The Quilombolas of Brazil are descendents of African runaway slaves that founded their own villages and returned to the customs of their mother land. Aprox. 95% of 2,800 plus Quilombos (i.e.Villages of the Quilombola people) in Brazil are in tucked away places in the middle of nowhere, on islands, peninsulas, near swamps, places of drought, deep wooded, and jungle areas.
· Quilombos are found in 22 of Brazil’s 26 states.
Their remote location has made them a “forgotten people”, with little or no political clout to better their misery level circumstances. Most Quilombolas live in a state of absolute poverty or in extreme conditions. Worms, scabies, and malnutrition are common problems due to the lack of hygiene and proper nutrition.
· Many Quilombolas are all extended family, with the possible exception of an outsider becoming a common law spouse to a Quilombola. Most Quilombolas do not officially marry. Therefore, many of the men and women have several common law spouses within a lifetime. Quilombolas generally have common law marriages with their relatives. Incest takes place in many Quilombos.
· We have never seen a computer in a Quilombo. We have only seen one senior high school, grades 9-11, in a Quilombo. The vast majority of Quilombolas appear to have never traveled outside of their village. The exceptions are men and women who are contracted for manual labor for three to four months in various industries in major cities.· Their greatest need is Spiritual. Most live in fear of spirits, incantations, and in extreme spiritual darkness. Their eternity hinges on hearing the Gospel.
Pray that the Quilombolas will be reached with the Gospel. This is an enormous challenge. Pray for Keith and Deborah Jefferson as they lead the Quilombo Team in Brazil. Pray for more workers for the harvest. You may be one of those God is calling. Pray with an open heart. Pray, please Pray!
Bruce,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this information about the Quilombolas. My name is Dayna Friedman. I am a fellow believer and missionary here in the US. I am the Director of Shield of Faith Missions and am currently a doctorate student. I am completing my dissertation on unreached people groups and have chosen the Quilombolas because of my encounters with many of them during a short-term medical mission trip to Brazil in 2011. It seems that you have a great deal of first hand knowledge of these people. I was wondering if you might assist me? I would like to learn as much as I can about these people; culture, religion, language, economy, family. Also learn about the work of missionaries who have been there before and learn different strategies they have used in bringing the gospel to these people.
I would appreciate any and all information you could give.
Thank you very much!
Dayna Friedman
www.shieldoffaithmissions.com