Stop #1 on The World Race is Guatemala!
Guatemala sits just south of The United States bordering Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador.
Guatemala is a country of mountains, volcanoes and lakes with a population nearing 14.5 million people. Literacy of Guatemalans reaches nearly 70% and the average income is approximately $2,850 (6% of USA).
Guatemala gained independence from Spain in 1821 and later from the Federation of Central American States in 1838. Beginning in 1960, the guerilla war exploded for the next 36 years claiming around 200,000 deaths (mostly of the poor and the Mayans) at the hands of the US Military. Among thousands of deaths were approximately 40,000 disappearances. Finally, a peace agreement was signed in 1996 allowing Guatemala to move forward.
The official seperation of the church and state happened over 100 years ago which has allowed great freedom for those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The Catholic church is of great importance in Guatemala, but many of the beliefs of the Catholics have converged with the beliefs of the Mayans — with many of the Mayan gods becoming Catholic "saints". Approximately 24% of the Guatemalan population are Evangelical Christian's — those furthering the Kingdom of God in Guatemala.
There are many children at risk living in Guatemala — in fact, the majority of children between the ages of 6 and 18 live in extreme poverty and large numbers of these children are orphaned. Homes are broken and means are sparse.
Pray for Guatemala:
-Orphaned Children
-Violence/Gangs
-The Mayan Population
-The strength of the nations's Evangelical's.
-Those in extreme poverty
-Healing from the past
(All info is from "Operation World")
