Challenges for Prayer

1 Though Communism is a fading memory, the transition to another social paradigm has not been easy

2 The Catholic Church outnumbers all other denominations nearly 7 to 1, and yet is in serious decline

3 Czech Protestants are experiencing life without persecution for only the second time since 1620

4 Christian leaders with the precious combination of spirituality and adequate biblical training are few, but on the increase

5 The recent religious freedom has been a double-edged sword

6 Freedom of religion means complete freedom, even to believe lies, or not to believe at all

7 Young people are searching for life-satisfying answers, but are often cynical and apathetic about organized religion

8 Christian literature is increasing in its distribution and its scope

9 Christian radio and television programmes have much potential and are open to evangelical influence

Geography

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Area 78,864 sq.km. Landlocked central European state.

Population (2000) 10,244,177 -0.16%AGR

Capital Prague 1,200,000.

Peoples

Slavic 96.3%; Other 3.7%.

Literacy 99%. Official Language Czech. All Languages 8. Languages with Scriptures 4Bi 2NT 3w.i.p.

Economy

Diverse industrialized society, but suffering from uneven implementation of market capitalism. HDI 0.833; 36^th/174. Public debt 22.7% of GNP. Income/person $4,740 (16.5% of USA).

Politics

The bloodless “velvet revolution” against Communist rule in 1989 was followed by rapid democratization and the “velvet divorce” from Slovakia in 1993.

Religion

Eventful religious history.

Churches in Czech Republic

Missionaries from Czech Republic

24 in 6 agencies to 10 countries

Missionaries to Czech Republic

232 in 45 agencies from 14 countries

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