What is a People Group Anyway?

People Group – an ethnolinguistic group with a common self-identity that is shared by the various members. There are two parts to that word: ethno, and linguistic. Language is a primary and dominant identifying factor of a people group. But there are other factors that determine or are associated with ethnicity.

Unengaged Unreached People Groups (UUPGs) - A people group is unreached when the number of Evangelical Christians is less than 2% of its population. It is further called unengaged when there is no church planting methodology consistent with Evangelical faith and practice under way. A people group in not engaged when it has been merely adopted, is the object of focused prayer, or is part of an advocacy strategy.

Affinity Groups – large groupings of related people groups that share similar origins, languages and cultures.

Church Planting Movements – A simple, concise definition of a Church Planting Movement (CPM) is a rapid and multiplicative increase of indigenous churches planting churches within a given people group or population segment.

(www.imb.org / Global Research section)

What about the Tolupanes?

Continent: Americas

Sub-Continent: Central America

Country: Honduras

The Tolupanes of Honduras have a population of 19,300. They are part of the South American Indigenous people cluster in the Latin-Caribbean Americans affinity bloc. This people group is found only in Honduras. Their primary language is Tol. The primary religion practiced by the Tolupanes is ethno-religion, a system of religious practices closely tied to the identity of the ethnic group. Their GSEC status is 1, which means this people group is less than 2% evangelical, some evangelical resources are available, but there has been no active church planting among them within the past two years.

People group number: 25028

Other names used to refer to this people group:

Related people groups: 1

Ethnicity: American Peoples

Primary language: Tol – (jic)

Primary religion: Other Religions – Ethno-Religion

Country: Honduras

Population in this country: 19,300

Population in the world: 19,300

Status of global evangelization: 1

Christians exist: Yes

Churches exist: No

Church planting at this location: No

Church planting anywhere in the world: No
Evangelical Resources:

There are portions of the Gospel, New Testament and/or the Bible available in this people group’s heart language.

There are Gospel recordings available in this people group’s heart language.

Profile information taken from http://gettingthere.imbresources.org

For additional info, go to http://www.imb.org/main/lead/embracedefault.asp

John Durham, Honduras GO Team leader, shares a comment that reflects the need in Honduras:  ”The needs here are so great. Pastor (Acosta) said, ‘giving a plate of food is like a drop in the ocean.’  They are so thankful and hungry for the gospel.”

The team returns to Henry County Saturday, February 26, inspired and ready to share the hope of the Gospel with people they encounter week in and week out in their home context!

Another great day! We did a play to help the kids understand who Jesus is. In this village, there are Mormon, Jehovah Witness and evangelical churches, so these kids have received some mixed messages. We spent a lot of time with them this morning and now they have a clear picture of who Jesus is. The time spent with the parents was perfect. They were hungry for the food that we gave them, but mostly, they were hungry for the gospel. Tomorrow, we are spending some of the money on more food for another village, we have already given so much away. Also, we are going to the hospital tomorrow. Families, with no money, are living in the halls while their children are in the hospital. They have no money for food, hotel, or travel. The little money that they might have for food, they save to pay for medicine. These people are starving in the halls of the hospital. This hospital is only equipped for 400 people per day, but sees about 2000. We will be giving meals to these families, praying with them, and giving them love and hope through the gospel.

-John Durham

So far this week has been perfect.  Everybody is doing there part and today several people’s eternity was changed when they accepted Christ. It was awesome.  The church down here is so thankful for us being here and they are blown away by the keyboard that was donated, almost to tears.

-John Durham

February 19-26, Honduras, Team Leader: John Durham (Team Complete)

May 12-16, Canada Vision Team, Leader: Bruce Mewbourne

Approximate cost: $1095
Application Deadline: March 13

Ministry: Visit and encourage church planters, Jason and Carrie Byers at Celebration Church in Ottawa – assess short-term opportunities

June 18-25, Nicaragua, Team Leader: Matt Harless

Approximate cost: $1650
Application Deadline: March 20

Ministry: Prison outreach, food distribution, community outreach

June 25-July 2, New Mexico, Team Leader: Ken Loach

Approximate cost: $1040
Application Deadline: March 27

Ministry: Assist in new church planting efforts through outreach to Native Americans in the northwest corner of the state

July 13-23, Lebanon, Team Leader: Jason Bryant

Approximate cost: $2900
Application Deadline: April 3

Ministry: Serve communities in Northern Lebanon through local church

July 16-23, Nicaragua Student Team

Approximate cost: $1650
Application Deadline: February 27

Ministry: Prison outreach, food distribution, community outreach

Dates don’t fit your schedule?

Global Outreach is willing to work with and equip a group of 5 or more individuals committed to going together to assist one of our 20 Points of Life Partners.

LifeGroups! Custom design your GO Team by choosing dates and locations!
Contact Bruce Mewbourne for more information.

Additional Teams & Information Added Soon!

Apply Here!

The Ladies

The Guys

From Brian Shuler…

We went back to Emmanuel Village…it was awesome to see God move on that hill…4 salvations, in wood, mud, and block shack huts, dirt floors and broken lives…the first home we entered today was breath taking…I introduced myself and she started weeping…she finally started speaking…4 years ago he son named Brian was killed in a car accident…on and on each house had their own story and each time someone in our group could share something from their story to show His grace.

Brian got to see his buddy Osmond again…he loves the iPhone…he is 12 and he going to be a pastor…he was baptized 2 months ago…he already helps lead service in his grandfathers church.

Devan fell in love with a sweet little girl named Nidia. She was born with special needs and can’t talk or walk. She lives in the very poor part of the village but has a family that loves her and cares for her.  Once she was in Devan’s arms, she lost it and broke. It was a special moment. The faith of Nidia’s mom was such an encouragement. She has complete trust in God and that He is taking care of her miracle! Great day! A lot of witnessing opportunities too! So much to tell, a text can’t do justice.

No Caption Necessary!

Brian and Jessica

Joel Acosta and Brian Shuler in Emmanuel Village

Emmanuel Village, Honduras

Brian Shuler responds to being in Honduras for the first day:

What do you do with this?  My gut is wrenching from visiting Emmanuel Village.

I’m standing on the hill in the Emmanuel village. My material possessions at the moment:  phone, shoes, sunglasses, etc. probably equate to one-third of the annual wage. As we distribute the food and meet the people my heart is breaking.

I walk away with more questions than answers. I feel overwhelmed. It is actually a great place to be. I feel helpless yet hopeful. I see grace even in the midst of despair. My mind races, my heart pounds, my soul aches, but the Spirit is rejoicing because the same grace that covers the American dream is waiting to be shared with the greatest poverty I have ever experienced. Dirt floors, no running water, outhouses, sickness, recycled water from the rain is used for everything else.

I continually ask what am I suppose to do with this? I am not sure I really have an answer. All I know to do is walk by His grace and let it be known to all nations.

I guess when I told God I wanted to be radical for Him, I forgot to read the fine print.

Devan Brown and new friend

Autumn Hash loving on kids

Tegucigalpa at Night

Taken from Pastora Acosta’s Facebook page:  ”ELBC team is officially in Honduras….woohoo!!!”

We hope to post updates and pictures during the week so check back!