“The Lord will fight for Guatemala!”
There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!(Joshua 10:14,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 17.7 million
Area | 108,889㎢, Located in central Central America and southern Mexico.
Capital City | Guatemala City (3.03 million)
People Groups | Total 60 groups, Spanish-speaking Ladino 61.5%, Native Americans (Maya) – Kekchi 7.7%, Kisi 6.7%, Kakchikel 3.9%, Mam 3.7%, Americans 2.8%
People Groups Unreached | 1 (900 Jews)
Offical Language(s) | Spanish
Total Languages | 26
Bible Translations | Completed 14, New Testament 6, Partial 4
Religion | Christian 95.3% (Protestant 20%, Catholic 56%), Non-religious 3.1%, Ethnic religion 1.5% Evangelical 25% 4.36 million people
》 About Guatemala
Guatemala was once home to the brilliant Mayan civilization. However, it became a Spanish colony in 1524 and gained independence in 1821. It was briefly part of the Mexican Empire and later the Federal Republic of Central America, but in 1839, it established its own government. In 1847, the Republic of Guatemala was founded, but the country experienced ongoing coups and military regimes.
In 1960, a failed coup attempt against the military government led to the formation of guerrilla groups in the mountainous regions, sparking a civil war. The conflict lasted until 1996, leaving approximately 200,000 people dead and one million displaced. Peace was achieved with a treaty between the government and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity. Democratic elections have since brought some stability. However corruption, poverty, and inequality remain persistent problems. Alejandro Giammattei has been serving as president since 2020 for a four-year term.
Guatemala’s economy relies heavily on agricultural exports, including sugar, coffee, bananas, and vegetables. The garment industry also plays a significant role, with the United States as a major trade partner. Around 40% of the population depends on remittances from overseas workers. Income inequality is severe, with 60% of the population living below the poverty line and 23% in extreme poverty. Nearly half of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Additionally, drug smuggling is widespread along the border with Mexico. Guatemala’s GDP per capita is approximately $8,637.
》 Scripture Focus
| Joshua 10:6-11,14(NIV) 6 The Gibeonites then sent word to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal: “Do not abandon your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us! Help us, because all the Amorite kings from the hill country have joined forces against us.” 7 So Joshua marched up from Gilgal with his entire army, including all the best fighting men. 8 The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” 9 After an all-night march from Gilgal, Joshua took them by surprise. 10 The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, so Joshua and the Israelites defeated them completely at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them, and more of them died from the hail than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a human being. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel! |
》 Prayer Points
1. Though 56% of Guatemalans claim themselves as Catholic, many practice their faith only nominally. Thankfully Evangelical Christians now make up 25% of the population, and there are approximately 40,000 churches in the country. However, within Evangelical churches, some are focused on pursuing the success of large congregations and preach prosperity gospel. Others still mix indigenous religious practices into their faith or struggle to leave behind worldly pleasures and desires.
Pray for Guatemala’s churches to be sanctified by the truth, transformed in holiness, and empowered to boldly proclaim the gospel. May they persist in prayer, trusting that the Lord will fight for Guatemala.
2. International mission organizations such as the Presbyterians, Assemblies of God (AoG), Brethren Church, and Nazarenes have been active in Guatemala. In 1984, domestic churches established the Evangelical Missionary Association (AME) to support missions, and since then, several other groups have emerged. The Guatemalan World Mission Commission (CONEM) helps coordinate these efforts.
Pray for unity among churches and mission organizations, and for many new missionaries to rise up and serve the nations. Just as Joshua and his soldiers hurried to help the Gibeonites, pray that Guatemalan churches will advance as missionaries, spreading the gospel to the world.
3. Active church planting has occurred among Q’eqchi’ people through Baptists and the Mennonites, while the Mennonites also serve the Maya people. Churches are growing among other indigenous groups, such as the Ch’orti’, Poqomchi’, Ixil, and Jakalteko peoples. However, groups like the Garifuna people (of African descent), as well as Chinese and Arab communities, still need the gospel.
With 70% of the population under 30 years old, there is an urgent need for outreach to children, youth, and young adults. Many children live in extreme poverty, with many orphans and broken families. A lack of education forces some into child labor, crime, or exploitation in the sex trade.
Pray for churches and missionaries to trust in Christ’s victory over evil, boldly reaching out to indigenous groups and the next generation. May they rescue broken lives with the gospel, leading them to hope and restoration in Christ.
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