People Group Profiles

“All nations will come and worship before you."

- Revelations 15:4

Motilon, Bari of United States


People Group Info

Total Population: 1,000

ROP3 Code: 106823
IMB Affinity Group: American Peoples
Affinity Bloc: Latin-Caribbean Americans
People Cluster: Amazon
Language: Barí - (mot)
Religion: Christianity
Country of Origin: Colombia

Photo courtesy of Joshua Project.

By Bruce Olson

Majority Located Where

  New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY - 1,000

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Brief Profile

The Motilon, Bari are an indigenous people group who have come to the USA from their countries of origin in Venezuela and Colombia. They are also known by the alternate names of Motilón, Motilone, and Barí. Globally, they number just 9,200 people. Approximately 1,000 have come to the USA in search of better economic opportunities. Their primary language is Barí.

The missionary Bruce Olson began pioneering efforts among the Motilon, Bari in the 1960's, and became the blood brother of a chieftain's son. Many of them became evangelical Christians due to his work and the translation of the Bible into their language. He's considered the most influential cause behind the "Motilone Miracle", of indigenously-run schools, literacy programs, medical clinics, as well as a concerted effort of the Motilon, Bari to reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ to surrounding tribes.

Although there are no congregations of Motion, Bari in the United States, a number of them are reported to be evangelical believers.

Prayer Points

  • Pray for Motilon, Bari believers in their homelands to be bold in spreading their faith to unreached people around them. They have a plan to reach out with the gospel to 18 other surrounding tribes.
  • Pray for Motilon, Bari in the USA, that they will stay true to their faith and be active in sharing with others.


Learning Resources

Learn more about "Learning Paths"
Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.

Learn more about "Reaching the Nations"
This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.


Other Resources

Prayer Guide for Unreached Peoples
A 30 day guide to pray for unreached people groups.

Prayer Guide using the GOSPELS acronym
A prayer guide that utilizes the acronym GOSPELS to pray for workers among diaspora.

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Country City Metro Area Name State / Prov. Baseline Population
United StatesNew YorkNew York-Newark-Jersey CityNY1,000