Tremembe in Brazil

Tremembe
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People Name: Tremembe
Country: Brazil
10/40 Window: No
Population: 300
World Population: 300
Primary Language: Portuguese
Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents: 20.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South American Indigenous
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Tremembe people lived in a vast area of Brazil's coast when the Portuguese arrived in the 1500s. They were moved to Jesuit-run mission until the Jesuits were expelled from Brazil in 1759. For a time, the Tremembe moved to a different location, but things went so poorly for them that they were allowed to return to the old mission. They had land until the 1854 Land Tenure Decree. A state governor declared the Tremembe to be an extinct people in 1863. Today the number of Tremembe people is disputed.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They no longer speak their own language; they speak Portuguese. However, they have their own torém dance, which is a key element in Brazil for determining if this is in fact a distinct tribe. Their dance is simple, but it gives them identity as a people despite the fact they have lost their language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tremembe people are often Roman Catholic. However, those who identify with their tribe usually focus on ancient religious practices rather than the teachings of Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tremembe people need to put their identity in Christ while maintaining their own culture. They are among the vast number of tribes, tongues and nations that will worship the Lord in Rev. 7:9-10.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Tremembe people to find their way to Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Catholic church in Brazil to be purified by a love for the Resurrected Savior.
Pray for spiritual discernment among the Tremembe people.
Pray for Tremembe disciples who will make more disciples to follow the Lamb of God.

Text Source:   Joshua Project