Ambalo in Colombia

Introduction / History

The Ambalo tribe lives only in Colombia. They speak Spanish rather than their traditional language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Ambalo society is patriarchal. Inheritance is through the father s line of the family. Work is divided by the two genders. Men do heavy work such as preparing the soil for their farms. He works with his sons. Women must take care of children, carry water, care for livestock and prepare meals with the help of her daughters.

They are an agricultural people who grow their own crops and raise livestock. They supplement their diets with fish. Whatever they don t eat they sell or trade. Canned goods are replacing what they once grew because of land degradation.

Though they traditionally lived in homes built from local plant materials, they now use bricks to build homes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They have their own ancient legends about creation which involve powerful spirits and created humankind. Most of their indigenous beliefs are rooted in nature. They inherited wisdom from their ancestors which they share with their children. Most blend these beliefs with Roman Catholicism, but others are either Jehovah s Witness or Evangelical.

What Are Their Needs?

They struggle because their homeland has been divided by a road. This is leading to the dissolution of their community.

Prayer Points

Pray for Ambalo disciples to disciple others.
Pray for Ambalo churches to exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit, drawing others to the Lord.
Pray for the Lord to abundantly provide for the Ambalo as a testimony of his goodness and power.

Text Source:   Joshua Project