“Sell everything you have and follow me!”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me(Mark 10:21,NIV).”
Barbados
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 300,000
Area | 430㎢ Located in the easternmost part of the West Indies, southeast of the Caribbean.
Capital｜Bridgetown (89,000 people)
People Groups | Total 5 groups, African Caribbean 87%, British 10.3%, South Asian 1.4%, American 1.2%
People Groups Unreached | 1 (1.4% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Bajan
Total Languages | 3
Bible Translations | Complete 3
Religion | Christian 92.6% (Protestant 31%, Anglican 31%), Non-religious 5.7%, Muslim 1% Evangelical 33.7% 102,000 people
》 About Barbados
Barbados was settled by the British in 1627, and by the mid-1640s, many Africans were brought over as slaves to work in the sugar industry. After the abolition of slavery in 1838, more Black people entered politics and education. Finally, in 1966, Barbados gained independence from Britain after 339 years. Due to the long period of British rule, British-style democracy became well-established, with a strong political awareness among the people. The country has a stable parliamentary democracy with two main political parties. On November 30, 2021, Barbados became a republic, and former Governor-General Sandra Mason was elected as its first president. A new constitution is projected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Barbados’ economy has one of the highest per capita incomes in the Eastern Caribbean. This makes it one of the most developed and wealthiest countries in the region. Historically, the country relied heavily on sugarcane but has since diversified into light manufacturing and tourism. The service sector now makes up three-quarters of its GDP and accounts for 80% of its exports. Major industries include tourism, sugar, light manufacturing, and assembly of export products. Barbados’ GDP per capita is approximately $15,912.
》 Scripture Focus
| Mark 10:21-23, 27-30(NIV) 21. Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” 22. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. 23. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 27. Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” 28. Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30. will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields–and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The church in Barbados needs to be restored. Under British rule, the country became home to the oldest Anglican seminary in the Western Hemisphere. However, because Barbados once prospered through the slave trade, there is a need for reconciliation among groups through repentance and forgiveness. Many Christians are spiritually troubled, facing materialism, theological liberalism, a decline in church attendance, and rising violence and crime. Church leaders often struggle with distrust and lack of unity, leading to conflicts with newer, independent churches. Meanwhile, groups like Satanists, Mormons, and Muslims attract Barbadians who feel disappointed by traditional Christianity.
Let us pray that God brings salvation and revival to the church in Barbados through the gospel—something only He can do. Let us also pray that the renewed church would share the gospel with many tourists and the 4,000 South Asians in Barbados who follow Islam.
2. Let us pray for the next generation in Barbados. Among youth, cohabitation, out-of-wedlock births, and reckless living are common. Let us pray that churches, the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), and Youth With A Mission (YWAM) are able to reach children and teens with the gospel and guide them. Pray for the youth of Barbados to rise as holy young followers who give everything to follow Jesus and receive eternal life.
British Virgin Islands
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 38,000
Area | 151㎢ Consists of 60 islands in the northeasternmost part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean.
Capital｜Road Town (15,000 people)
People Groups | Total 4 groups, African Caribbean 89.6%, British 4.5%, East Indian 3.4%, American 2.8%
People Groups Unreached | 0
Official Language(s) | English
Total Languages | 3
Bible Translations | Complete 2, Partial 1
Religion | Christian 90.6% (Protestant 45%, Anglican 14%), Non-religious 3.5%, other 3.8%, Hindu 1.2%, Muslim 0.8% Evangelical 28.6% 11,000
》 About British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands were originally inhabited by the Arawak people, and then in 1648, the Dutch settled there. Early on, it became a haven for pirates, also known as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” location. In 1672, Britain took control, and from 1872 to 1960, the islands were part of the British Leeward Islands Federation. In 1967, they gained self-government and are now a British Overseas Territory, meaning their residents have British citizenship. Prime Minister Natalio Wheatley has been in office since 2022.
The British Virgin Islands’ economy is closely tied to the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands, which are larger and more populated, so the U.S. dollar is the official currency. The British Virgin Islands are among the most stable and prosperous countries in the Caribbean, heavily relying on tourism, which makes up 45% of the GDP. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated Tortola Island, damaging about 80% of homes, public buildings, and infrastructure. Known globally as a center for offshore finance, the islands earn income as a tax haven. Livestock farming is the main agricultural activity, but the poor soil cannot support local food needs. British Virgin Islands’ GDP per capita is approximately $34,200.
》 Prayer Points
1. Let us pray that the faith of Christians in the British Virgin Islands would be reflected in their daily lives. The national motto is “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” and most residents identify as Christians, with high church attendance. However, social decay and moral crimes have not been prevented. The islands are used as a tax haven, and there are many entertainment spots for tourists that promote immoral activities. Let us pray that the churches in the British Virgin Islands turn from having divided hearts and walk in a way that honors God’s Kingdom. Pray that they would let go of everything for the Lord and follow Him wholeheartedly for the sake of Christ and the gospel. Let us pray that they live out a missionary life through the gospel of the cross, seeking eternal life even if they face persecution. Also pray that they bring the life of Jesus Christ to other Caribbean islands and to all nations.
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