Guambiano in Colombia

Introduction / History

The Guambianos speak a language by the same name and live on the western side of the Colombian Andes range. They live near Silva. They are also called Misak.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Guambianos are farmers who grow cabbage, beans, potatoes, cassava and coffee. Women help with the family income by selling woven goods. They are known for their clothing. They wear blue scarves, rectangular ponchos and black shirts. Both genders wear black bowler hats. Their society is patriarchal, with rules for hereditary offices and descent lines. Property passes through the male lines.

At one time the Guambianos avoided outsiders, but now they gravitate to places near roadsides where they can sell their woven goods. Some make their homes into crafts workshops where they invite outsiders to watch them work and buy their products. The kitchen is the most important part of the home, not only for food but also where they keep the heart in this cold climate.

What Are Their Beliefs?

As a farming people, they traditionally believed in Mother Earth as their source. Mother Earth provided a good harvest if they would perform the right rituals that often involved singing and dancing. A high percentage are now either Roman Catholic or Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

The Guambianos need to send out laborers to spread the fragrance of Christ to other parts of South America. Many tribes are under-reached or not reached at all.

Prayer Points

Pray for Guambiano disciples who will make more disciples in Colombia and beyond.
Pray for spiritual hunger that will lead many to the cross.
Pray for a movement to Christ that will bless them in every way.
Pray for their churches to be defined by obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Text Source:   Joshua Project