Dec 16: Venezuela
Venezuela
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Latin America
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 912,050 sq kmAbout 80% of the population live along the Caribbean coastal belt in the north; the centre and south are grasslands and tropical forest.
Population: 29,043,555 Annual Growth: 1.68%
Capital: Caracas
Urbanites: 94%
HDI Rank: 58 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 66 (3% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Spanish Languages: 47 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: ChristianReligion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
---|---|---|---|
Christians | 24,553,421 | 84.54 | 0.8 |
Evangelicals | 3,147,421 | 10.8 | 3.2 |
Answer to Prayer
Believers are not content to rest on their laurels. In 2002, a goal was set to plant 25,000 churches and fellowships by the year 2015; many feel this is achievable. Beyond basic evangelism, churches are also starting new ministries that impact social and communal ministry and mission vision. Research by Amanecer (DAWN) along with many evangelical groups is resulting in improved awareness of the needs of each region.For an additional Answer to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
Challenge for Prayer
On a social level, Venezuela is struggling. Poverty is still widespread and may be growing, and relative living standards are dropping (60% of urbanites live in slums). Power is concentrated in the hands of an ever-shrinking cadre, and the nation is regarded as the second most corrupt in Latin America after Haiti. Venezuela is increasingly used as a transshipment point for trafficking primarily drugs but also people. The promised utopia of “21st Century socialism” is not taking root, at least not as quickly as hoped. Pray that amid significant economic change and political turmoil, the neediest in society would be cared for and communities would be strengthened.For an additional 11 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.