Hello everyone! Thanks for checking in for another blog! Today I will be sharing details about the Central American countries our squad will be ministering too! I hope that you learn something new and feel empowered to pray for these countries. I pray the Holy Spirit would stir in your hearts to partner alongside me in the Great Commission of making disciples of all nations! My next blog about Colombia and Ecuador will also feature an update on my fundraising!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
Let’s get started –
NICARAGUA!
Country Flag-
Geological Location-
Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,” thick rainforests, rugged highlands, and beautiful beaches define Nicaragua’s beautiful landscape. Its rich history dates back to the Spanish conquistadores. However, hopelessness, addiction, destitution, and poverty plague many in Nicaragua. The most impoverished nation in Central America, almost 80% of Nicaraguans live on less than $2 a day. One in four Nicaraguans is either starving or suffering from malnutrition. Entire families live on and scrounge for scraps in city dumps. The people of Nicaragua need to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten by God.
Population – 6,025,951
Currency – Nicaraguan Cordoba
Language – Spanish
Religion –
Roman Catholic 59%
Protestant Christian 23%
None 16%
Other 2%
Other facts –
- Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America. Today, it is used as a water supply for many parts of the country and is a huge tourist attraction. (The only freshwater sharks known in the world can be found in Lake Nicaragua.)
- Regarding area, Nicaragua is just slightly larger than the state of New York.
- It looks like I’m not getting mail here – There are no street names in Nicaragua. A person’s address is given by whatever major landmarks they live near.
My prayer for Nicaragua –
I pray for our long travel day from Africa to Central America. I pray as we start the last half of our race we would have the same energy and passion for the gospel as when we started. I pray the people of Nicaragua would be responsive and the work we do that month would make an eternal difference in the country and the lives of the people we meet.
COSTA RICA!
Country Flag-
Geological Location-
A hot spot for surfing, Costa Rica is an adventure seeker’s paradise. Between its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and beautiful people, it’s easy to enjoy “Pura Vida” there. Outside of the tourist destinations, however, are large pockets of poverty and family brokenness throughout the nation. The country itself is transitioning from self-sufficient farming lifestyles to more urban living. Traditional morals and lifestyles are giving way to a modern, consumer-oriented world. The people of Costa Rica need to remember the unchanging love of Jesus—and that it is still real and relevant to their lives.
Population – 4,930,258
Currency – Costa Rican Colon
Language – Spanish
Religion –
Roman Catholic 76%
Protestant Cristian 14%
Other/None 10%
Other facts –
- There are 801 miles of coastline in Costa Rica.
- There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active.
- There are about 52 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica, making Costa Rica a true hummingbird capital.
My prayer for Costa Rica –
I pray for the people of Costa Rica that as they enjoy and appreciate the beauty of their country, they would honor and find beauty in the creator of their country. I pray as we travel around this country our squad would adequately share the gospel.
PANAMA!
Country Flag-
Geological Location-
Home to the Panama Canal and the largest rainforest outside of the Amazon, the country of Panama connects Central and South America. And thanks to the Canal, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, Panama is one of the leading economies in Central America. But the Panama Canal is a two-edged sword because it also allows for increased drug trafficking. Panama sits at a place of power of opportunity in the world, as it holds the key to crossing between oceans, hemispheres, and continents. Will you help me live out my faith in this land of possibility and potential?
Population – 3,753,142
Currency – US Dollar
Language – Spanish
Religion –
Roman Catholic 85%
Protestant 15%
Other facts –
- Panama contains the only place in the world where you can see the sunrise on the Pacific and sunset on the Atlantic…from the same spot! At the country’s narrowest point, only 50 miles separates the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean.
- Panama City, the nation’s capital, and largest city is the only capital city in the world that has a rainforest within its city limits.
My prayer for Panama –
I pray for the drug trafficking in Panama. I for the people who make a living on drugs would be given new and better opportunities to provide for their families. I pray for the people in that country who struggle with addiction. I pray they can find hope, and strength in the power and name of Jesus.
Thank you all for tuning in! I will be in Central America from April – June of 2019! If you have been to one of these countries for travel or ministry, I would love to hear about your experience. Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE, so you never miss an update!
Learn more about Swaziland, South Africa, and Lesotho Here
Learn more about the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia Here
Check out OperationWorld.org for more ways to pray for the countries we will be going to!
