also today: Tonga

Challenges for Prayer

1 Inter-ethnic harmony has been hindered by political parties aligned according to race and the activities of several extremist minorities among Muslims, Hindus and some 'Christians'

2 The Church is one of the only structures that has bridges to every Trinidadian community

3 The Christian Church is very fragmented – between traditional and newer denominations and a growing multiplicity of Indian and Black-led charismatic and Pentecostal ministries

4 Religious instruction in public schools presents an exciting opportunity for the gospel

5 A cross-cultural vision is lacking in most churches

6 The South Asian community largely originated from North India. It is the largest non-Christian community in the Caribbean

7 Christian media ministries:

a) Christian literature

b) Christian radio and TV programmes broadcast on the national network

also today: Tonga

Geography

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Area 5,124 sq.km. Two islands off the coast of Venezuela.

Population (2000) 1,294,958 +0.51%AGR

Capital Port of Spain 300,000.

Peoples

Afro-Trinidadian 40%; Indo-Trinidadian 40.3%; Euro-Trinidadian 0.6%; Other 1.1%.

Literacy 98%. Official language English.

Economy

Oil is very important, providing half of export earnings. HDI 0.797; 46^th/174. Public debt 28% of GNP. Income/person $4,250 (14% of USA).

Politics

Independent of Britain in 1962 as a parliamentary democracy.

Religion

There is religious freedom for all.

Churches in Trinidad & Tobago

Missionaries from Trinidad & Tobago

42 in 10 agencies to 10 countries

Missionaries to Trinidad & Tobago

97 in 22 agencies from 9 countries

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Internet Links