Pray for Dominica

Lined with black sand beaches, the small island-nation of Dominica is dotted with magnificent mountains and active geothermal openings. In fact, they boast the second largest boiling lake in the world. Dozens of waterfalls, nine active volcanoes, 365 rivers, and a rainforest fill this 29 by 16-mile “nature island.” This natural beauty provides significant tourism potential, yet poor infrastructure, devastating weather patterns, and few natural resources have inhibited any substantial growth. The island relies heavily on its banana industry, which drives much of the economy.

This is the only place in the Eastern Caribbean with a sizeable indigenous population. The Kalingo, or Carib Indians, have lived on the island since the 13th century. Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Britain in 1763. In the 19th Century, following the abolition of slavery, the nation became the first in the British Caribbean to elect an all-black legislature, a movement known as the “Mulatto Ascendancy.” Dominica eventually gained independence from Britain in 1978. The island has suffered many devastating storms. When Hurricane Maria made landfall in 2017, its category five winds reduced the island to rubble, leaving 95% of its buildings damaged. Of its 74,000 people, 50,000 were suddenly displaced. Though they are working to rebuild, the destruction was all-encompassing and the devastation overwhelming.

Though Christianity is claimed by 92% of the island (the majority being Catholic), those who actually practice their faith are decreasing, and nominalism is on the rise. The island’s isolation has limited the Church’s access to good resources and spiritual leadership. The Carib Indians live in an isolated region, largely cut off socially and spiritually from the rest of the population. Though there are Christians within the Carib population, nominalism is rampant. Yet Evangelical Christianity has seen much growth in recent years throughout the nation. Immense suffering and economic hardship (primarily due to recent Hurricanes) have also opened the door for the Body of Christ to manifest God’s love in tangible ways.