By Missionary to Peru, Lauren Grant

Belize is small in size, yet it is a country full of rich history, diverse ethnicities and cultures, and a vast array of beautiful landscapes. Located in Central America, this small country is home to nearly half a million people, with an ever growing population of those who need to hear the truth of the Gospel of Christ.

Belize gained its independence from the United Kingdom in September 1981, so it is a relatively young country. It is also a young country in terms of its population, with over 60% of the people being under the age of thirty. Therefore, Belize has a large amount of young people who can be reached, discipled, and trained to lead the next generation.

The population of Belize is as diverse as it is young. Belize’s population is now over half mestizos, people of Mayan and Spanish descent. Many others, approximately one-fourth, identify as Creoles, who are a mix of British and African ancestry. About one-tenth of the remainder of the population are descendants of the Mayan Indians, while another portion of the population are Garifuna, who are of Carib Indian and African ancestry. Other portions of the population include those of European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mennonite descent, as well as refugees from neighboring countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Due to these diverse ethnicities among the population, the languages spoken are just as varied. English is the official language of the country. However, many of the inhabitants of Belize speak a vast array of other languages such as Spanish, Kekchi, Yucatec, and Arawak.

Along with the diversity of ethnicities and languages, Belize is home to an myriad of religions. The Anglicans established the first church in Belize in the early 19th century. Not long after, both Baptist and Methodist missionaries entered the country. As a result, one-third of the population identify as Protestants, with the largest majority including Anglican, Pentecostal, Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, and Mennonite. However, about two-fifths of the country currently practice Roman Catholicism. Although over 40% of Belizeans identify as Catholic, nearly 16% are considered non-religious.

Although Belize has a version of the Gospel, it is still in great need of the true Gospel. Furthermore, while there is a great need, there is also a great opportunity in Belize. As the Bible says in Matthew 9:36-38, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”

There are nearly half a million people in Belize who need to hear the truth of the Gospel. These are people who are dying without Christ. Let us, therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest for more laborers for the country of Belize.