Chilean in Australia

Introduction / History

What is now Chile was part of the Spanish Empire from the 1500s till 1810, though they didn’t gain complete independence until 1818. Since many of the Spanish settlers in Chile were ethnically Basque, Chileans are usually a combination of Spaniards, Basques and the indigenous Mapuches.

Chileans have emigrated to other countries at various times. In the early 1800s, Chilean ranchers went to Mexico. Others went to Australia and the United States for mining opportunities. From the 1960s to the 1980s, people fled Chile for political reasons. Some returned to Chile, while others remained in various countries, such as Australia. Chileans began arriving in Australia as early as the 1800s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Chilean culture is Latin American, but it has its own distinctions. It has its own dance, the cueca, and musical form, tonada. Thanks to its long coastline, Chilean cuisine includes lots of seafood.

Like most people, Chileans love soccer and basketball. Chileans also love surfing and skiing. In Australia, they can enjoy surfing for much of the year. Chileans have excelled in Australia’s many soccer leagues.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like most Latin Americans, Chileans are usually Roman Catholic, but many are Evangelical. They can become a great mission force no matter where they live.

What Are Their Needs?

Christians, whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant, need the Holy Spirit to awaken their hearts to Jesus Christ's centrality. They need a close relationship with the Lord of Lords.

Prayer Points

Pray for revival in Chilean churches, be they Roman Catholic or Protestant.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to draw them closer to Christ.
Pray for them to become a mission force with the lost in Australia.
Pray for Chileans to support workers around the world faithfully.

Text Source:   Joshua Project