“Africa, worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness!”
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:2,NIV)
》Continent Profile
Population | 1.4 billion people
Area | 30.37 million (㎢)
Language(s) | Estimated at 1,250-2,100, One of the most linguistically diverse places in the world
Population by country | Nigeria (15.5%), Ethiopia (8.8%), Egypt (7.9%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (7%), Tanzania (4.55%), South Africa (4.47%), Kenya (3.88%), Uganda (3.38%), Algeria (3.36%), Others (41.16%)
》 About Africa
Africa: A Continent of Diversity and Struggle
Africa is the world’s second-largest continent, home to 1.4 billion people and 54 countries. Just like Asia, it is incredibly diverse in cultures and ethnicities. The cultures of North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa differ significantly, with the equator serving as a natural dividing line. In the 19th century, Western colonial powers drew artificial borders to divide the land evenly, and these borders have remained largely unchanged in modern African states. As a result, thousands of ethnic groups were forced into 54 nations, leading to long-standing religious and ethnic conflicts. After the end of European colonial rule, tensions between ethnic groups escalated into violent outbreaks.
Africa continues to suffer from widespread armed groups, religious persecution, and violent crimes, including kidnappings, murders, arson, and terrorism. Many African nations frequently experience coups. After gaining independence, most newly established civilian governments lacked a strong democratic foundation and instead attempted to establish one-party dictatorships. In response, military forces often emerged as an alternative. This has led to a vicious cycle of power struggles, instability, and repeated military takeovers across many African nations.
Economy: The Poorest Continent on Earth
Africa remains one of the poorest continents in the world, with no country classified as developed. While some nations show signs of growth through foreign investment and industrial diversification, overall progress is blocked by structural challenges such as political instability, civil wars, authoritarian regimes, corruption, and stark wealth inequality. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to face severe drought and a worsening climate crisis, leading to ongoing food shortages. More than 10 out of the continent’s 54 countries are currently experiencing armed conflict or civil war. Although parts of Africa are rich in mineral and energy resources, the benefits of development often fail to reach local populations, deepening inequality even among developing nations.
Religion: A Land of Faith and Persecution
Islam is deeply rooted in North Africa, a region once ruled by the Roman and Islamic Empires, while Christianity has become the dominant religion in Sub-Saharan Africa following sustained Western missionary efforts since the 19th century. Today, both Islam and Christianity are rapidly expanding, yet traditional beliefs and superstitions continue to shape local cultures and societies. In parts of North Africa, as well as in countries like Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia, Christian communities suffer intense persecution at the hands of radical Islamic groups. Nigeria, in particular, accounts for roughly 82% of all Christian martyrdoms worldwide, prompting growing international concern and warnings of a potential Christian genocide.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalms 29:1-4, 10-11(NIV) 1. Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 3. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. 4. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic. 10. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. 11. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. |
》 Prayer Points
1. The African continent is one of the poorest regions in the world, and especially sub-Saharan countries such as South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia are suffering from severe food shortages due to drought and civil war. Millions of people are exposed to hunger and malnutrition, and the international community is warning of an increase in refugees due to climate change. In the Sahel region, conflicts between Islamic militants and government forces are intensifying, and conflicts in more than 10 countries have resulted in thousands and tens of thousands of deaths and refugees. This has deepened civilian casualties and food crises, and has also increased regional instability. Let us pray that the Lord will sit as a true king over those suffering from civil war and poverty, and give them a reason to live and strength.
2.The next generation of Africa is in serious crisis. The absence of Biblical values is leading to problems such as sexual violence, unmarried mothers, and the spread of AIDS. In particular, female circumcision is causing great suffering to African women. Female circumcision is practiced in about 28 African countries, and in some countries, it has been reported that more than 90% of all women have experienced circumcision. Gambia tried to allow female circumcision again after 9 years of legal prohibition, and even countries where it is legally prohibited continue this practice secretly, making it difficult to eradicate. In addition, armed conflicts between countries and ethnic groups have resulted in numerous crimes, and child soldiers, sexual violence, and early marriage are particularly cruel to women and children who are unable to protect themselves. Let us pray that the gospel of the cross will be preached to them, so that they may be clothed in the holiness of Christ and be restored as true worshipers worthy of the Lord.
3. Pray for the protection of believers in North Africa who are enduring threats of persecution and honor killings from Islamic extremists because they believe in and follow Jesus. Throughout Africa, syncretism and mysticism combined with animism are hindering the Bible-centered religious life, and the material missionary activities of heretics are causing confusion and difficulties in missionary work. Pray for the needs of missionaries and ministers of unindependent churches serving in Africa, and for Bible education and leadership training to be firmly established on the truth so that local churches can arise on their own and expand their gospel ministry to unreached people groups and Muslims. Pray for the message of salvation spread through witnessed churches and ministers to bring peace and blessings to African souls through faith.
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