The smallest country with the smallest population located in South America is called Suriname. It is a country made up of multiple ethnic groups due to indigenous people, slavery, and indentured servants. In the 1600’s the Dutch claimed Suriname for themselves and established plantations forcing slavery upon its inhabitants. In 1863 slavery was abolished, and many Surinamese left for Europe, leaving plantations ill equipped to handle cultivating and harvesting the crops. The main agricultural products were coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, and cotton. The Dutch resorted to hiring indentured servants from Indonesia, India, China, and the Middle East, therefore creating multiple ethnic diversity in Suriname. In 1975 Suriname gained independence from the Netherlands.
Lord God, we ask that You forgive the Dutch for enslaving the people of Suriname for their own gain and profit, and for the abuse and lack of humanism the Dutch forced upon the men and women. Like Moses, in Exodus 32, we stand in the gap for those who have sinned against You and their fellow man and ask that You please forgive them.
We ask that the Surinamese people be healed from all generational pains and hurts of the past by the blood of Jesus Christ. That the past memories of slavery and abuse can be forgiven, allowing healing and restoration to be applied to their lives. Psalm 147:3 says, “You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.”
Thank You for the riches You placed within this country. We pray for an increase in their economy, as currently they are a relatively poor, but developing country, with great natural resources, such as gold, petroleum, and agricultural products.
We pray that the rainforests continue to be protected and flourish, as 93% of the land is covered by unspoiled rainforests and used for various kinds of research.
May the 52.3% of Christians, be bold and witness to those who profess the Hindu religion, 18.8%, and Islamic religion, 14.3%. That the Christians do not hide their light under a basket, but let the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ shine to all those around them. Matthew 5:15.
Thank You, God, for watching over Suriname all these years, and the great plans You have for the country.
Suzanne Soto
La Feria, Texas
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