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EL SALVADOR
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El Salvador.jpg
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Capital: San Salvador

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 21,040 km2

Population: 6.5 million

HDI Rank: 124 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 3.3 million (51%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 2.5 million (36%)

Other: 1 million (13%)

General Information:

El Salvador, which means ‘The Savior’, is the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America. The Spanish took over in 1528, and El Salvador achieved independence in 1821. The 12-year civil war from 1980 to 1992, cost over 75,000 lives. El Salvador has some of the most active volcanoes, and it is known as the "Land of Volcanoes". Most of the population is Mestizo.  About half of all Salvadorans are poor and lack electricity or running water in their homes. El Salvador is a world-class surfing destination. Soccer is the most popular sport.

 

Religious Background:

The Constitution recognizes the legal status of the Catholic Church, but there is religious freedom for all. The Church has been a major influence on the cultural and political life. The well-known figure, Archbishop Óscar Romero, was assassinated during the civil war because of his opposition to the government to end the violence. During the 1990s, Protestantism began making inroads into this predominately Catholic country. Since then, El Salvador has witnessed an increase in missionary activity, with around one million Evangelicals entering the country.

 

Catholic background:

Catholicism was introduced in El Salvador following the invasion of the country by a Spanish conquistador in the 16th century. Priests sent from Spain to administer to the region's Spanish population also instituted missionary activities among the natives. The first archdiocese was established in 1913. Catholicism has experienced a decline in recent times and it is most noticeable among the youth. El Salvador had its first saint, Óscar Romero, in 2018. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 8 dioceses and 418 parishes. Patron saint: Our Lady of Peace.

Prayer Points

 

1. Salvadorans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

2. Catholics to know Christ

  • Pray for the salvation of 3.3 million Catholics in El Salvador.

  • Most youth are no longer attracted to the Catholic Church and many are turning away. Pray that they will find true meaning and purpose in Christ.

  • The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead them to the truth of His word.

  • Pray for God to liberate Catholics from superstitious beliefs and practices, traditions, dogmas, and any other teachings or doctrines that are unbiblical.

  • Pray for all the Catholics attending the 418 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

  • Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 707 priests, 344 brothers and 1,491 sisters.

  • Pray for the Catholics who are still living without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.​

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3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

In the past decade, over 9,000 churches have been planted. There is a lack of trained ministers and Bibles. Pray that the fervor for evangelism and discipleship will continue and there will be enough ministers and Bibles to cater to the need. Pray that Evangelicals will extend the love of Jesus and power of the gospel to the lost in a loving way.

 

4. Social evils and issues in the country

The violent street gangs have left El Salvador with one of the world's highest murder rates. They operate in drugs, kidnapping, prostitution, illegal immigration, extortion, murder and human trafficking. Pray for peace to prevail in the country.

 

5. Other Religions

Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists have a small presence in El Salvador. A small percentage of the indigenous people also practice their traditional religions which are based on spirit and nature worship. Pray that they would come to know Christ.

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