“Let those who love the Lord’s name sing for joy, and may all who take refuge in Him be glad!”
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you(Psalm 5:11, NIV).
Dominica
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 74,000
Area | 751㎢ Located in the eastern Caribbean between Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Capital City | Roseau (15,000)
People Groups | Total 7 groups, African Caribbean – Saint Lucian 81.1%, Haitian 10.4%, mixed race 3.9%, British 2.3%, Japanese 1.2%
People Groups Unreached | 1 (1.2% of the population)
Official Language(s) | English, Creole French
Total Languages | 6
Bible Translations | Completed 4, New Testament 1
Religion | Christian 92.1% (Protestant 20%, Catholic 54%), Non-religious 2.4%, Ethnic religion 2%, Hindu 1.1%, Buddhist 0.8%, Muslim 0.5% Evangelical 18% 13,000
》 About Dominica
Dominica was one of the last Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due to strong resistance from the native population. Over time, it was controlled by Spain, France, and finally became a British colony in 1805. After the abolition of slavery, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to elect a “Black Parliament.” It went through various stages of self-governance within the British Empire and finally became fully independent in 1978. For two years after independence, Dominica faced political challenges, and Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female Prime Minister in the Caribbean, led the country for 15 years. In terms of government, Dominica is a parliamentary republic, with a president elected for a five-year term. Roosevelt Skerrit has served as Prime Minister since 2004, and Sylvanie Burton became President in 2023.
Dominica’s economy was once heavily dependent on agriculture, especially banana exports. Since the 1990s, the government has promoted eco-tourism. However, Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused severe damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and communication systems. Dominica has also encouraged offshore finance and energy resource development to grow its economy, but national debt reached 77% by 2016. The government offers a citizenship-by-investment program, making it relatively easy for foreigners to gain citizenship. Dominica’s GDP per capita is approximately $9,900.
》 Scripture Focus
Psalm 5:1-3, 7-8, 10-12(NIV) 1. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. 2. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. 7. But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple. 8. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies– make straight your way before me. 10. Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. 11. But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The number of evangelical Christians in Dominica is steadily growing, while the Catholic population, which makes up 54% of the people, is slowly decreasing due to nominal faith. The church overall is losing its spiritual strength due to rapid secularization and shallow beliefs. Some non-traditional, controversial groups like Seventh-day Adventists, Mormons, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are actively spreading their teachings. The Evangelical Association is working hard to train strong and capable leaders. Let’s pray that God gives pastors and church leaders the faith to trust in Him without being limited by financial challenges and that He provides for all their needs. Pray that these leaders stand firm, boldly preach the gospel without compromise, and serve as witnesses for the gospel wherever they go.
2. Pray for the salvation of the indigenous people in Dominica. Around 3,000 live in a reserve on the northeastern coast, facing social and spiritual isolation. Pray that the church in Dominica would have a passion for saving souls, praying earnestly to God for His salvation to reach these people. Ask God to draw the indigenous people closer to Him, making Dominica a place where people rejoice in the Lord’s name and find joy in His protection.
Guadeloupe
▲Reference : CIA
》 Country Profile
Population | 392,000
Area | 1,780㎢ Located Consists of 6 inhabited islands in the Lesser Antilles in the eastern Caribbean.
Capital City | Basseterre (12,000)
People Groups | Total 7 groups African 93.3%, Haitian 2.8%, French 2%, East Indian (Tamils) 1%
People Groups Unreached | 0
Official Language(s) | French, Creole French
Total Languages | 6
Bible Translations | Completed 3, Partial 2
Religion | Christian 95.2% (Protestant 9%, Catholic 84%), Non-religious 3.6%, Hindu 0.6%, Muslim 0.4%, Ethnic religion 0.2% Evangelical 4.8% 19,000
》 About Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe became French territory in 1635 and later integrated as an official French region in 1946. Starting in 1642, people from Africa were brought as slaves to work on the sugar plantations. In 1853, Indian laborers started to arrive, replacing the African labor force. When France abolished colonial laws in 1946, Guadeloupe officially became a French department, and in 1983, it became a regional division of France. Following a referendum in 2007, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy split from Guadeloupe to become separate French overseas territories with the French president as the head of state. Guadeloupe’s reliance on support from France and the European Union reduces motivation for autonomy.
Guadeloupe’s economy mainly depends on agriculture and tourism. Key exports include bananas, rum, and cocoa, while imports consist of food, machinery, and fuel. Major trade partners are France, Martinique, and Germany. Tourism grew rapidly since the 1990s and is now a major source of foreign income. Although there are many young people without jobs, Guadeloupe’s standard of living is higher than that of many other Caribbean islands. However, due to a significantly lower standard of living compared to mainland France, protests and riots occurred several times in 2009. Guadeloupe’s GDP per capita is approximately €19,810.
》 Prayer Points
1. Let us thank God that there are around 20,000 evangelical Christians in this country. Mission organizations, like World Team, the International Mission Board (IMB), and the Assemblies of God (AoG), are working on church planting and discipleship. Pray that through youth ministries like the Guadeloupe Evangelical Student Union (GBU/IFES) and Youth With A Mission (YWAM), God will reach young people who feel hopeless and lead them to become disciples of Christ. Pray for Guadeloupe’s churches to be filled with the Holy Spirit and become strong witnesses for the gospel, motivated by God’s great love. Pray that these churches raise disciples who can guide the next generation in faith.
2. There are many small groups on remote islands like Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade who have not yet heard the gospel. Pray that these people come to know Christ and turn away from local witchcraft and dark practices. Many Asian and Tamil Indian residents are nominal Catholics or Hindus, so please pray for missionaries who are working with them. There are also open opportunities to reach them through written materials and broadcasts. Pray that nominal believers will be transformed into true gospel witnesses who can awaken faith across Caribbean and Latin American countries. Lastly, ask God to cover Guadeloupe with His grace and show His glory through the island.
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