant mortality.

They need to center their lives on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Wayuu, bringing humanitarian aid in the name of Jesus.
Pray for God’s word to open hearts and minds to the truth.
Pray for a movement that will bless the Wayuu people with a relationship with Jesus Christ, who offers life to the full.
Pray for Wayuu disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project