Today We Join With Operation World in Praying for

Portugal

Portuguese Republic

Europe

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 92,389 sq km
occupying 15% of the Iberian Peninsula, which is shared with Spain. Also, the Atlantic islands of the Azores (2,247 sq km, nine islands) and Madeira (794 sq km, two islands).
Population: 10,732,357    Annual Growth: 0.35%
Capital: Lisbon
Urbanites: 60.7%
HDI Rank: 34 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 31 (13% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Portuguese    Languages: 9All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	10,131,345	94.40	0.3
Evangelicals	318,868	3.0	1.1

Challenges for Prayer

Religious and political freedoms gained in 1975 have transformed the nation, but high religious affiliation and freedom does not translate into genuine faith. This is reflected in the challenges of materialism, individualism and increasing substance abuse. The religious freedom gained is taken advantage of by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and New Age philosophies. Pray for the truth about Jesus to be made known by wise Christian leaders of all confessions.
The Roman Catholic Church is strongly traditional and retains much influence, but it is in need of renewal. The north is more loyal to Catholicism, but in the centre and south, religion is becoming irrelevant to the secularized majority. In some southern areas, less than 3% attend mass, despite efforts of several congregations to reach young people and young families. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work so that many are freed from traditionalism and encounter the Scriptures and the Saviour in a meaningful way.
     For an additional 6 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.