Introduction / History

The Mopan Maya are an Indigenous subgroup of the Maya civilization, originally from the Petén region of Guatemala. In the 18th and 19th centuries, British colonial forces expelled many Mopan from Belize, forcing them into Guatemala, where they endured forced labor and heavy taxation. By the late 1800s, many returned to Belize, founding villages like San Antonio in the Toledo District.The Mopan speak Mopan Maya, a language from the Yucatecan branch of the Mayan language family. It is closely related to Yucatec and Itza’ Maya. While many Mopan also speak English, Spanish, and Kriol, Mopan Maya remains a vital part of their identity. However, the language is not widely taught in schools, and preservation efforts rely heavily on oral tradition and community initiatives.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Mopan families are typically extended and close-knit, often living in clusters. Traditional roles persist, with men working in agriculture and women managing households and gardens. Most live in simple huts with thatched roofs, shared by multiple generations.Agriculture is central to their economy. Mopan farmers grow maize, beans, rice, and especially cacao, which holds both economic and spiritual significance. Cacao cultivation has connected them with companies like Hershey and Green & Blacks.Music, dance, and festivals are all tied to Maya-Catholic traditions. They love to ride canoes and kayaks. Pottery, weaving, and storytelling are favorite pastimes. Their youth play soccer.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Yucatan Mayans are almost entirely Roman Catholic, with a strong evangelical presence. They also have pre-Columbian practices that they blend in with Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

People living in remote farming areas, such as the Mopan Mayans, often lack access to adequate medical care and schools. Those who farm are under pressure to move off their traditional land due to oil and logging interests.

Prayer Items

Pray for their medical and educational needs to be met in abundance.Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a mighty revival to Mopan Mayan homes and churches.Pray for Mopan Mayan Christians to be filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit.Pray for Mopan Mayan Christians to excel in love, joy, and peace as they take Christ to others.Pray for them to have patience and kindness as they minister the gospel.

Scripture Prayers for the Maya, Mopan in Belize.

References

AI generated by Copilot.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mopan_people