“The LORD your God will rejoice over you with singing!“
The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”(Zephaniah 3:17,NIV)
Mauritius
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 1.3 million
Area | 2,040㎢, consists of one large island and several smaller islands east of Madagascar.
Capital City | Port Louis (150,000 people)
People Groups | Total 19 groups,Mauritians 78.8%, South Asians 5.3%, French Mauritians 4.2%, Hindi 2.9%, Punjabi 2%, Chinese 1.7%
People Groups Unreached | 8 (8.7% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | English
Total Languages | 17
Bible Translations | Completed 13, New Testament 2, Partial 1
Religion | Christian 32.5% (Protestant 9%, Catholic 22%), Hindu 46.3%, Muslim 17.9% Evangelical 9.7% (130,000 people)
》 About Mauritius
Mauritius was colonized by the Dutch in 1598, but they abandoned the island in 1710 after establishing a colony in Cape Town. It became a French colony in 1715, and the French brought in slaves from East Africa to cultivate sugarcane. In 1814, it came under British rule, and with the abolition of slavery in Britain in 1831, a labor shortage led to a significant influx of Indian migrants. In 1968, a racial war broke out, and Mauritius gained independence as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. After independence, Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, of Indian descent, served as prime minister and formed a unity cabinet, but the coalition collapsed in 1972, plunging the country into political instability. In 1992, parliamentary democracy was firmly established, and Kassam Uteem became president, serving until 2001, while Navin Ramgoolam remained prime minister since 1995. Mauritius is now a presidential system, with Prithvirajsing Roopun serving as president since 2019.
The economy has grown rapidly since independence, driven by industrial policies. Key sectors include finance, trade, tourism, and hospitality. Tourism has benefited from global economic growth, with approximately 1.34 million tourists visiting in 2017. Natural disasters such as cyclones and the collapse of global sugar prices in the early 1980s prompted the government to adopt an aggressive agricultural diversification policy to reduce imports and expand exports. The country has also been developing industries such as fish processing, information and communication technology, education, and real estate. Mauritius’s GDP per capita is approximately $19,500.
》 Scripture Focus
| Zephaniah 3:9, 14, 17-20(NIV) 9 “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. 14 Sing, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 17 The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” 18 “I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. 19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. 20 At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,” says the LORD. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Hindu culture is deeply ingrained in Mauritius, and conversion to Christianity is often seen as an imperialistic and narrow-minded act. However, evangelical and Pentecostal churches have boldly proclaimed the gospel, leading many Hindus to turn to Jesus. The church faces challenges due to internal divisions, so let us pray that believers will unite as one body in Christ and work together to build God’s kingdom. Additionally, most Chinese Mauritians are nominal Catholics, placing great emphasis on wealth. Let us pray that they will fully embrace the gospel and have a personal encounter with the Almighty God who grants salvation. May they forsake empty idols and material greed, become witnesses of the gospel, and be restored into a church that brings joy to God.
2. Many young people have been marginalized by economic growth and, as a result, have fallen into drug addiction due to feelings of social deprivation. The rate of intravenous drug use in Mauritius is the second highest in the world. Furthermore, violence, sexual immorality, and the loss of traditional values are endangering their souls. Ministries such as Youth for Christ (YFC), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), and Campus Crusade for Christ International (CCCI) are using creative approaches to share the gospel with students and children.
Let us pray that through these ministries, young people trapped in drug addiction will return to Jesus, be set free, and be restored as worshipers who rejoice in becoming children of God. May we also bless and believe that they will rise as a generation that proclaims the name of the LORD in Mauritius and the nations, bringing honor and praise among all peoples of the world.
Réunion
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 880,000
Area | 2,512㎢, French overseas territory located east of Madagascar
Capital City | Saint-Denis (160,000 people)
People Groups | Total 18 groups, African Creoles 59.8%, White Creoles 21.5%, Punjabis 5.2%, Chinese 3%, Swahili 2.8%, Gujarati 2.5%
People Groups Unreached | 7 (6.6% of the population)
Offical Language(s) | French, Creole French
Total Languages | 15
Bible Translations | Completed 9, New Testament 1, Partial 3
Religion | Christianity 86.1% (Protestantism 7%, Catholicism 78%), Islam 5.3%, Hinduism 3.8% Evangelicals 6.8% (60,000 people)
》 About Réunion
Réunion was first discovered by the Portuguese and later settled by the French in 1642. The French East India Company established the island as a way station for ships en route to India, leading to permanent settlement. African slaves were brought in to work on coffee and sugar plantations, and after slavery was abolished in 1848, contract laborers from India, China, and Africa were brought in to replace them. Réunion became an overseas territory of France in 1946.
The economy primarily relies on tourism and agriculture. With 43% of the island designated as a UNESCO natural heritage site—featuring active volcanoes, canyons, and coastal areas—Réunion is a popular tourist destination. Sugar accounts for approximately 75% of total exports, with other key exports including rum, vanilla, and pineapples. The island is heavily dependent on financial subsidies from France and the EU, as well as revenue from military bases. However, it faces challenges such as high unemployment, a shortage of housing, and rising poverty. In 2009, riots erupted in protest against the island’s unequal political and economic structure. Réunion’s GDP per capita is approximately $8,880.
》 Prayer Points
1. Slavery was abolished in 1848, but its dark legacy still lingers. Half of the Creole-speaking population are descendants of African slaves who were once forced to work on coffee and sugarcane plantations. They continue to be marginalized by society and struggle with poverty, alcoholism, and high unemployment. Let us pray that they may hear and experience the love of God, who gave His Son, so that they may overcome the wounds of the past and the hardships of the present. Although 86% of the population identifies as Christian, many are merely nominal believers, and their faith is often mixed with Hinduism, African spiritualism, superstition, and witchcraft. Let us pray that the light of the gospel will break through the bondage of sin and sorcery, restoring them to a pure church that wholeheartedly worships and delights in God alone.
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