“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)
》 Country 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 (15.38%), Ethiopia (8.37%), Egypt (7.65%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (6.57%), Tanzania (4.55%), South Africa (4.47%), Kenya (3.88%), Uganda (3.38%), Algeria (3.36%), Others (42.39%)
》 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 the poorest continent in the world and is the only continent without a single developed country. Severe droughts in Sub-Saharan Africa have caused devastating food crises. Despite having a growing population and abundant natural resources, economic progress is hindered by ongoing civil wars, dictatorships, corruption, and extreme wealth inequality. These social issues continue to prevent sustainable development.
Religion: A Land of Faith and Persecution
Islam is strong in North Africa, which was under the rule of ancient Rome and the Islamic Empire, and Christianity is the main religion in Sub-Saharan Africa due to the continuous Christian missionary work of the West since the 19th century. While both Islam and Christianity continue to grow, indigenous beliefs and superstitions still hold significant social influence. However, in Islamic countries such as North Africa, Sudan, Nigeria, and Somalia, Christian communities face severe persecution from radical Islamic groups. The scale of this violence has led to concerns that it may amount to genocide.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalms 29:1-11(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. 5. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. 6. He makes Lebanon leap like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. 7. The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. 8. The voice of the Lord shakes the desert; the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh. 9. The voice of the Lord twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” 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 humanitarian crisis in the Sahel region is worsening due to a surge in violence, displacement, and food insecurity. However, frequent attacks on aid workers are making it difficult for relief organizations to operate and provide assistance to victims. Let us pray that those who use violence driven by greed, instilling fear in the hearts of the people, will come to recognize God, who reigns as King forever.
2. Let us pray for the believers in North Africa who must endure persecution, threats, and even honor killings because of their faith in Jesus. May God protect them from danger and strengthen their faith. Let us also pray that, through even a small group of disciples, the miracle of following the Lord and receiving salvation will flourish in this region.
3. Let us pray that God will provide for the needs of missionaries and workers in financially struggling churches in Africa. May He support Bible education and leadership training programs, raising up workers who are firmly grounded in the truth. Let us pray that local churches will become self-sustaining, develop a vision for missions, and that God will raise up workers who will go to unreached people groups and Muslims with the gospel.
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