Yukpa, Northern Motilon in Venezuela

Yukpa, Northern Motilon
Photo Source:  Bobby Gore 
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People Name: Yukpa, Northern Motilon
Country: Venezuela
10/40 Window: No
Population: 9,700
World Population: 12,300
Primary Language: Yukpa
Primary Religion: Christianity
Christian Adherents: 75.00 %
Evangelicals: 4.00 %
Scripture: Portions
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Yukpas living along the Colombian border near Machiques. Some also live in Venezuela and even the United States.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is constant conflict between the ranchers and the Yukpas over land ownership.

They are primarily hunter gatherers with their main income comes from coffee and corn. They live in thatched roof huts with dirt floors and sleep on grass mats or in hammocks. They cook over open fires and their main food sources are yucca and plantain. They have very few sources for protein and have a very high infant mortality rate due to lack of clean water and medical care. Most of the villages did not have any sanitation or water and only a few had electricity.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Their beliefs include their tribal beliefs mixed with some contact by the Catholic organizations. Churches have been established in approximately 20 villages where water projects are complete.

What Are Their Needs?

Their needs are very basic, housing, food, clothing, education and health care. They have a very high rate of alcoholism.

Prayer Points

Pray for openness and opportunities to minister among the Yukpas.
Pray for laborers who can be involved in both evangelism and human needs projects, water systems and clinics.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will bring the Yukpas to the foot of the cross.

Text Source:   Joshua Project