El Alto, Bolivia
Highest City in the World
Fastest Growing City in Bolivia
High, Dry, On the Edge
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Who Are the Aymara?
The Aymara are one of the ancient indigenous peoples of the Altiplano of the Andes Mountains. Approximately 2.3 million Aymara live in Bolivia, Peru, Northern Chile, and Argentina.
What are their lives like?
For centuries, the Aymara have been farmers, herdsmen, or fishermen. With thousands recently migrating to the cities, they have become small business operators, domestic laborers, and drivers. Most Aymara in the city live in small, adobe rooms, often without electricity or running water. Most families consist of parents and 3 to 5 children. The women carry their infants on their backs until about the age of 3 years. Adequate health and dental care is beyond the reach of the average Aymara family. The youth in the city are faced with the challenges of gang life, drugs, and crime.
What are their beliefs?
While most Aymara claim to be Catholic, in reality few attend church regularly. The Catholicism practiced is syncretistic and combines animistic traditions with Catholic church teachings. Many are open to the gospel, however, some fear their families will disown them, or they will be persecuted by the Catholic church, if they become members of an evangelical congregation.
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What are their Needs?
- The understanding that one can have a growing, personal relationship with the living God remains a spiritual need.
- A culturally relevant and clear presentation of the Gospel leading to an understanding and acceptance of Biblical teachings which will overcome the cultural barriers to the Gospel. Chronological Bible Storying will meet this need.
- Among everyday needs are adequate health and dental care, access to affordable medicines, jobs, job training providing skills which will provide an adequate income.
- Educational needs include sufficient textbooks for students, adequately trained teachers and facilities to meet the ever-increasing numbers of students.
- Adequate water, sewer, electricity, police, paved streets, schools and other basic city services
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