“Seychelles will be made righteous through the Lord and will boast in Him!”
But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in Him.(Isaiah 45:25,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 97,000
Area | 455㎢, Consists of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean in eastern Africa.
Capital City | Victoria (28,000)
People Groups | Total 5 Groups, Creoles 94.8%, Europeans 4.2%
Unreached People Groups | 0
Official Language(s) | Seychellois Creole (Seselowa), English, French
Total Languages | 5
Bible Translations | Completed 4
Religion | Christianity 96.2% (Protestant 3%, Catholic 83%), Non-religious 2.5% Evangelical 7% (7,000 people)
》 About Seychelles
Seychelles was first settled in 1740 by French immigrants, African slaves, and Indian laborers. It was a French colony from 1756 to 1814 before coming under British rule until gaining independence in 1976 as the Republic of Seychelles, a member of the Commonwealth. In 1977, a leftist coup brought Albert René to power, where he ruled for decades. He was elected in 2001 but stepped down in 2004, passing the presidency to Vice President James Michel, who remained in office until 2020. In 2020, Wavel Ramkalawan became the first opposition candidate to win the presidency since independence, marking a historic shift in Seychelles’ political landscape.
Seychelles’ economy is heavily reliant on tourism and tuna fishing, which directly employ 26% of the workforce and contribute over 55% of GDP. To reduce dependence on tourism, the government is encouraging growth in offshore financial services, information and communications technology (ICT), and renewable energy development. However, Seychelles faces several economic challenges that make its economy vulnerable. The country is heavily reliant on food imports, as it produces very little of its own food, making it susceptible to fluctuations in global supply chains. Its dependence on tourism makes it highly vulnerable to economic downturns, particularly during global crises that affect travel and hospitality. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat, as rising ocean temperatures and natural disasters impact both marine ecosystems and infrastructure. The nation also struggles with high external debt, placing a strain on its financial stability. To address these challenges, efforts are being made to diversify the economy and strengthen resilience against global economic fluctuations.
Seychelles’s GDP per capita is approximately $17,858.
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 45:19-25(NIV) 19 I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I, the LORD, speak the truth; I declare what is right. 20 “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. 21 Declare what is to be, present it—let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. 22 “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear. 24 They will say of me, ‘In the LORD alone are deliverance and strength.’” All who have raged against him will come to him and be put to shame. 25 But all the descendants of Israel will find deliverance in the LORD and will make their boast in him. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Seychelles is a Christian-majority nation, with 96% of the population identifying as Christian. However, superstition and nominalism are deeply ingrained in the culture. Many people are influenced by black magic, voodoo (gris-gris), and African folk spiritual practices that rely on charms and herbal remedies.
There are about 7,000 evangelicals, and evangelical groups have a great vision to plant churches throughout the country. However, the remote outer islands, with their small and isolated populations, have never been reached with the gospel or received discipleship training.
Let us give thanks for the complete translation of the Bible into Seselwa and pray that this Bible and other Christian literature will be widely read and embraced by the people of Seychelles, strengthening their faith and leading them deeper into the truth of the gospel.
2. Despite being known as the ‘Paradise of the Indian Ocean,’ Seychelles struggles with severe social issues, including drug addiction, fueled by tourism-driven pleasures, corruption, and deep economic inequality. An estimated 6% of the population suffers from drug addiction, falling into substance abuse as they seek to fill a spiritual void.
Let us pray that the gospel will reach those trapped in addiction, bringing them new life in Christ so that they may be born again and experience salvation.
Additionally, many nominal Christians remain bound by superstition. Let us pray that through the power of the Holy Spirit, they will repent, recognize the emptiness of idolatry, and place their full trust in the gospel of the cross. May they be transformed into bold witnesses of Christ who live holy lives for Him.
3. For those living on the outer islands of Seychelles, the message of salvation and personal commitment to Christ remains largely unknown. Many have never heard the gospel clearly or experienced its life-changing power.
Let us pray that the gospel will reach even the most remote islands, that the people will come to know the righteousness of God, and that they will rejoice in the grace of salvation He has provided.
May the inhabitants of these islands respond to the gospel, surrendering their lives fully to God, and may a wave of spiritual revival sweep across Seychelles, bringing deep transformation to every corner of the nation.
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