Chile is the longest north-south oriented country in the world and one of the countries along the Ring of Fire, home to nearly 90% of the world’s earthquakes and 75% of the world’s volcanoes. Chile gained its full independence from Spain in 1818, but like many of its neighboring countries has gone through a series of political upheavals, including military coups, and ideological shifts toward democracy, which it achieved in 1990. The country has one of the strongest economies, based upon foreign trade, and possesses the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. The Church of the Nazarene began work in Chile in 1962. Over 34% of Chile’s population is under the age of 24, and as you will read in the story that follows, the churches are focused on ministering creatively to children and youth.
