Enlhet in Paraguay

People Name:	Enlhet
Country:	Paraguay
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	8,600
World Population:	8,600
Primary Language:	Enlhet
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	25.00 %
Evangelicals:	3.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Guarani
Affinity Bloc:	Latin-Caribbean Americans
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Enlhet is a language of Paraguay’s Chaco region. The people who speak it are also called the northern Enxet people. They live in the departments of Concepción, Presidente Hayes and Boquerón.

Traditionally, they lived on what they hunted and fished, harvested fruits and honey from the The colonization operated by the Paraguayan State through the sale of lands considered public between 1885-1887, was carried out by Anglican missionaries who penetrated along with cattle ranchers and military men, modifying and alienating the Enxet territory. Before the invasion of their territory, the economy of this people was based on hunting, gathering and fishing; they also cultivated small farms and had some domestic animals.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They still practice hunting and gathering as in the past, but with lesser results. They also cultivate sweet potatoes, tobacco, corn and manioc. They work in the Mennonite colonies and in the ranches of the Zone where they carry out the heaviest and less remunerated work.

What Are Their Beliefs?

They held festivals when there was an abundance of honey, carob or any of the raw materials used to drink during the ceremonies. They recognize seven main festivals, some of which, with variations, are shared with the other Enlhet-Enlhet peoples. There is the Yanmana (women's initiation), Waynkya (the male initiation festival) Kyaiya (related to the seasons), and other festivals for war, marriage, welcoming visitors and funerary ceremonies.

About two thirds of the Enlhet people are Christian, mostly Roman Catholic. Some are Evangelical. They might also engage in indigenous religious practices.

What Are Their Needs?

The Enlhet people live in a rural area where adequate medical care is hard to obtain.

Prayer Points

Pray that there be no mixture or confusion between what the word says and their ancestral beliefs.
Pray for a clear knowledge of the gospel and the Christian life on the part of the members of the evangelical churches.
Pray for the leaders of the church, for their preparation and development.
Pray for wisdom on the part of the non-Enlhet evangelical world to know how to provide healthy support to these people.