Tumbala Ch'ol in Mexico


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Tumbalá Ch'ol people are part of the Maya people cluster within the Latin-Caribbean Americans affinity bloc. They primarily speak Ch'ol (ctu), a Mayan language spoken in southern Mexico. The Ch'ol people, including the Tumbalá subgroup, have deep historical roots in the region and are descendants of the ancient Maya civilization. Over time, many have adopted Christianity, particularly Roman Catholicism, while retaining aspects of their indigenous identity.
The Tumbalá Ch'ol live in rural and mountainous areas of southern Mexico, especially in Chiapas. A smaller number have migrated to the U.S.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Their livelihoods are based on subsistence farming, craftsmanship, and local trade. Community life is centered around family, traditional customs, and religious festivals. Despite modernization, many still maintain their indigenous language and cultural practices. Access to education and healthcare varies, with rural areas often underserved.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Tumbalá Ch'ol people are predominantly Christian, with Roman Catholicism being the primary tradition. A significant portion of the population identifies as Evangelical. Their faith includes participation in church life, celebration of Christian holidays, and use of Christian media. Resources such as the Bible, the JESUS Film, and gospel recordings are available in the Ch'ol language, though radio broadcasts are not currently accessible.


What Are Their Needs?

They need continued discipleship and biblical teaching in the Ch'ol language to deepen their understanding of Scripture.
They need culturally relevant leadership development so that local pastors and evangelists can minister effectively within their communities.
They need access to Christian radio broadcasts in Ch'ol to reach remote areas with the gospel.
They need holistic development programs, including education, healthcare, and economic support, to improve living conditions and support spiritual growth.


Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual renewal and boldness among Tumbalá Ch'ol believers to share the gospel with their neighbors.
Ask God to raise up strong, culturally sensitive leaders who can disciple others and plant churches.
Pray for the translation and distribution of additional Christian resources in Ch'ol.
Pray for healing and reconciliation in communities where traditional beliefs and Christianity intersect.
Pray that the younger generation will remain rooted in Christ and become agents of transformation in society.


Scripture Prayers for the Ch'ol, Tumbala in Mexico.


References

AI generated by Copilot


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Ch'ol, Tumbala
People Name in Country Ch'ol, Tumbala
Natural Name Tumbala Ch'ol
Pronunciation toom-BAH-lah Chuh-OHL
Alternate Names Chol, Tumbala, Chiapas; Tumbala Chol
Population this Country 187,000
Population all Countries 189,000
Total Countries 2
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 6  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 15632
ROP3 Code 110270
Country Mexico
Region America, Latin
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 31  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Chiapas state: Chivalito, Limar, Tila, and Vicente Guerrero.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Mexico
Region America, Latin
Continent North America
10/40 Window No
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 31  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Chiapas state: Chivalito, Limar, Tila, and Vicente Guerrero..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Ch'ol, Tumbala in Mexico

Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
97.00 %
Ethnic Religions
3.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Chol (187,000 speakers)
Language Code ctu   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Tumbala
Dialect Code 14   Global Recordings Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Chol (187,000 speakers)
Language Code ctu   Ethnologue Listing
Primary Dialect Tumbala
Dialect Code 14   Global Recordings Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Chol

Primary Language:  Chol

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1947-1968)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1960-1976)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1977-2011)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Chol Jesus Film Project
Film / Video LUMO film of Gospels Bible Media Group/LUMO
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links (Tila) Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download (Tila) SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Chol YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible App: Chol of Tila - Bible Wycliffe Bible Translators
Mobile App Android Bible App: Chol of Tumbalá - Bible Wycliffe Bible Translators
Mobile App iOS Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Chol YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Sirkoft - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source Location: SIL / WLMS. Imagery: GMI, ESRI, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics, ESRI User Community. Design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.