Canary Islands - Africa

Seven tiny islands are home to over 2 million souls. Foreigners make up 17% with most from other parts of Europe. Catholicism is the tradition for 85% of the people. Many brands of evangelicals, cults, and eastern religions also are present. With a rapid growth in the Muslim population, the first mosque was approved for construction in a more affluent part of the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

The islands were the "Fortunate Islands" to the Romans, Homer, and Shakespeare. The climate has given the Canary Islands a global status as a tourist destination. However, the global economy has turned the Fortunate Islands into a modern day Paradise Lost. Much of the tourist-based economy has disappeared.

With 34% unemployment in 2012 and some districts as high as 70%, one quarter of the population has returned home to live with their parents. Repossessed homes and severe child poverty have not caused the people to turn to God but to atheism and skepticism. Church has long since changed from a place of hope to a place for social activities.

God sees spiritual poverty as the real crisis. To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Five of the seven islands still have no testimony, no hope. The time is now! The inhabitants of this "Paradise Lost" are waiting to see Christ in you, the hope of glory. Do you hear them calling? How long, how long will they have to wait?

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