“Come near to God, and He will come near to you!”
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”(James 4:8,NIV)
Curacao
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 152,000
Area | 444㎢ Located in the southern Caribbean Sea, close to Venezuela.
Capital City | Willemstad (144,000)
People Groups | Total 16 groups, Antilles 70.4%, Dutch 7.4%, Latin Americans 4.2%, Dominicans 4%, Virgin Islanders 2.8%
People Groups Unreached | 2 (0.5% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | Dutch, Papiamento
Total Languages | 11
Bible Translations | Completed 8, New Testament 1, Partial 1
Religion | Christianity 86% (Protestant 10%, Catholic 63%), Non-religious 10.4%, Ethnic religion 1.7%, Hinduism 1.2%, Islam 0.5% Evangelical 6.9% 10,500 people
》 About Curacao
Curaçao was seized from Spain by the Netherlands in 1634 and became a central hub for the Caribbean slave trade. In 1954, it was included as part of the “Netherlands Antilles,” a federation of several islands. After referendums in 2005 and 2009, Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 2010, the Netherlands Antilles dissolved, and Dutch and EU citizenships were granted. While it gained full internal autonomy, defense and foreign relations remain the responsibility of the Dutch government. The current prime minister, Gilmar Pisas, has been in office since 2021.
Curaçao’s economy is driven by tourism, oil refining, offshore financing, and transportation and communication services. It has a superb natural harbor capable of accommodating large oil tankers. Tourism flourishes due to the island’s beautiful natural environment and the appealing downtown of Willemstad. However, automation in the oil industry has led to significant unemployment, and its weak manufacturing sector is being pointed out as a limiting factor for the economy. The island is well-connected to other countries around the world through state-of-the-art information and communication technology. Equipped with multiple direct satellites and underwater fiber optic cables, it also provides the fastest internet connection in the Western Hemisphere. Curacao’s GDP per capita is approximately $24,500.
》 Scripture Focus
James 4:6-10(NIV) 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the LORD, and he will lift you up. |
》 Prayer Points
1. In Curaçao, 63% of the population identifies as Catholic, while about 7% are evangelical Christians. Even if in small numbers, churches are sending missionaries for overseas missions. Let’s thank God for Christian radio ministries like Trans World Radio (TWR) and Radio Victoria which are actively spreading the gospel. In addition to these programs, let us pray that through the broadcasting of the Caribbean Gospel Network and other online broadcasts, the gospel may be preached to all regions. Let us pray that the churches in Curaçao continue to humbly seek the Lord’s grace, come near to Him, and represent Christ faithfully.
2. Each year, 1 to 2 million tourists visit the island, indulging in alcohol, drugs, and sensual pleasures in luxurious hotels and casinos. Let us pray that the gospel will reach them, leading many to repent from their sins and turn toward the Lord with reverence. May the pursuit of earthly pleasures turn to grief and mourning. May they come near to God and find cleansing through the blood of Christ. Let us also pray that the country will resist the devil, submit to God, and become a nation that exalts Him.
Martinique
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 390,000
Area | 1,091㎢ Located at the northernmost tip of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean.
Capital City | Fort-de-France (90,000)
People Groups | Total 7 groups, African Caribbean 93.7%, French 2.3%, Asian 1.9%, Haitian 0.8%
People Groups Unreached | 0
Offical Language(s) | French, Martinique Creole dialect
Total Languages | 7
Bible Translations | Completed 4, Partial 2
Religion | Christianity 94.9% (Protestant 10%, Catholic 84%), Non-religious 2.9%, Muslim 0.8%, other 0.8%, Hindu 0.6% Evangelical 6.9% 27,000 people
》 About Martinique
Martinique was under French control starting in 1635 and became involved in power struggles between European colonial powers. The island was attacked by the Dutch in 1674, and then invaded by the British in 1693, 1759, and 1762. However, it was returned to France in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris. Following another invasion and then further British occupation from 1794 to 1802, it was permanently established as French territory in 1814. In 1946, it became an overseas territory of France. Despite demands for nationalism and independence in the past, because the island remains economically dependent on France, these demands quickly subsided. As an overseas territory of France, the president of France serves as the head of state.
Martinique’s economy is driven by agriculture and tourism, with bananas being the primary export. It faces issues such as trade deficits and high unemployment. However, administrative integration into France has raised the living standards of the people. The island is a key cruise destination, attracting many tourists from France and North America. A high proportion of the population is employed in civil service in the French government. Grants from the French government and civil servants’ salaries make up a significant portion of the economy and finances of Martinique. Martinique’s GDP per capita is approximately €21,527
》 Prayer Points
1. Martinique has suffered greatly from natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The Christian community includes Assemblies of God, the Christian Evangelical Mission, Baptist churches, and Nazarene churches, with approximately 27,000 evangelicals. Many believers come from broken homes or were once involved in drug addiction or immoral lifestyles. Let us pray that the churches would arm broken and hurt souls with the gospel of the cross so that the light of the truth may shine upon them. Let us pray that through the teaching of the Word and the power of prayer, the church may be able to evangelize effectively.
2. Let us pray that the gospel would spread widely to other islands as well through the Martinique Radio Gospel Broadcast and Saint Louis Radio. Let’s pray for the countless souls who remain in the Catholic tradition without accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Pray that the gospel would be reached in the hearts of those who do not know God. Let us also pray that God’s church would flow His life, drawing near to Him through prayer and the Word, and that it would experience revival through the working of the Holy Spirit.
》 Urgent prayer requests around the world need your prayer!