“Uruguay is my witness and my chosen servant!”
“You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” (Isaiah 43:10,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | America
Population | 3.4 million
Area | 176,215㎢, Located between Brazil and Argentina on the Atlantic coast of southeastern South America.
Capital City | Montevideo (1.76 million people)
People Groups | Total 34 groups Uruguayan White 76%, Mulatto 7.3%, Mestizo 2.5%, Italian 2.3%, African Uruguayan 2%, Galician 1.2%
People Groups Unreached | 1 (0.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Spanish
Total Languages | 23
Bible Translations | Completed 22, Partial 1
Religion | Christian 66.5% (Protestant 6%, Catholic 54%), Non-religious 25.4%, Ethnic religion 7.2%, Islam 0.1%, other 0.8% Evangelical 7.3% 250,000 people
》 About Uruguay
When Portugal expanded into Uruguay in 1680, it triggered a fierce power struggle with Spain that lasted until 1770. In the 19th century, the independence movement, led by José Artigas, known as the “Father of the Nation,” gained momentum. Uruguay was annexed by Brazil in 1821 but declared independence in 1825, achieving freedom after three years of conflict in 1828. The country experienced military rule from 1952, culminating in a dictatorship in 1972, before transitioning to civilian government in 1985. Currently, Luis Lacalle Pou is serving as president, having taken office in 2020 for a five-year term.
Uruguay’s economy relies on exports of wool, leather, and agricultural products, while importing industrial goods. The country benefits from a well-educated workforce and a free-market system with substantial social spending. Its living standards are above average for South America, and it boasts one of the region’s most advanced social security systems. Despite its fragile industrial base, Uruguay has abundant water resources and a developed fishing industry, with potential for mineral resource exploitation. The coastal areas along the South Atlantic are popular tourist destinations. Challenges such as low economic growth, debt repayment issues, and high inflation hinder further development. The economy is also easily influenced by economic conditions of neighboring Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay’s GDP per capita is approximately $21,000.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 43:1,10,18-21(NIV) 1 “But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'” 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” 18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise” |
》 Prayer Points
1. In Uruguay, 54% of the population identifies as Catholic, but only 2% attend Mass regularly. Many follow liberation theology and live as if they have no religious affiliation, reflecting a secularized society. This spiritual confusion has led Uruguay to be among the first countries in Latin America to legalize abortion, same-sex marriage, and the use of marijuana. The nation also struggles with high rates of depression, suicide, abortion, and divorce. Pray for the Catholics that they may develop a deep reverence for God, repent, and come to faith in the true Gospel, transforming their lives into new creations.
Evangelical Christians have seen significant growth, doubling the number of churches and believers since the late 1990s, which is a cause for gratitude. The increased need for church leaders and pastors has led to training and education at over 20 seminaries and Bible schools. Pray for the Uruguayan church to stand firm as witnesses of the cross, embracing their calling as servants of Christ and confidently proclaiming their faith.
2. Continued support from foreign missionaries is essential for strengthening the local church through discipleship. Praise God for church planters from neighboring countries who are establishing congregations. International mission organizations, such as SIM, Assemblies of God (AoG), Biblical Ministries Worldwide (BMW), and Baptist World Mission (BWM), are active in the region. Interest in missions within local churches is growing, and many are responding to the call to serve as missionaries. Let us expect a new thing from God in Uruguay and let us pray that missionaries and mission societies may participate in the saving work of God.
3. Over 25% of Uruguay’s population identifies as non-religious, and African-Brazilian spiritism is the fastest-growing belief system. Mystical centers outnumber Protestant churches, highlighting the spiritual desolation. The middle and upper classes in Montevideo remain largely unreached, while poverty has increased urban slums filled with needy children. Jewish, Chinese, Japanese, and Palestinian communities also have few believers and minimal outreach.
Pray for the church to engage compassionately with communities in need and share the Gospel boldly with those who have not yet heard the Good News. May they come to know God who created and called them by name, receiving salvation to praise Him without fear.
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