Bolivia

With a population of 9 million, Bolivia is located in the heart of South America.Over 80% of the children live in extreme poverty and are addicted to drugs with 50% of the world's cocaine coming from this country. During the 90's, there was a large increase in Evangelicals including conversions to Christ in the Aymara, a pre-Inca civilization, and even in the Bolivian army. Churches are therefore growing, but due to illiteracy,many people cannot read the Bible. Pray for the integrity of the families who rely on income from drug sales and also for the spiritual darkness that surrounds Bolivia's past as it to continues to be broken by the light. Also, be praying for continued Church growth and Bible literacy to increase.

Argentina

Argentina is the second largest country in South America with a population of 40, 301,927.  It is a melting pot of people with a large percentage being of European descent.  The natives to Argentina are called Ameridians, and although they are spread out throughout the country, they are small in number.  Being the melting pot that it is, Argentina has been influenced by many different religions.  Although there is a large percentage of Christians in the country, there are also large groups of followers from the Mormon, Jewish, and Islamic background. 
With about a 92% Christian background, and 91% of that being Catholic, there is a rich Christian heritage, but the percentage of evangelicals is lower at around 10%.  We can praise God for his renewal within the country's faith since 1983 through large-scale evangelism.  Pray for a deepening of the work of the Holy Spirit as the spiritual hunger in Argentina grows.  Pray also for the large number of denominations in Argentina and that there would be unity among the fellow believers.  Pray for vision for the leaders, that they would seek to reach the rural and provincial areas that have been little affected for the Christ.  Beyond that, there has been much talk among spiritual leaders about reaching the world.  May God further their interest in taking His message beyond even Argentina.  Pray for Argentina this week.

 

Belize

Belize is a country in Central America, with a population of 297,651.  After being a British colony for more than a century, Belize gained its independence in 1981.  The culture is comprised of many different backgrounds.  They have a predominately Catholic society with some Protestant background.  Other religions have recently been introduced like Taoism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, and Jehovah's Witness.   Pray for the Christians in Belize this week, that the different underlying superstitions and black magic wouldn't taint their beliefs.  Pray also that all the people would have a chance to hear the truth about Jesus Christ in a way that is culturally relevant.

 

Guatemala

Guatemala is in Central Latin America.  It is the largest country in the region with a population of 13 million.  Because of a peace treaty facilitated by Christians in the nation, 1996 saw the end to a 36 year civil war.  This allowed for great freedom of evangelical Christan growth; ie: 3% in 1960 and 25% in 2001.  From the census, we know that over 25% of Catholics in Guatemala regard Mayan gods as saints.  This taint in beliefs is one thing we need to be in prayer about for the country.  This week, as we pray for Guatemala, continue to pray for the witness of Christ through the Church's continued reconciliation efforts between the indigenous population and it's oppressors.  Also, continue praying for Bible translation as well as other media outreaches to the 38 indigenous people groups.  Keep Guatemala in your prayers this week.

 

Swaziland

Swaziland, which is located between South Africa and Mozambique, has a population of 1,032,000 people.  They speak Swati and English, which is probably around because of the British occupation that ended in 1968.  Swaziland still needs prayer for some of their unresolved political, constitutional issues.  The AIDS epidemic has a strong incidence (of over 25%) in the country and continues to affect politics, the economy, and basic everyday life.  Pray for them as they try to help and educate everyone about how to deal with the AIDS crisis.

There is actually a fairly large population of Christians in Swaziland at 82%, with 29% being Evangelical.  We can praise God for the faithful sharing of the good news for the past 150 years that has led to this strong community.  The churches need prayer against nominalism, and some have been compromising their faith due to the influences of polygamy, witchcraft, ancestry worship, and appeasement sacrifices that are prevalent within the culture.

 

 

 

 

France - Aug, 24, 2008