Mark Dawes, Staff Reporter
THIS WEEK, I continue my report on what Operation World has to say about a few English-speaking Caribbean territories.
For those who came in late, Operation World is analogous to Moody's, Standard and Poor's, the United Nations Human Development Index and the World Bank. Whereas these organisations give ratings for the economic performance of countries, Operation World grades the spiritual climate of nations, that is, the success and challenges that come with sharing the Christian gospel in these lands. It is compiled largely from information gleaned from missionaries, and demographic information countries publish about themselves such as censuses. Information is also sourced from reputable international databases ranging from Encyclopaedia Britannica to the CIA's World Factbook.
The layout of the book forms a 365-day diary for prayerful support for the penetration of the gospel to the areas of greatest need globally. Published by Wycliffe International Partners in Bible Translation, Operation World lists scores of missions agencies and opportunities for support and partnership in taking the gospel to the uttermost part of the earth. Edited by Patrick Johnstone and Jason Mandryk, it also provides a long list of Web sites to inform the missions-minded of the progress of the gospel worldwide, especially in lands where Christians are routinely persecuted.
Concerning Barbados, Operation World says there is very limited vision for overseas ministry among churches there. This is demonstrated somewhat by the fact that there are only 11 Barbadians serving as missionaries on foreign soil. This contrasts unfavourably with the 38 foreign missionaries presently serving there. The Barbadian church, says Operation World "needs a fresh touch from God. There is much disunity, competition and mistrust between leaders of denominations."
It notes hat the favourable reception of the gospel is being evidently hindered by "The activity of Satanist groups and increased efforts by Muslims and Mormons to win those disillusioned with what they see as traditional Christianity."
Furthermore, with its evolution into one of the most prosperous states in the Caribbean, Barbados, with a population of 270,000, is gripped by "Materialism, decreasing church attendance, increased violence and crime", all of which it describes as "symptoms of spiritual malaise."
Young people, says Operation World, need clear spiritual models and direction as "the pervasive culture of immorality is almost as widespread among those who go to church as those who don't. Over 73 per cent of all births are illegitimate and only 13 per cent of adults are legally married." Thus concludes Operation World, there is need for effective ministry to children and the youth.
Christians, have cornered the religious demographics of Barbados with 95.69 per cent professing to be adherents to that religion. None of the other remaining religious groupings have attained more than a two per cent following among the population, says Operation World.
Concerning Trinidad and Tobago, Operation World notes that with a population of 1.2 million, there are 922,140 (71.2 per cent) who claim allegiance to the Christian religion. About 246, 042 persons (or 19 per cent) are Hindus and 73,813 (5.7 per cent) are Muslims.
Amid the ethno-rivalry in the twin island republic says Operation World, "The church is one of the only structures that has bridges to every Trinidadian community." But, the church "is very fragmented between traditional and newer denominations and a growing multiplicity of Indian and Black-led charismatic and Pentecostal ministries. There is little cohesion with common spiritual goals, outreach or missions involvement. There is a lack of national vision and purpose and many 'Christian' families are dysfunctional."
The Trinidadian churches, like many of its Caribbean counterparts is lacking in a cross-cultural vision. Currently, there are 93 foreign missionaries serving there, and 13 nationals serving as missionaries in foreign countries.
Concerning Guyana, Operation World notes that with a population of 861,334, some 43.57 per cent or 375,283 persons profess Christianity as their religion.
Hindus with a following of 284,240 account for 33 per cent of the population and Muslims are 74, 936 in number or 8.7 per cent. Spiritists/Animists represent four per cent of the population this translates to 35,315. Thus Guyana has the lowest Christian representation in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Operation World notes that there are many multi-racial churches in this CARICOM country located on the South American continent. As such, these churches, it maintains, are strategically the key to bringing about harmony in a nation divided along racial lines.
There are 80 foreign missionaries serving in this CARICOM state located on the South American continent. Meantime, there are 13 nationals that are serving as missionaries in foreign lands, says Operation World.
It notes, Christian missionaries have had a fruitful ministry in Guyana and "have deeply impacted society for good." The majority of these missionaries serve in church-planting, Bible translation (to Amerindians), specialist media ministries and leadership training.
Nevertheless, one of the biggest challenges to the Christian ministry there is the spread of HIV/AIDS. "AIDS is a growing menace with 3.1 per cent of the 15-49-year-olds infected."
The family structure is also under siege in Guyana. According to Operation World, "Most of the Afro-Guyanese are Christians, but nominalism in many denominations is widespread, stable two-parent families are rare and syncretistic and deviant beliefs common (Obeah, spiritism, witchcraft, Rastafarians and foreign sects)."
Mark Dawes is a Senior Staff Reporter. Send feedback to dawesmark@hotmail.com
