Evangelicals grew steadily from 4.6% in 1960 to 19% in 2010 and even higher today. Challenges to be tackled:

• Widespread legalism in churches, where appearances and knowledge hold sway over true spiritual transformation. Pray for revival and a holy dissatisfaction with the spiritual status quo.
• Pastors are stretched, with 70% of pastors forced to work bivocationally. They recognize a great need for training - but distance and cost prohibit centralized, formal training programmes.
• Unity is an uphill battle against significant cultural and denominational diversity. Barriers among churches are formidable and persistent. Pray for initiatives that will break down these walls and draw together Hispanic, English, German and Mayan-speaking believers.

Many missions, especially short-term, have saturated this small nation. Much has been positive, particularly in the areas of medicine/health care (especially in the remote and poorer areas), literacy and training. But the never-ending presence of mission-trippers creates dependency, which actually undermines the national Church. Pray for fruitful partnerships that empower and require true sacrifice by all for Kingdom purposes.

The world’s wealthiest Black majority territory still faces challenges. The disparity of wealth and the aging population will test the practical righteousness of the churches as will the influx of immigrants from poorer Caribbean nations. Gang-related violence has increased in recent years. Pray for a godly response to these issues.