Sumu in Honduras

Introduction / History

The Sumus are also known as the Mayangna, which is the same name as their language. Their population drastically declined when they encountered Europeans in the early 1500s. When the Sandinistas took power, they encroached on Sumu lands. This tribe was caught in the armed conflict between the Sandinista communists and the Contras in the 1980s, which was devastating to their community. A high percentage of Sumus fled to Honduran refugee camps. They were also caught between Sandinista enemies and Miskito allies that were often hostile. Since that time, most Sumus have been resettled, but today they live in Honduras and Nicaragua. A smaller number have re-settled in the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Land is essential to an agricultural people. The Sumus are trying to make a living through farming in the tiny countries of Nicaragua and Honduras.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Sumus are officially Roman Catholic, but they have an Evangelical minority, especially in Honduras.

What Are Their Needs?

Today, the Sumus still feel the threat from those who are more powerful than they are. In the mid-2020s, Nicaragua had a repressive government, and the Sumus were vulnerable to government abuse.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bring justice and mercy to Nicaragua and Honduras.
Pray for the ordeals experienced by the Sumus will make them more open to the Lord.
Pray for them to find comfort in the arms of the Lord of lords.

Text Source:   Joshua Project