Otomi, Mezquital in Mexico

Otomi, Mezquital
Photo Source:  Dave Markham 
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People Name: Otomi, Mezquital
Country: Mexico
10/40 Window: No
Population: 116,000
World Population: 116,000
Primary Language: Otomi, Mezquital
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 96.00 %
Evangelicals: 9.00 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Otomi
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Otomi have been in Mexico even before the Aztecs. They were subsistence farmers who grew corn, beans and chilis. Eventually they were conquered and marginalized by the more powerful Aztecs. They became allies and mercenaries for the Spanish conquistadors which helped them extend their territory for a time. They have a number of subgroups based on language and location. One of these is the Mezquital Otomi.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today most of them grow corn, beans and chili peppers, but they also grow coffee as a cash crop. Mezquital Otomi men often work in the cities to supplement their income. Others are blacksmiths and artisans.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally the Otomi peoples worshipped the moon as the supreme god. Even today they include shamanistic practices, though they are primarily Roman Catholic.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mezquital Otomi people need to put Jesus Christ first in their spiritual lives. They have a good Christian presence, but like other peoples, they need a fresh wind of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to give the Mezquital Otomi people an abundant harvest as a testimony of his power and goodness.
Pray for Mezquital Otomi Christian believers to lead others towards a Christ-oriented spirituality.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples who will make even more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project