Unreached People Group: The Caribbean Basin
At a Glance:
Largest Religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam
Population: 1.4 Million
Location: More than 700 islands, islets, reefs, and cays in the Caribbean Basin.
Background:
Among the beautiful scenery and crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Basin are spiritually desolate and unreached people. While Roman Catholic missionaries arrived centuries ago from Spain, Portugal, and other countries and were responsible for first introducing historic Christianity to this region, its current state of true faith is suffering, and it is lacking a genuine and thriving gospel presence. Especially in the nations of Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, there is a need for the gospel to reach people groups that have not yet heard the good news of salvation by faith in Christ.
Islam and Hinduism also have a powerful presence. In addition, numerous traditional tribal and African spiritual beliefs have been blended with historically Christian practices.
One primary need is to bring the truth of the gospel out of the syncretistic mess in which it has been entangled. While many of the principles and teachings of Christianity are present and known by the populations of these countries, people’s understanding of the gospel is rarely the unadulterated truth of Scripture. Rather, for most, it is a nominal profession polluted by witchcraft, spiritist beliefs, and Hindu and Muslim worldviews.
Despite the gospel reaching most of these countries to some extent, there are still unreached groups. The governments of these nations generally allow for the free practice of religion, presenting a significant opportunity for missionaries to bring the good news to those suffering spiritually.
The Caribbean Basin needs churches planted and the gospel preached as God calls the nations to himself. Amid the great spiritual and physical need, missions organizations like ABWE are investing in God’s harvest in this crucial field.
Prayer Points:
- Pray for the GAP Jamaica Baptist Church Planting Agency and the work they are doing in this region
- Pray for Bay Life Baptist Church, pastored by Andrew Pryce, to bear much gospel fruit.
- Pray for pastoral training initiatives in Guyana.
- Pray for the Hokett Baptist Primary School and the ongoing education and fundraising initiatives for classroom improvements.
- Pray those who hold to a syncretistic view would gain clarity, turn from all false teaching, and believe only the true gospel.
- Pray that the cultural adherence to Christian principles would be pierced by the life-transforming work of the Spirit and bring about true faith among the inhabitants.
- Pray that those suffering under poverty and violence would see that true hope and peace are found only in Christ.
- Pray for wise and effective initiatives to bring the gospel to the unreached people groups in these countries.
- Pray that the churches that preach the true gospel will grow in their reach and influence amid the many false churches and gospels.
- Pray that the governments of these countries would remain open to the gospel and uphold religious freedom laws.
- Pray for those mired in the confusion of conflicting worldviews and truth claims to gain clarity and trust in Christ alone.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Focus on the Family on May 23, 2024. Used with permission.
