Jamaica

Jamaica Factbook

Many Jamaicans show an interest in religion and there are many believers in Jamaica. However, there are still great spiritual needs in this tropical paradise.

Jamaica is an island located in the center of the Caribbean just south of Cuba and west of Haiti. It has a tropical climate with beautiful mountains and sunny beaches. It is a popular tourist destination.

The population of Jamaica is approximately 2.7 million. Nearly all are of Afro-Caribbean origin.

Jamaica has struggled economically since independence. Both inflation and unemployment have been high. The main sources of income are bauxite and sugar exports and tourism. During the 1970's, an emphasis on Marxist style economics did significant damage to the economy and drove away tourists. During the 1990's, conservative economic reforms have helped somewhat, but unemployment remains high, leading to civil unrest.

Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain in 1961. The Marxist leaning rulers of the 1970's were voted out of office in 1980. The government has been relatively stable. However, the crime rate is high and there are often outbreaks of violence over economic conditions. There is freedom of religion.

Many in Jamaica are religious. As many as one third of the population attends church. Evangelicals account for nearly 20% of the population and their numbers have been growing. There is much to praise the Lord for in Jamaica.

We are acquainted with a number of fine evangelical pastors in Jamaica who have large congregations. Some must minister to several churches at once because there is a lack of trained native pastors. Pray for these men and pray that the Lord would raise up more men called to the ministry.

Pray for the witness of believers and for their personal testimony. The overall interest in religion hasn't slowed the violence, high crime rate, or births outside of marriage. Spiritist groups such as the Rastafarians receive significant attention.

The pastors with whom we are acquainted tell us that their congregations are predominantly female. Men show much less interest in spiritual things. Pray for more Godly men who will be the spiritual leaders of their families.

At one time, the Jamaican church showed a strong interest in missions, particularly to western Africa. Comparatively few go out from Jamaica today. Pray that missionaries would once again go out in large numbers.

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