Zapoteco Team

The Zapotecos of northeast, central and southern Oaxaca (population 440,000) speak over 50 distinct dialects. About 20 of these groups with a total of 140,000 people are less than 3 percent evangelical Christian. Most of the unreached groups are within 2 hours drive of Oaxaca City, Oaxaca.

The Zapotecos mix indigenous animistic beliefs with Roman Catholicism. Witchcraft and the occult are common practice. Religious festivals determine their rhythm of life. A council of elders that requires community service from each member leads each smaller community. Little distinction is made between civic service and service that benefits religious entities such as the Catholic Church.

More than 60 percent of Zapotecos depend on agriculture, producing corn, beans, vegetables, coffee and maguey cactus (for mezcal liquor). Artisans produce cotton/wool clothing and rugs, pottery and woven straw products. Zapoteco houses are mostly concrete block with tile or metal roofs. Houses with mud or adobe walls and thatched roofs can be found in more remote areas.

Migration of Zapotecos in search of work is an important factor in their evangelization. The gospel spreads as migrant workers in northern Mexico and the US come to know Christ and return home to share their faith with family.

For more information on how you can help, contact Kerry & Mauri Johnson at zapo5teco@earthlink.net.