Belize
April 8th

“Belize, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven!”
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.(Matthew 6:20,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | America
Population | 412,000
Area |  22,966㎢ Located on the Caribbean coast to the south of Mexico and east of Guatemala.
Capital City | Belmopan (23,000 people)
People Groups | Total 13 groups Mestizos 54.1%, Belizean Creoles 20.1%, Native Americans-Kekchi 5.3%, Mayan Mopans 3.5%, Garifuna (Caribbean blacks) 4.5%
People Groups Unreached | 1 (1.7% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Spanish
Total Languages | 12
Bible Translations | Completed 9, New Testament 2
Religion | Christianity 86.2% (Protestant 18%, Catholic 57%), Islam 1.8%, Ethnic religions 1.3% Evangelicals 23.4% 94,000 people

》 About Belize

Belize was originally a Spanish territory in the 16th century and became part of Mexico. However, in 1862, it became a British colony. In 1973, the name changed from “British Honduras” to “Belize,” and it gained independence in 1981 as a member of the British Commonwealth. Disputes between Britain and Guatemala delayed Belize’s independence, as Guatemala did not recognize Belize as a new country until 1992, and border issues have continued since. In 2018, Belize and Guatemala agreed to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice, after each country held a national vote. The final decision could take several years. Belize follows a parliamentary system, with the British monarch as head of state, and Juan Antonio Briceño has served as Prime Minister since 2020 for a five-year term.

Belize’s economy relies on ecotourism (about 40% of the country is designated as national parks and protected areas) and exports of agricultural products like sugar, bananas, and citrus fruits. Belize also exports seafood and crude oil. Belize has the third-highest income per capita in Central America, but there is a large income gap. Challenges include heavy foreign debt, high crime rates, high unemployment especially among young people, and increased drug trafficking. Belize also has one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Central America. Belize’s GDP per capita is approximately $6,100

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Let’s thank God that more than 23% of the population in Belize are evangelicals. Although 57% of the population is Catholic, there is a lot of syncretism. Spanish-speaking immigrants hold onto their idols, while the Maya people follow their pagan beliefs based on their culture, and the Garifuna people practice black magic. In evangelical churches, legalism and nominalism are widespread, and true disciples are rare. Only about 10% of members regularly attend worship. Let’s pray that the churches in Belize hear the message of the cross, repent, and turn back to the Lord to be born again. May they not store up treasures on earth but instead store them up in heaven.

2. Many short-term mission projects are actively taking place. These projects provide medical care and health services in poor and neglected areas and offer education to help reduce illiteracy. However, the constant flow of short-term missionaries is increasing dependence on foreign help, and this is slowing down the local churches’ evangelism and missions. Let’s pray that missionaries will work together with local churches as partners to share the gospel and nurture believers. May the churches and mission organizations have their eyes opened to see the darkness in people’s souls so they can spread the light of truth and lead them to salvation.

3. The Jewish community in Belize (about 3,500 people) needs to hear the gospel. Let’s pray that churches reach out to the Maya groups like the Mopán, Yucatec, and Garifuna, as well as to Indians and Chinese, so that they can unite as one body, regardless of their tribes and languages. AIDS is a serious threat, with an infection rate of 1.9%. Organizations like “He Intends Victory” and “Lighthouse Christian Radio” are educating people about AIDS, helping prevent it, and caring for those who suffer. Let’s pray that churches love God more than the wealth of this world and love their neighbors as themselves, so they can spread the gospel and serve others.

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