Pray for Saint Lucia

With breathtaking Caribbean beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic mountains, Saint Lucia’s magnificent landscape is an idyllic destination. Roughly halfway into the Eastern Caribbean chain, the island draws much of its economic stability from tourism. Saint Lucia’s culture stems from its African, French, and British influences, making it deeply rich and diverse.

Contested for many years, this island nation was passed between England and France fourteen times until it declared its independence in 1979. Because of this, Saint Lucia has maintained elements of both cultures. Although ruled by Britain for 165 years, the people’s dialect and Catholicism reach back to the French. Most islanders are descendents of slaves, adding an African thread to this beautiful cultural tapestry. Once dependent on sugar plantations, the island now produces a large banana crop and enjoys a very stable economy.

Just like its culture, the island has a diverse religious background. Today 95% of the island claim Christianity, and 55% of those are Catholic. But, for many this is a cultural identity more than a true and living faith. Some African religious traditions also influence the island’s spirituality, with many embracing aspects of a folk religion called obeah. Many, even within the Christian faith, will practice certain rituals to protect themselves from the spirit world. Some believe obeah can heal the sick and also bring revenge on their enemies. With church attendance on the decline, 86% of children born out of wedlock, and many families broken and divided, the people of Saint Lucia are in desperate need of revival. With the Bible recently translated into Creole, true Biblical teaching and Gospel understanding is now increasingly possible. A solid Biblical foundation would give the Church the roots it needs, protecting it from moral decline and freeing it from fear of the spirit world.