Costa Rica lies in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama. Christopher Colombus landed here in 1502 and named the land the ‘rich coast’ because of the gold jewellery worn by the locals.

In 1949 Costa Rica took the unique step of dismantling its army. In a part of the world where many countries struggle to maintain peace, Costa Rica has had a stabilizing and peaceful influence on its neighbours. Its President was given the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his attempts to spread peace to the rest of Central America.

The country’s economy depends heavily on exporting basic produce like coffee and bananas. 20% of the population live in deep poverty.

In some rural areas of Costa Rica parents have been turning up to school armed with screwdrivers and saws. Although children in Costa Rica have a good level of education, there is often not enough money for basic resources like desks and chairs.

Between 1970 and 1988 there was a dramatic growth in the number of evangelical Christians, from 3% to 11% of the population. This exciting time also inspired many Christians to get involved with mission overseas.

The majority of Costa Ricans have grown up in a Catholic society, but most do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Some Catholics, however, do have a personal and living faith in God. Pray that many more Costa Ricans in the Catholic Church will be impacted by the gospel and give their lives to God.

Drug addiction and alcoholism have become serious problems among young people. Few students or young people are Christians – pray that God would call strong leaders to reach and disciple this generation.

Pray for bible-believing churches to be established amongst all Amerindian tribes. Pray that these churches would encourage indigenous leaders and express the unique languages and cultures of each tribe.

Christians in Costa Rica have really got behind praying for world mission. Their vision is to see 12,000 people committed to praying for mission and to send out 500 missionaries across the world into different cultures. In just eight years the number of Costa Rican missionaries has doubled. Pray that this mission movement would grow in maturity and wisdom.