Since December 2015, at least 40 churches or church-related buildings such as seminaries have been partially or completely destroyed in the La Araucanía and Bío Bío regions. The most recent target at the time of writing was a Catholic church, burned down on 8 January 2019.

Sunday 30 June

Following Chile’s Universal Periodic Review (a process whereby every UN member state has its human rights record reviewed by other member states every four years) in January, pray that the recommendations are accepted and implemented by the Chilean government to improve human rights in the country.

Monday 1 July

Though the government launched an investigation into the arson attacks in 2016 and some people were arrested, the attacks have continued. Pray that the Chilean government would proactively identify congregations at risk and provide protection and reconstruction assistance to churches whose buildings have been burnt down.

Tuesday 2 July

Handwritten notes, signs and pamphlets have been found at many of the sites of the attacks, the content of which indicates that churches are a specific target. Leaflets found at the sites of two of the churches included a threat to burn ‘all the churches’. Pray for protection over churches in La Araucanía and Bío Bío.

Wednesday 3 July

The continuing attacks have sown fear among Christians in La Araucanía and Bío Bío, with many congregations worried that their church or church buildings might be the next target. Pray for God’s protection over the churches left standing, and for courage and peace for the congregations.

Thursday 4 July

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10. Pray this verse over Chile today.

Friday 5 July

Many of the targeted churches have members from very low income backgrounds, and they now face a very difficult situation to rebuild their churches after the complete destruction of the building and contents. Pray that these congregations would find somewhere else to worship or teach in safety, and that God would provide a way for them to rebuild.

Saturday 6 July

Heavenly Father, we continue to commit the attacks on churches in Chile to you. We ask you to guard the churches in La Araucanía and Bío Bío from further harm, and fill their congregations with your spirit and strength. Amen.