O Chad, rest quietly in God alone, for your salvation comes from Him!
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. (Psalm 62:1,NIV)
》 Country Profile
Continent | Africa
Population | 17.96 million
Area | 1,284,000㎢, Located in the central-northern interior of Africa.
Capital City | N’Djamena (1.59 million people)
People Groups | Total 141 groups, Baggara (Shuwa Arab) 19.1%, N’Gambay 10.2%, Kanembu 5.3%, Maba 3.2%, Gulai 3%, Daja 3%, Sara Mazingai-N’Gama 2.8%, Banana 2.3%
Unreached People Groups | 80 groups (55.5% of the population)
Official Language(s) | French (official), Arabic
Total Languages | 128
Bible Translations | Completed 18, New Testament 34, Partial 19
Religion | Christianity 25.5% (13% Protestant, 6% Catholic), Islam 57.2%, Ethnic religions 16.9% Evangelicals 7.3% (1.28 million people)
》 About Chad
Chad was once a powerful Islamic empire in the 16th century, but it became a French colony in 1885. After World War II, it joined the French Community as an autonomous territory in 1958 and gained independence in 1960. However, the unity formed among tribal leaders during the independence movement soon collapsed as they began to fight for power. Long-standing civil wars and corruption earned Chad the nickname “the dead heart of Africa.” For 30 years, internal conflict persisted between the Islamic north and the Christian south. In 1982, Hissène Habré seized power through a coup and ruled with brutality, causing the deaths of around 40,000 people. Idriss Déby took over in 1990, also through a coup, and remained in power for over 30 years. In 2021, after winning a sixth term, he died from fatal wounds while leading military operations against rebels. His son, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, was appointed interim leader and officially became president in May 2024, winning 61% of the vote.
Chad remains one of the poorest countries in the world, deeply affected by war and drought. About 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. Although infrastructure like roads is slowly improving, most people still rely on subsistence farming and livestock. Cotton, peanuts, and rice are key crops, and cattle and sheep are widely raised. Chad has rich reserves of oil and minerals, and oil exports account for about 60% of national income. However, widespread corruption prevents these profits from benefiting the population. Chad’s GDP per capita is approximately $1,400.
》 Scripture Focus
| Psalm 62:1-3, 6-8(NIV) 1 Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. 3 How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence? 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Chad is a key place in the spiritual battle in the Sahel, where Islam is spreading from North Africa. Although 57% of the population is Muslim, the government allows religious freedom, and missionaries are welcomed. While some Muslims are converting to Christianity, Islam is growing even faster. The church has faced problems with traditional beliefs and cultural rituals. Some people have also joined heretical or secret groups like the Rosicrucians and Freemasons. Let us pray for unity among churches through the Evangelical and Pentecostal Alliances, despite division caused by tribal conflicts and nominal faith. Christian leader training is difficult because of poverty, instability, and poor infrastructure, but may God raise true disciples through Bible schools and training centers. Let us pray for more bold gospel witnesses in Chad.
2. We thank God for foreign missionaries who have stayed even during times of war. They work together under a network called COCOAM, including groups like TEAM, WEC, AIM, Vision Africa, Frontiers, and MAF. Although there are fewer missionaries now, may they rely on God and complete their calling with faith. Local missionaries are also planting churches and translating the Bible. Let us pray that believers with a heart for missions will be trained and sent out through local training centers like CFM and YWAM.
3. Out of 141 people groups in Chad, 80 have still never heard the gospel. The Bible has been translated into only 18 out of the 128 languages spoken in the country. Let us pray for rapid progress in Bible translation and literacy efforts. May many come to know God, the Rock, through radio and media.
In the north, the Saharan people are mostly Sunni Muslims and hold significant political power. Chad is also home to 400,000 refugees from Darfur, many of whom are disillusioned with Islam and living in deep despair. Let us pray that missionaries will be sent to share the gospel with them, so that in the midst of their despair, they may find salvation in God, their true refuge.
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