The rugged Mixteca Mountains of southern Mexico is the birthplace of a great and noble people. Even before the Mayans … before the Aztecs, … there were the Mixteco people. Legend has it that in the misty beginning of time, … gods planted trees along the River of Lineage. It was from these majestic trees, … these holy trees … that the Mixteco nation came into being. Others say that the people did not come from the trees but … instead … the gods molded them from ears of corn and eventually these men of corn populated the world.
In reality, the Mixteco people became one of the major civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Aztecs finally conquered them about 30 years prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Eventually, the Spanish subdued them; nevertheless, they hung onto much of their original culture and traditions.
Today, the Mixteco people claim allegiance to the Catholic Church but still practice many of their pagan beliefs. They have also retained their original language with over 50 dialects spoken today. The Mixteco people have migrated throughout the Americas but most live in southern Mexico mainly in the State of Oaxaca.
Thousands continue to migrate to the United States for work. Today, the Mixteco population totals about 400,000.While employment elsewhere (than in Mexico)provides a good source of income, it also causes many problems. In many families, there is no man present. Children are left without good male role models. Many fall into addictions like alcohol or drugs. This lifestyle is often a serious problem even among professed Christians. The wife is left to provide for the family. Teaching believers to stand firm against areas of temptation is an important ministry. (from a missionary friends website)
LOCALLY
We are still working on the numbers but there is a large community right here in Montgomery, AL that several churches are reaching.
A. We know that this people group speaks their own language which is Mixteco and there are over 50 dialects out of that language.It is an ORAL language. Most do not know ANY Spanish and mostly the children know English because of being in school.
B. We know that most have migrated to Montgomery to work via other states along the way. We know that there are a lot of the families of low wealth and illiterate in their own language. A lot of them struggle with temptations of alcohol and drug use. Many though are very hard workers and are struggling to make ends meet.
C. We know that these churches are already reaching out:
Yarborough Street Baptist seems to have the most kids who come to all activities(around 40 total). Shepherds Staff, Community of Hope and Forest Park Ministry are reaching families through community ministries and Ridgecrest has invited kids and picked up to participate in their Awana program. Eastern Hills runs a van ministry to pick kids up for church. Thorington Road and Heritage have partnered in Backyard Bible Clubs and other ways to help reach the kids.
D. We know that the Mixteco people seem to live in 3 main areas of the city, Forest Park, Highland Gardens and Cypress Apartments.
What can you do?
PRAY
1. We need prayer warriors who are willing and ready to pray for those churches who are already reaching out.
2. Pray for the Mixteco families. Although most seem to have a Christian/Catholic background, some are still very steeped in tribal traditions and practices.
3. Pray for resources to help the families. Most do not have insurance. Most work at low paying jobs. Most have larger families. Very few have resources to help their kids with some basics like eyeglasses, school supplies and doctor visits.
PARTNER
If you are interested in partnering with churches and ministries who care for the Mixteco people group, contact Lisa Rose for more information on what you can do.
PROVIDE
Funds for Jesus films and audio Bibles.
Volunteers to teach English to the parents, help with a Health Fair and tutor kids.
Lisa Rose
Director of MBA Church and Community Ministries
20 Interstate Park DriveMontgomery, AL 36109
334-271-6794
lrose@mgmbaptist.org
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