Pray for the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a sovereign state in the South Pacific Ocean.
They are located northeast between French Polynesia and American Samoa.

The Cook Islands are made up of 15 small islands
Most of the population is on the island of Rarotonga.

Avarua is the capital and largest city.
The population is over 19,000

The islands are in free association with New Zealand.
Defense and foreign affairs are the responsibility of New Zealand
Cook Islanders are citizens of New Zealand, but have the status of Cook Islands nationals.

FACTS
The islands are named after Captain James Cook, who visited the islands in 1773 and 1777.

Avarua  means ‘Two Harbors’

DEMOGRAPHICS
87.7%    Māori
5.8%     Part-Māori
6.5%     Other

96%      Christian
3.00%    None
0.80%    Baha’i

HISTORY
The islands were first settled around 600 A.D. by Polynesian  settlers from Tahiti.
Later settlers came from Samoa and Tonga.

Spanish ships visited the islands in the 16th century.

British navigator Captain James Cook visited the islands in 1773 and 1777.

In 1814 Europeans landed on Rarotonga.
Fighting broke out between the sailors and the islanders and many were killed on both sides.

English missionaries came to the island in 1821

The islands became a British protectorate in 1888, largely due to fears that France
would occupy the area.

In 1901 New Zealand annexed the islands despite opposition from traditional chiefs.

In 1965 the islands became self governing.

In recent times the islands have adopted an increasingly independent foreign policy.

CONDITIONS
Tourism is the country's main industry
100,000 visitors come to the islands each year

Agriculture is another economic base.
The major exports are copra and citrus fruit.

Manufacturing activities are limited to fruit-processing, clothing, and handicrafts.

The islands lack major natural resources
In some areas there is inadequate infrastructure

The islands suffer occasionally from natural disasters.

The economy is also supported by foreign aid, mostly from New Zealand.
China has also contributed foreign aid

Many migrate to New Zealand for employment
Over 67% of Cook Islanders live in New Zealand.

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
Most of the population claims the Christian faith.
For many this is purely a matter of tradition.
Nominalism is increasing

The number of agnostics/atheists is growing.

Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are fast growing groups.

Many smaller islands have no known evangelical witness.  

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray that solutions be found for the islands' lack of resources.

Pray that infrastructure improve.

Pray that the islands be protected from natural disasters.
Pray for those who have suffered as a result of disasters.

Pray for those who migrate to New Zealand

Pray that the Church experience a revival.

Pray that churches develop discernment and sound Biblical teaching.

Pray that churches increase in outreach.

Pray that the Gospel spread.