Project Profile Zapoteco Del Istmo

Zapoteco del Istmo
Language
MEXICO
Americas
Meet the
ZAPOTECO DEL ISTMO PEOPLE
[ZAH - POH - TEK’ - OH]
Poverty, alcohol abuse and idol worship pervade this indigenous people who value community solidarity and
proverbial wisdom. Churches have joined together to request translation of poetic Old Testament books that
are structurally similar to the Zapoteco language.
Goals
Old Testament
selections
Expected
Impact
Strengths
Local churches provide strong
ownership and support, ensuring
Scripture use and engagement.
Highly qualified and committed
translation team is eager to work,
and a good training plan is in place.
01 Old Testament in the
mother tongue will strengthen
the evangelism and outreach of
local churches.
Partners
UNTI (national association of
indigenous Bible translators)
Local denominational
organizations and churches
Peace for the City
Risks
The national partner, UNTI, is
engaging in enhanced ways
and working closely with local
churches to determine goals
and needs. The poetic books
— chosen by church leaders —
can be difficult to translate.
02 Wisdom from the poetic
books will resonate with a
people whose mother tongue is
poetic in nature.
Quick Facts
Location: Mexico
Number of Speakers:
250,000
Expected Completion:
2019
03 Old Testament Scripture will
deepen Zapoteco understanding
of the existing New Testament and
lead to salvation for many.
01
theseedcompany.org
PROJECT PROFILE
The Challenge
The Solution
The Zapoteco of the Isthmus region comprise one of the
largest people groups in Mexico. They are known for producing
gold jewelry and colorful textiles. Embroidered blouses, skirts,
tablecloths and napkins fill market squares, along with fishing
nets and hammocks of yarn or string. They also excel at making
tanned leather belts, sandals and small armchairs, and crafting
griddles, pots and other kitchen items from clay.
In the past, journalists and documentarians depicted Zapoteco
society as matriarchal — a result of the devastation by alcohol
in the lives of Zapoteco men. Many drank to excess daily and
fought frequently. Their wives, meanwhile, not only raised the
children but also took charge of earning and managing income.
Men typically are craftsmen, farmers or fishermen, while women
make fresh corn tortillas and other local foods. They sell extra
foods and wares at the market, managing the money.
The ancient Zapotecos’ traditional religion focused on multiple
gods connected with nature. These beliefs underlie the activities
and ceremonies of Zapoteco life: planting, harvesting, birth,
festivals, marriage and death. Later, pre-Hispanic beliefs mixed
with the religion of the conquerors, leading to a syncretism that
continues in the present day.
The Zapoteco have a New Testament in their language. Published
in 1972, the existing Scripture needs to be revised to a more
natural sounding version. Although mature Christian churches
exist in many denominations, the spiritual needs of the people
are significant.
Pray
With Us
Church leaders are excited about improvement they’ve seen
in the lives of Zapoteco believers. As Christianity increases,
the men are changing. Those who come to faith no longer
drink. Consequently, their families enjoy more balance between
husband and wife. Christian men provide strong role models for
their sons, other family members and friends.
The community, represented by Zapoteco leaders, eagerly
anticipates the translation of the Old Testament. Jonah, Psalms,
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon are first priority,
followed by Genesis, 1 Samuel, Joshua and Ruth. Job is planned
for the next phase. The richness of these Bible books will inform
the daily life of the Zapotecos.
Plans include not only printing of new Scripture, but also audio
recording. Supportive church leaders look forward to printed
drafts, story booklets, animated publications and training in the
use of scriptural materials.
Lord, prepare the Zapoteco people to experience Your Word in their heart
language. Inspire creative souls to write and perform songs, drama and other
cultural expressions of worship.
How You Can Make a Difference
PRAYER | Holy Father, You ordained this time for the Zapoteco del
Istmo people to receive the richness of Old Testament wisdom,
stories and history. Your Holy Spirit initiated excitement within
several denominations and brought them together with a common
goal. You provided a willing team who will work together with a
heart for their people. We are so grateful to You.
Lord, bless the team members with solid training and insight.
Protect them and their families from illness and opposition.
Prepare the Zapoteco people to experience Your Word in their
heart language. Help Christians to be bold in sharing their
testimonies.
FINANCIAL INVESTMENT | Help bring the Zapoteco del Istmo
people Scripture they can understand. Your investment will give
the Zapoteco del Istmo churches the tools they need for personal
spiritual enrichment as well as effective outreach to their people.
As an investor, you will help the Zapoteco del Istmo translators
receive training, equipment and a livelihood as they work to bring
God’s Word to their people in their own language.
Call the Seed Company at 1-866-663-8377 or visit
theseedcompany.org/projects/zapoteco-del-istmo to make your
commitment to the Zapoteco del Istmo people today.
Visit theSeedCompany.org or call 1-866-663-8377 to join the team today.
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written permission. The proprietary profile or update was prepared exclusively for Seed Company partners and investors. Photos by Esther Havens