Tarahumara

After the Spanish conquest of the 1500s, the Tarahumara scattered throughout the Sierra Madre mountains of Northern Mexico. Outsiders access their communities only via a spiderweb of treacherous dirt roads and isolated airstrips.

With a population of approximately 120,000, the Tarahumara share a language and customs. They are geographically and culturally isolated from the Mexican majority.

Initially, the Tarahumara cultivated the verdant plains of Northern Mexico. After the Spanish displaced them, though, they adapted to subsistence farming in the dry, rocky soil of the Sierra Madre.

Although introduced to Roman Catholicism by the Spanish, the local Christian faith is virtually unrecognizable beneath layers of animistic tribal traditions. Most Tarahumara have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.

With a lack of adequate healthcare and limited food resources, the Tarahumara face high rates of infant mortality and malnutrition. They also suffer from treatable diseases such as tuberculosis and skin conditions.

A Pioneers team composed of Mexican nationals, Germans and Americans serves the Tarahumara with healthcare and literacy. Their goal? To see an indigenous church emerge.

The team established two clinics in the mountains. These provide free healthcare, medicine and also lodging for families when members need to stay for treatment.

The team also works in cities where Tarahumara seek employment and social services.

Team members Luis (a physician) and Damaris (a nurse) examine a baby brought to the clinic.

The team gathers daily for a time of prayer before the clinic opens to treat for patients.

Alongside caring for the physical needs of the Tarahumara, the team is dedicated to sharing the gospel through chronological Bible stories. They also offer a literacy-based curriculum using biblical stories to teach reading.

Corn (ground for tortillas and pinole), beans and, rarely, the addition of meat form the typical diet in this area.

Whether in the cities or on the rugged hillside, you can recognize Tarahumara by the bright colors of the women’s traditional, hand-sewn clothing.