Americans, U.S. in Paraguay

Introduction / History

The American people group is the second largest worldwide and therefore diverse in its ethnic expressions. Only the Han Chinese, Mandarin in China is larger. Understanding the modern American people group starts with knowing how its unique melding of nationalities, ethnicities and races made it what it is today.

Rising from the original thirteen British colonies, the United States (US) declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. By 1776, people of English, Irish or Scottish descent mostly inhabited the colonies, though Native Americans and African slaves were severely mistreated at this time and were not considered citizens. After independence, immigration from other European countries such as Germany and Italy increased. As the US quickly expanded its geographic borders during the 19th century, newly arriving immigrants tended to settle in cities and towns founded by others from their home country. Today, remnants of this can be seen from the Irish influences in Boston, Massachusetts to the German towns of South Texas and throughout the country. The variety of ethnic groups and vast geographic area Americans cover makes defining this people group difficult.

The latter half of the 20th century also experienced a massive immigration of Mexicans and others from Latin America, especially into southern states. This trend is estimated to change the demographics in the four Mexico-bordering states to be majority Mexican decent by 2050. By the 2nd or 3rd generations most Latin Americans integrate, at least somewhat, into the English-speaking American people group.

Though on a smaller scale, Americans also move to various Latin American countries including Paraguay.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Americans often live in Latin America for the warm climate and the lower cost of living. Some are retired while others are on a work assignment.

Americans have a more individualistic than group mentality. Typically, individual achievement is valued over brining honor to one's family. Most American couples live together before they are married and more than half of children are born to parents who are not married. Such lifestyles are not acceptable in rural Latin America, but in urban centers, it’s easy to hide what one is doing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Secularism has affected American thought. A high percentage of Americans in Latin America are either secularized or they do not allow biblical teachings to affect their lives.

Traditionally Christianity influenced most aspects of American values, morals, laws and customs. Though Christianity has undergirded American life for most of its history, economic and political ideology has a great influence on American forms of Christianity. Political ideologies, especially Christian nationalism, compromise adherence to foundational biblical principles.

American's value of individualism extends to religion in that individuals are encouraged to choose their religion over simply accepting their family's beliefs and practices. Often, the political ideology of the freedom to choose one's religion is held higher than the actual beliefs and practices of the religion itself.

What Are Their Needs?

Though Christianity is the majority religion of the American people group, one great need is for the American people to be re-evangelized with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for a revival to stir American Christians in Latin America to deepen their faith in Christ so they can be Christ’s hands and feet in Paraguay.
Pray for a revival of biblical Christianity that will trump secularism and political ideology.

Text Source:   Joshua Project