Popoloca, San Felipe Otlaltepec in Mexico

Popoloca, San Felipe Otlaltepec
Photo Source:  Agruiz - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
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People Name: Popoloca, San Felipe Otlaltepec
Country: Mexico
10/40 Window: No
Population: 4,000
World Population: 4,000
Primary Language: Popoloca, San Felipe Otlaltepec
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 95.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Zapoteco
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Popoloca is the Aztec word for peoples who speak a language other than N huatl, their own tongue. Some still speak it while others depend on Spanish. The Popoloca have subgroups including the San Felipe Otlaltepec.

This group of people is losing its culture and language. Most people under 40 do not speak San Felipe Otlaltepec Popoloca although some understand it.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They were once corn farmers, but the land is depleted. Therefore, the San Felipe Otlaltepec Popoloca work as day laborers. However, they also raise livestock for food and sell their baskets in the market. Some still practice their native trade of making and selling clay pots. Others mine onyx and marble.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The San Felipe Otlaltepec Popoloca are Roman Catholic, though they also have indigenous religious practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The San Felipe Otlaltepec Coyotepec need the chance to make a good living. Job training would be helpful for their community.

Prayer Points

Pray for God to send someone to teach them marketable skills.
Pray for San Felipe Otlaltepec Popoloca disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the cross.
Pray for the Lord to show himself mighty by providing for their needs this year.

Text Source:   Joshua Project