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their conversion was to leave certain sinful practices especially vices (Fajardo 1987:55-79). Both cases centre attention on the challenge of abandoning \u2018customs\u2019 which are associated with habits or vices which affect personal, family and community life.\u000A2. Opinions about the indigenous communities\u000AThere is no unified form of thought between the NPS with relation to the indigenous people and their role in the Guatemalan society. With some differences, most of the pastors affirm that the indigenous people and their culture deserve their respect as long as they do not enter into conflict with Christian principles. They all agree that both the Ladinos as well as indigenous people were created in God\u2019s image and likeness, and so have the same rights. Others recognize the contribution of the indigenous communities, but maintain a language that reflects certain stereotypes that still weigh on the communities. One of the pastors when asked his opinion about the indigenous people talked about them in the following way: \u2018imagine that \u2018our little Indians\u2019 our \u2018race\u2019 is a blessing\u2019. This form of talking about the indigenous people reflects certain paternalism that the racially mixed Ladino has maintained during the centuries.\u000AThe ESH co-pastor notes that it is necessary to value the indigenous person. In his opinion there are certain characteristics of the indigenous people that differentiate them from the Ladinos. He recognizes that the indigenous communities have certain values like \u2018frugality\u2019 and \u2018respect\u2019, whereas the Ladino of mixed race is \u2018ostentatious\u2019, \u2018a spender of money\u2019 and \u2018vain\u2019 (A8ESH). Another associate pastor affirms that Guatemala \u2018is what it is\u2019 because of the indigenous people. They are those that take care of the agriculture and the basic Guatemalan food production (A5ICV).\u000AThe ESH senior pastor recognizes that racism exists in Guatemala but that the indigenous people are dealt with differently in the Evangelical churches. That is to say, they are recognized as brothers in the faith, their human dignity is valued, and they are integrated into the life and mission of the church (P3ESH). Throughout the years of\u000A227\u000A