Kanjobal, Eastern in Guatemala
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| People Name: | Kanjobal, Eastern |
| Country: | Guatemala |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 217,000 |
| World Population: | 311,700 |
| Primary Language: | Q'anjob'al |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 94.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 12.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Maya |
| Affinity Bloc: | Latin-Caribbean Americans |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Eastern Kanjobals live primarily in Guatemala, with some spilling over into Mexico. A large number have migrated to the United States. Q'anjob'al is their language, and their ancestors were among the ancient Mayans.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Eastern Kanjobal girls help their mothers around the house, learning to cook, clean, etc. Boys work with their fathers in the fields.
Weddings involve many rituals, but not until the bride price is paid. Parents arrange marriages, and Eastern Kanjobals marry between 12 and 18. Once they marry, they move in with the groom’s family. Eventually, the husband builds a house for the new family close to his parents’ dwelling. They live in an extended family unit.
Kanjobals are subsistence farmers who grow beans, corn, chilis, and squash. Women weave goods that they sell: shirts, shawls, and blouses. Each village has its own designs, making their work unique and especially interesting to outsiders.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Almost all are Christian, primarily Roman Catholic. They blend Roman Catholic doctrines with those of their ancestors. The cross is important to them. As Catholics, it has to do with the crucifixion. As Eastern Kanjobals, crosses represent traditional concepts of the heavens and the earth. In addition, it is an integral part of the Maya calendar, which is the basis for much of their cosmology. They believe that Mary and the saints protect their villages.
There is also a strong Evangelical movement among them that can show them the way to the true meaning of the cross.
What Are Their Needs?
Eastern Kanjobals need a better understanding of the cross and its significance. They need to put all their faith in Jesus Christ as King of kings.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in Eastern Kanjobal churches, giving them a greater understanding of the mission of Jesus Christ.
Pray that soon Eastern Kanjobal Christians will join the worldwide effort to take Christ to every tribe, tongue, and nation.