Yawalapiti in Brazil

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People Name: Yawalapiti
Country: Brazil
10/40 Window: No
Population: 300
World Population: 300
Primary Language: Portuguese
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 20.00 %
Evangelicals: 1.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Yawalapiti are a First Nations people of Brazil. Their name, which is self-designated, means "village of the tucum palm trees.”
They nearly died out as a people during the mid-20th century when a smallpox epidemic ravaged their community. Their tribe is small, and their language is all but dead. They speak Portuguese.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Yawalapiti people get their food from farming manioc, hunting wild game and fishing. Fish makes up a major part of their diet. Their manioc is eaten in the form of bread or porridge.
The river is the playground for their children who like to dive, swim and escape the tropical heat. Wrestling is an important sport for boys. It helps them gain strength and establishes their social pecking order.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Yawalapiti have some Roman Catholic influence, but most remain dedicated to their traditional shamanistic religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The Yawalapiti people need to adapt to a changing world. They will eventually need education in new areas. This will take them out of their comfort zone.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to provide protection and mercy for the Yawalapiti people of Brazil.
Pray for members of the Yawalapiti tribe who love the Lord to teach Christ to others.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move among the Yawalapiti people this decade, providing them with a hope and a purpose.

Text Source:   Joshua Project