Crime in Latin America and the Caribbean.

According to recent research, “Latin American and Caribbean citizens cite crime and violence as their top concern, above unemployment, healthcare and other issues” (Reuters, January 24, 2013).  The research highlights the insidious nature of crime and violence.  These lawless activities lower property values, reduce the years children remain in school, increase the cost of housing, decrease infant birth weights, reduce child vaccination rates, undermine trust in public institutions, decrease business ownership, and negatively impact gross domestic product (ibid.).

Most Latin American and Caribbean nations have had a nominal “Christian” influence. However, in recent decades these nations have “cast off” even those biblical values and they are paying the price for immoral and self-centered decisions. Scripture states, “The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not understand such knowledge” (Proverbs 29:7), and, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan” (v. 2).  As this region “falls away” from whatever biblical values it once had (2 Thessalonians 2:3), we see greater suffering than ever before.

God speed the day when the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD” (Isaiah 11:9) and the righteous finally rule! For more information on this exciting coming time, review our free booklet: The World Ahead: What Will it Be Like?