Christian Music from Guatemala: The Mayan People

In the Southwest highlands of Guatemala is a beautiful mountainous region which contains the best preserved of the 3000 year old Mayan culture. Many Mayan communities exist here in much the same way they always have, close to the land.

It was 500 years ago that Spain conquered Central America. The effects of this has been devastating to the Mayan people. Land rights were lost and they now find themselves living as indentured servants to the few remaining wealthy Spanish land lords.

The Community of Porvenir is one of these communities tucked away in the mountainous hill sides. The sounds of the marimba are everywhere heard, especially in their worship which is regularly offered in their traditional mass.

Their Mayan language, Kachiquel, is still spoken, however Spanish has become their public and worship language. You will hear Spanish in this video.

Shortly after visiting this community and recording their worship, a land slide slammed huge boulders into their village, tragically killing 27 from among their community.

The loss was deep and recovery has been slow, but the Community of Porvenir has managed to find the inner strength and faith to persevere. Sounds of their heart worship continue to fill the air.

Song title and lyrics are:

VIENEN CON ALEGRIA SENOR
They Are Coming With Joy, Lord

VIENEN CON ALEGRIA SENOR
They are coming with joy, Lord
CANTANDO VIENEN CON AGEGRIA SENOR
Singing, they are coming with joy, Lord
LOS QUE CAMINAN POR LA VIDA SENOR
The ones that walk through life, Lord
DEJANDO TU PAZ Y AMOR
Leaving Your peace and love

VIENEN TRAYENDO LA ESPERANZA
They are bringing hope
A UN MUNDO CARGADO DE ANSIEDAD
To a world full of anxiety
A UN MUNDO QUE BUSA Y VIDA
To a world that looks for but does not find
DEJANDO TU PAZ Y AMOR
The paths of love and friendship

VIENEN CON ALEGRIA SENOR
They are coming with joy, Lord
CANTANDO VIENE CON ALEGRIA SENOR
Singing, they are coming with joy, Lord
LOS QUE CAMINAN POR LA VIDA SENOR
The ones that walk through life, Lord
DEJANDO TU PAZ Y AMOR
Leaving your peace and love


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