Latin America
Latin America: A Religious Mixture
Latin America is the group of countries in the Americas where primarily Spanish and Portuguese are spoken. It consists of 20 sovereign nations and several territories, which stretch from the northern border of Mexico to the southern tip of South America, including the Caribbean. It is almost 13% of the earth’s land surface area. As of 2015, its population was estimated at more than 626 million. The term “Latin America” was first used in 1861. About 80% of the population considers themselves Roman Catholics
Population: 604,000,000
Spiritually lost: 503,000,000 (83%)
Unreached people groups: 646
- Serving Costa Rica since 2006
- Mission focus: pastoring and discipleship
Costa Rica: Carlos and Liz Zelaya
Carlos and Liz have been in Costa Rica for over 10 years, serving in the local church. Carlos is co-pastor, sharing responsibilities in teaching, leading worship, mentoring, and serving the community. The church is in the process of building a multi-purpose edifice that has already hosted sports tournaments, arts and crafts workshops, tutoring for students, and breakfast for underprivileged children. Carlos and Liz are active in continuing the vision and mission of building covenant relationships among all generations, working on disciple-making in small home groups in addition to regular church services.