Introduction / History

The people of Saint Helena, often called "Saints", speak English as their official language. However, over centuries of isolation and cultural blending, they have developed a distinct local dialect known as "Saint", which includes unique pronunciations, vocabulary, and expressions. This dialect reflects the island's diverse ancestry, which includes European settlers, African and Asian slaves, and Chinese laborers.
Saint Helena was discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and later colonized by the British in 1659. It became a strategic stopover for ships traveling between Europe and Asia. The island is most famously known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile from 1815 until his death in 1821.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life on Saint Helena is shaped by its remote location, small population, and tight-knit community. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle, with low crime rates and strong family and community values. Everyone knows everyone, and it's common for drivers to wave at each other as they pass.
The island's economy is modest, relying on British aid, tourism, and small-scale agriculture and fishing. The opening of an airport in 2016 has improved accessibility, but economic challenges remain, including a declining working-age population and limited domestic revenue.
Saints are known for their hospitality, resourcefulness, and resilience, especially in the face of geographic isolation and limited infrastructure. Cultural life includes traditional British customs blended with local flavors, such as pairing a Sunday roast with Saint curry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Saint Helena is almost entirely Christian. The majority are Anglican, part of the Diocese of Saint Helena, which includes Ascension Island. Other denominations such as Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and Roman Catholics are also present.
Religious life is active and community-oriented, with churches playing a central role in social and spiritual life. While Christianity is widespread, there is a need for deeper discipleship and biblical literacy, especially among younger generations.

What Are Their Needs?

They need spiritual renewal, especially where faith has become nominal or cultural.
They need economic diversification, including support for tourism, agriculture, and remote work opportunities. They need youth engagement programs, to address emigration and declining birth rates. They need improved infrastructure, such as reliable healthcare, education, and digital connectivity.

Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual revival among Saint Helena churches, that faith in Christ would deepen and spread.
Pray for local Christian leaders to be disciple others to go to the nations with Christ's message of reconciliation with the Lord.
Pray for young people to find purpose and hope in Christ, and to remain rooted in their community.
Pray for unity among believers, and for the church to be a beacon of light and love on the island.

Scripture Prayers for the Saint Helena in Saint Helena.

References

Saint Helena Island Info – Religion
St Helena Tourism – Culture
St Helena Government – Sustainable Economic Development Strategy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Helena