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GEOGRAPHY

Area 430 sq.km. The most easterly of the Windward Islands.

Capital Bridgetown 123,682. Urbanites 38%.

PEOPLES

Afro-Caribbean 92.5%.

Mixed 2.8%.

European-origin 3.2%.

Other 1.5%. South Asian, Chinese

Literacy 98%. Official language English. Bajan is a distinctive Barbadian dialect of English.

ECONOMY

One of the more prosperous and successful island states of the Caribbean with an increasingly diverse economy based on tourism, sugar, light industry and off-shore banking. HDI 0.857; 29^th/174. Public debt 118% of GNP. Income/person $8,380 (21% of USA).

POLITICS

Parliamentary government since 1647. Independent from Britain in 1966. Stable democratic rule since then.

RELIGION

Complete freedom of religion.

Missionaries from Barbados
P,I,A 25 in 7 agencies in 8 countries: Barbados 12, USA 3.

Missionaries to Barbados
P,I,A 39 in 6 agencies from 6 countries: USA 24, Canada 6, St. Lucia 4.

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Answers to Prayer

1 The November 1998 event 'Prayer for the Nation' led to deep repentance for the centuries-old curse of English-introduced slavery and to reconciliation between descendants on both sides. It is this tragic past which has crippled spirituality and destroyed the concept of a stable two-parent family home. In 1999 a prominent white evangelical leader publicly apologized for the sin of slavery. Pray that such moves of repentance may spiritually lift the whole nation.

Challenges for Prayer

1 Since settlement in 1627, Barbados has been Protestant. Despite religious profession and a large number of Evangelicals, real commitment to the Lordship of Jesus is not the norm. Materialism, decreasing church attendance, increased violence and crime are the symptoms of spiritual malaise. Pray for the renewal of God's people and a spiritual awakening throughout the country.

2 The Church needs a fresh touch from God. There is much disunity, competition and mistrust between leaders of denominations. Pray that there might be a loving commitment to fellowship and prayer among those in Christian ministry. Pray for the Barbados Evangelical Association that seeks to provide the platform for this.

3 External challenges to the gospel are evident in the activity of Satanist groups and increased efforts by Muslims and Mormons to win those disillusioned with what they see of traditional Christianity. Pray for the confounding of these efforts and for Christians to demonstrate the love and power of God.

4 Young people need clear spiritual models and direction. The pervasive culture of immorality is almost as widespread among those who go to church as those who don't. Over 73% of all births are illegitimate and only 13% of adults are legally married. Pray that churches may offer effective programmes for children and youth. Pray also for the outreach of CEF to children, as well as for the ministry of IS/ISUF(IFES) in schools and colleges.

5 Barbadian missions vision is limited, with only a handful who have been or are involved in overseas ministry. Pray that churches may catch this vision and run with it.

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