Evangelical Christians have increased from 2% in 1970 to nearly 17% in 2010. The Association of Evangelicals is providing good leadership. Pray for continued growth in the gospel witness.

The Carib Indians live on an isolated reservation on the northeast coast of Dominica. They are among the last indigenous peoples in the Caribbean to survive the arrival of colonialism and subsequent waves of immigrants. Most are nominally Christian, but only a small number actively follow Christ. Pray that these socially deprived people may find their true identity and fulfilment in Him.

Catholicism has held sway since the arrival of the Spanish and their "converted" slaves. Unfortunately, nearly half of those who call themselves Catholic are not active in their faith. Up to 25% of those claimed by the Catholic Church declare themselves to have no religion. Many who are active practice a dangerous blend of Christianity and Afro-Spiritism, influenced by Cuban santeria and Haitian voodoo. The influence of the Catholic Church was such that, in the past, becoming a Protestant meant disapproval and ostracism. Pray for widespread renewal and awakening among Catholics to the power of Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the faithful who continue to follow Jesus within Catholicism.

Evangelical growth continues, with numbers steadily increasing for the past few decades. The Pentecostal/charismatic churches claim large increases in numbers; the ministries of Brethren, Baptists and many others are effective in their holistic and empowering approach. Pray that the dynamism and ambition of the former groups might be wedded to the hands-on transforming ministry of the latter, so that growth might be in number and in quality. Many are open to the gospel when presented simply and in love.

Church resources are a constant battle. Evangelicals generally work out of a context of poverty, which usually cultivates a receiving-only attitude and a relationship of dependency on foreign organizations. Many current and potential spiritual leaders leave the country for the economic improvements of life in the USA or Puerto Rico. Pray for endurance, provision and faithfulness to those called to minister, especially those serving in the poorer, rural areas. Pray that the 15 or so Bible schools and the National Evangelical University may provide spiritual, mature and stable leaders for the future.

The large Haitian underclass proves to be a scapegoat and a challenge, but a responsive mission field. Haitians are immigrants, or descendants of immigrants, who are usually despised by Hispanics and forced to work as manual labourers in unjust and harsh conditions. They bring many of Haiti's problems with them and face discrimination from Dominicans - even from Christians. As Haiti continues to stagnate, the situation will only increase and intensify. Pray for the growing Haitian churches in DR (Christian Reformed, Baptist, Nazarene, others). Pray for the Dominican Church to take up this challenge with faith and good grace.