“The shield of the Dominican Republic is in God, who saves the upright in heart!”
My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart(Psalm 7:10).
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 10.69 million
Area | 48,670㎢ Occupies 2/3 of the island of Hispaniola in the northern Caribbean. Haiti is located in the remainder.
Capital City | Santo Domingo (3.46 million)
People Groups | Total 15 groups Dominicans – Mestizo 67.6%, Caucasian 15.8%, Black 9.2%, Haitian 5.3%, Chinese 0.5%, American 0.4%
People Groups Unreached | 1 group (Japanese 1,700 people)
Official Language(s) | Spanish
Total Languages | 10
Bible Translations | Completed 7, New Testament 1, Partial 1
Religion | Christian 93.8% (Protestant 9%, Catholic 83%), Non-religious 3%, Ethnic religion 3% Evangelicals 10.8% 1.15 million people
》 About The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic was discovered by Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492 and was under Spanish rule until it gained independence in 1821. Shortly after, it was occupied by Haiti for 22 years and gained its independence again in 1844. Later, the Dominican Republic came under U.S. control before finally achieving independence in 1924. From 1930 to 1961, the country endured the oppressive dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Following that, President Joaquín Balaguer ruled as a dictator for 30 years until 1996. Today, it has a presidential system with two consecutive four-year terms allowed. President Luis Abinader has served since 2020.
The Dominican economy relies heavily on tourism, as well as exports of sugar, coffee, and tobacco. Since 2012, the world’s largest gold mining industry has played a major role in exports. Exports to the U.S. account for nearly 40% of the country’s income. However, challenges remain, including income inequality, high unemployment, and unstable employment conditions. The Dominican Republic’s GDP per capita is approximately $17,000.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalms 7:6-12(NIV) 6. Arise, O LORD, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice. 7. Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high; 8. let the LORD judge the peoples. Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, according to my integrity, O Most High. 9. O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. 10. My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart. 11. God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day. 12. If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow. |
》 Prayer Points
1. About 83% of the population in the Dominican Republic identifies as Catholic, but most people are only nominally religious. Even among those who practice actively, there’s often a blend of Catholicism with beliefs from Santería, Voodoo, and African spiritual practices. Evangelicals now make up over 10% of the population, or about 1.15 million people, and let us give thanks for this ongoing growth. This growth is mainly within Pentecostal and charismatic churches, and it is less common for believers to settle into churches with a firm understanding of the gospel. Unfortunately, issues like corruption and moral failings have also affected many believers. Many pastors have been leaving for the U.S. or Puerto Rico to find better living conditions.
Let’s pray that the Lord would examine each person’s heart and conscience, transforming them through the gospel of the cross. Also, let’s pray that the churches in the Dominican Republic would rely on God as their shield, striving for holiness and the salvation of this land.
2. International missions groups have been fruitful in combining evangelism with meeting social needs through community development and educational programs. Organizations like Kids Alive, the Baptist International Mission Board (BIM), the Assemblies of God (AoG), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), and the International Mission Board (IMB) have been working in faith and obedience to the Lord’s wisdom and Wword. Let’s pray that these missionaries continue to rely on God for guidance and strength.
Additionally, let’s ask the Lord to strengthen faith within local churches for them’ faith to become self-sufficient rather than relying on foreign churches or organizations for support, as they did in the past. May churches also bear fruit within themselves, sending out their own missionaries. Let’s pray that through the revival in the Dominican Republic, all nations will come together in worship and that God would receive glory from his high place.
3. Many Dominicans face unfair, harsh working conditions, discrimination, and disrespect. Those who don’t attend church often turn to mysticism and strong superstitious practices. Let’s pray for the Lord to put an end to evil and protect and uplift the righteous in this country.
Additionally, young people and college students face a bleak job market and lack a sense of purpose, leading many to feel unmotivated. Let’s pray that staff and missionaries with organizations like the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) and Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) would share the gospel widely and train young people to become disciples of Jesus.
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