The Guahibo (pronounced Gwah-HEE-bo), also known as Sikuani, were once one of the largest indigenous people groups in Colombia. Years ago, some Christian groups came to share the Gospel with them, but they did so in Spanish, a language the Guahibo didn’t fully understand. This led to a mix of traditional ideas and what looked like faith (sincretism), and a “works salvation”.
For many years, the Guahibo church went through a season of little fruit and limited spiritual growth. Today, the focus is on returning to the foundation of the Gospel, clearly teaching the essential truths of the Christian faith. The goal is to lovingly confront the syncretism, animism, and legalism that shaped their beliefs for so long, so that through God’s Word they may experience true freedom in Christ.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
There are hundreds of Guahibo churches spread across at least three departments in Colombia and some in Venezuela. Because of this wide reach, teaching the truth of the Gospel and helping correct practices that drifted from God’s Word has become a major challenge. To support this effort, ethnos 360 (known before as New Tribes Missions) developed the Bible Study by Extension Program, printed materials designed to guide learning in remote communities.
These materials were first used to train a group of tutors who are now equipping others. They regularly visit communities to teach the lessons, encourage local believers, and help answer any questions that come up along the way.
At RBW, we partner with Ethnos 360 to support the growth of the church and promoting sound doctrine. One of the ways we do this is by sponsoring tutors in the Bible Study by Extension program, providing resources for their transportation and personal support. This allows them to dedicate their time and energy fully to advancing the message of the Gospel.
We are also excited to join the Guahibo church in supporting the launch of youth and children’s ministries, a new initiative focused on reaching the next generation. With engaging and biblically solid materials designed especially for “the least of these,” we aim to both strengthen young hearts in the faith and help preserve the language through which God speaks to them most deeply.
We are currently gathering resources to strengthen the work of the Guahibo church among children and youth. This includes supporting tutors who are specifically focused on developing age-appropriate materials and traveling to train others in local communities. We also help provide supplies for activities and transportation needs. We firmly believe that the spiritual growth among the Guahibo people can serve as a catalyst for reaching many other tribes throughout Colombia and Venezuela with the Gospel.
