Paraguay

Capital: Asunción

Major Languages: Spanish, Guarani

Area: 406,796km2

Population: 7.3 million

HDI Rank: 103 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 6.5 million (89%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 0.5 million (7%)

Other: 0.3 million (4%)

General Information:

Paraguay is referred to as "Heart of America" due to its location in the center of South America. The Guaraní people inhabited the region, when the first Europeans arrived in the 16th century. Paraguay gained independence from Spain in 1811. The population are largely Mestizo, a mix of Spanish and Guaraní ancestry. Paraguay’s people make some of the world’s finest lacework. Most homes have no doorbells, instead guests announce their arrival by clapping hands. The nation is home to the world’s largest rodent, Capybara, weighing 66 Kg. Soccer is the most popular sport.

Religious Background:

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, enabling citizens to freely practice any religion. Catholicism is the major religion, and has shaped the nation's current culture. The Catholic Church has long dominated the spiritual and political life of Paraguay. Today, most of the nation's government officials are Catholic, and major Catholic festivals are celebrated as public holidays. Protestantism is the second largest Christian denomination in Paraguay. Protestants and a small population of Muslims, have a presence in the country.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was first introduced by European explorers and missionaries in the 16th century. The first diocese was established in 1547, and the indigenous Indians were converted to Catholicism in large numbers. In 1609, the Jesuits came and Paraguay became the center of Jesuit missions, where the natives were converted and introduced to European culture. The Catholic Church dominates the spiritual and political life of Paraguay. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 11 dioceses and 374 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Luján, Blaise.

Prayer Points

1. Paraguayans 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 6.5 million Catholics in Paraguay.
Superstition, traditionalism and occultism prevail among the Catholics. Pray that they would experience a spiritual awakening and a living relationship with Jesus.
Pray for a new move of the Spirit and that many would be drawn in a personal relationship with Jesus.
Pray for Catholics to realize that today is the day of salvation and they should put their total trust Christ without delay and not depend on their good works to attain eternal life.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 374 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,099 priests, 1,011 brothers and 2,127 sisters.
Most Catholics know about Jesus but they do not know Him personally. Ask God to reveal the Lord Jesus Christ to them so that they would know Him as their personal Lord and Savior.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

There has been a considerable Evangelical church growth in recent past. There are plans and strategies in place to reach the unreached of Paraguay. Pray for a united and a concerted effort among the Evangelicals to reach the lost for Christ. Pray that pastors and leaders will get the vision to reach the lost with the gospel.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Corruption in the public and private sectors, money laundering, and drug trafficking are prevalent in the society. Pray for those who are engaged in these evils to be set free, and that Christ will be made known to them who are perishing.

5. Other Religions

Other religious faiths, like Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Bahá’í as well as non-religious account for the remainder of Paraguay's population. Pray that the Lord will reveal His Son Jesus Christ to them and that many would come to know the living Christ.