Senu, Zenu in Colombia

People Name:	Senu, Zenu
Country:	Colombia
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	38,000
World Population:	38,000
Primary Language:	Spanish
Primary Religion:	Christianity
Christian Adherents:	65.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Zenu are also called the Senu. Their civilization dates back at least 2,000 years and it peaked from 200BC to 1600 AD. They were known for their management of hydraulic engineering as evidenced by a system of canals. Senus were also known for their gold and copper goods. They had a practice of burying gold with their dead which attracted Spanish conquistadors to loot their graves. During the early days of Spanish colonialism, they were nearly killed off by the colonialists. The Senu language died out 200 years ago; it was replaced by Spanish. They are one of Colombia s largest indigenous peoples.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today they produce handmade goods, fish, raise livestock and grow crops. There is a division of labor by gender and age. Children gather water, women take care of domestic issues and weave marketable handcrafts. Men build homes and take care of the crops.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they still have their traditional shamanistic religion the Senu are about two-thirds Christian, mostly Roman Catholic. There is a small Evangelical presence.

What Are Their Needs?

The Senus need to put Jesus Christ first in their spiritual lives.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Senus to hunger and thirst for righteousness, leading them to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in their churches, drawing many into a deeper relationship with the Lord of lords.
Pray for Senu disciples to make more disciples.