Pray for Saint Pierre and Miquelon

Saint Pierre and Miquelon are an archipelago of eight islands.
They are situated in the northwestern Atlantic, 12 miles southwest of Newfoundland.

The town of Saint-Pierre is the capital.
The population is 5,888

FACTS
Saint Pierre and Miquelon are an overseas collectivity of France.
The islands are the only remnant of the former French colonial empire
that remain under French control.

The archipelago is composed of eight islands, of which only two are inhabited:
Saint Pierre Island    (The smallest island and yet the most populous
Miquelon-Langlade      (Considered an environmental sanctuary.

Miquelon-Langlade is actually composed of three islands connected by an 8 mile sand dune:
Miquelon Island      
Langlade  Island      
Le Cap Island

Saint Pierre is named after the Apostle Peter, who is considered
the patron saint of fishermen.

It has been claimed that the name "Miquelon" is a Basque form of Michael.

Langlade" is a corruption of "L'île à l'Anglais" (Englishman's Island).

The waters between Langlade and Saint-Pierre were once called "the Mouth of Hell"
due to more than 600 shipwrecks from 1800-1900.

There are only two community centers on the islands:
The town/capital of Saint-Pierre   (Population 5000)
The village of Miquelon            (Population 615)

DEMOGRAPHICS
96.46%   Catholic
3.6%       Non-Religious

The population is mostly made up of Basques, Bretons, French Canadians
and a number of descendants of Newfoundlanders

HISTORY
The islands were discovered in 1520, by the Portuguese.

They were made a French possession in 1536.

Though frequented by Micmac tribesmen and Basque and Breton fishermen,
the islands were not permanently settled until the end of the 17th century.

The islands were ceded to the English in 1713.

In 1763 France ceded all its North American possessions, but Saint-Pierre
and Miquelon were returned to France.

From 1763-1814 the islands were affected due to the wars between America,
Britain and France.
Foreign troops often occupied and  populations were frequently expelled.

In 1816 the islands were resettled.
The settlers were mostly Basques, Bretons, Normans, and groups from Newfoundland.

During the early 1910s the colony suffered as a result of unprofitable fisheries
Large numbers of people emigrated to Nova Scotia and Quebec.

The draft imposed during WWI crippled the fisheries.

Smuggling became prominent in the 1920s during prohibition in the United States.
The end of prohibition in 1933 plunged the islands into economic depression.

In 1958 the islands were given the options of becoming fully integrated
with France and becoming self-governing states or remaining an overseas territory.
They decided to remain a territory.

CONDITIONS
The inhabitants have traditionally earned their livelihood by fishing
and servicing fishing fleets.

Life on the islands is often harsh.
Weather conditions are severe.
Traditionally, all outdoor activities (construction, agriculture, etc.)
are suspended between December and April.

Since 1992, the economy has been in steep decline, following the depletion
of fish stocks.
There has been a rise in unemployment

Although the fishing industry is starting to rebuild, fish farming,
crab fishing, and agriculture are being developed to diversify the economy.

Most of the buildings and roads need repairs.

Everything is imported so everything is very expensive.

Almost everyone receives some type of social assistance from France.

There are no retirement homes on St. Pierre.

Traditions are strong and change comes very slowly.
There is a very little motivation to rise above the status quo.

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
Over 96% of the population is Catholic.
Culture is centered on Catholic traditions.

The rest of the population is non-religious.

Spirituality is mostly based on long standing tradition.
Very few have a relationship with Jesus.

There are no evangelical groups.
A tiny four member Baptist congregation was established in 1998,
but it has since shut down.
There are a few private believers, but they tend to be looked down on.

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray that the economy improves.
Pray that the inhabitants are protected during harsh weather

Pray for the care of the elderly

Pray that the Lord continue to encourage the few Evangelical believers

Pray for the people to find hope in a living relationship with Christ.

Pray that believers from other countries answer the call to consider
a ministry visit.