Ache

Fabio, a missionary from Venezuela, is devoting his life to music ministry among the indigenous people of Paraguay. Here’s a sample of some Aché music he helped compose and record.





On the edge of humid forests in southeastern Paraguay, about 1,500 Aché people live in small, wooden houses in six different tight-knit communities. Aché exposure to Christianity began as they settled near Spanish-speaking Paraguayans. Although up to 40% of the population are Christians, many Aché believers still cling to old beliefs. One example is their reference to the Holy Spirit as krei, a spirit of the forest. Even though the Christians meet weekly to study the Spanish Bible, it is a confusing book for them. They need the Scriptures in their own language.

Most Aché people are hunter-gatherers, though some keep gardens, harvest nearby fields or sell handicrafts. The men use large bows and arrows to hunt wild game such as armadillos, paca and monkeys, while women and children gather honey, palm fiber and fruit.

The team is translating Luke for the production of the JESUS film. After that, they will translate the rest of the New Testament and the major books of the Old Testament. Although the Aché team is eager, their resources are limited. They need partners who will pray, provide essential equipment, sponsor training and supplement their income to allow them to work full-time.