Honduras
April 23rd

“Let your deeds be shown to Honduras!”
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.

》 Country Profile

Continent | America
Population | 9.46 million
Area | 112,090㎢ Located in Central America between Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Capital City | Tegucigalpa (1.53 million)
People Groups | Total 22 groups, Mestizos 83.7%, Afro-Americans 2%, Caucasians 2%, Native Americans 4%, Lenca 1.3%, Miskito 0.9%
People Groups Unreached | 1 group (Turkic 1,900 people)
Official Language(s) | Spanish
Total Languages | 14
Bible Translations | Completed 8, New Testament 3, Partial 2
Religion | Christianity 95.7% (Protestant 20%, Catholic 72%), Non-religious 2.1%, Ethnic religion 1.3%, Islam 0.4% Evangelical 27.5% 2.57 million people

》 About Honduras

Honduras was under Spanish colonial rule from 1538 until its independence in 1821. In 1823, it became part of the Central American Federation but separated in 1838 to become an independent country. After 25 years of military dictatorship, Honduras established a democratic government through free elections in 1982. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, resulting in the deaths of about 5,600 people and 2 billion dollars in damages. Former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who ruled from 2014 to 2022, faced drug crime charges and was extradited to the U.S. in April 2022. Xiomara Castro, elected as the first female president, took office in 2022.

Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Latin America and has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with nearly half of its population living in poverty. The country suffers from high unemployment, corruption, and unequal income distribution. Many people are forced to leave Honduras in search of work abroad. The economy relies heavily on remittances from overseas citizens and exports such as bananas, coffee, clothing, and automobile wiring, though efforts to diversify exports have been underway. Honduras’ GDP per capita is approximately $5,100

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Catholicism in Honduras is in rapid decline, although it still accounts for 72% of the population. A shortage of clergy, combined with nominalism, spirit worship and paganism, has contributed to this decline. Evangelicals, however, have continued to grow and now account for more than 27% of the population, with over 2.57 million believers. Large churches have sprung up, such as the ‘Harvest Church’ with 20,000 weekly attendees, but unfortunately the division of denominations has led to a lack of unity. The Evangelical Association, founded in 1987 and involving 90% of evangelicals, continues to flourish in Honduras. It works hard to promote unity and effectively spread the Gospel. In the midst of poverty and death, the Gospel-possessing church is the only hope for Honduras. Let us pray that the Lord will reveal the Gospel of the cross to Honduras and reveal His glory to the next generation.

2. International missionary organizations play a vital role in training, nurturing, and providing for the needs of the people as well as spreading the Gospel. Groups such as Campus Crusade for Christ (CCCI), the Baptist International Missions (BIM), International CAM, Christian Brothers (CB), and the World Gospel Mission (WGM) are heavily involved. Churches are increasingly expanding their vision for missions as well as training and sending missionaries through these organizations.
Let us pray that missionaries will be sent both locally and abroad through organizations such as The Door to the World, The Lamb Mission, and Youth With A Mission (YWAM). We pray that God’s grace will continue to be poured out, so that churches may be strengthened and remain steadfast in their obedience to missions.

3. Over half of the population of Honduras is made up of children. Many are driven to dangerous illegal migration due to poverty, while others scavenge for food in the streets. Criminal organizations recruit young members or sell children into the sex trade. These powerful gangs, known as ‘maras’, are involved in kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking and murder.
Among the indigenous peoples of the Americas are the Lenca, Miskito, Garífuna, Sumo and Tol, all of whom are being reached with the Gospel by churches and mission groups. Let us pray that the children of Honduras, as well as the indigenous peoples, will be saved by the cross of Christ and receive God’s mercy and compassion.

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