Lesotho
June 20th

“Lesotho, love the Lord, for he preserves those who are true to Him!”

Love the LORD, all his faithful people! The LORD preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.(Psalm 31:23,NIV)

》 Country Profile

Continent | Africa
Population | 2.21 million
Area | 30,355㎢ Located in the central-eastern part of South Africa, the southernmost part of Africa.
Capital City | Maseru (200,000 people)
People Groups | Total 10 groups, Sotho 85.6%, Zulu 9%, Phutih 2.5%, Xhosa 1.1%
Official Language(s) | Sotho, English
Total Languages | 9
Bible Translations | Completed 8
Religion | Christianity 91.2% (Protestant 19%, Catholic 62%), Ethnic religion 7.5% Evangelical 13.1% (280,000 people)

》 About Lesotho

Lesotho is a tribal kingdom of the Basotho people that became a British protectorate in 1868 and was named ‘Basutoland.’ In 1966, it became independent as the ‘Kingdom of Lesotho,’ an autonomous state within the British Commonwealth, in opposition to South Africa’s demand for annexation. After independence, Prime Minister Jonathan took power, but in 1986, Military Commander Lekhanya seized power in a coup d’état. In 1990, after a power struggle, Chairman of the Military Council Lekhanya exiled King Moshoeshoe II and enthroned Crown Prince Letsie III. In 1995, King Letsie III abdicated, and Moshoeshoe II, who had been in exile, returned to the throne. In 1996, Letsie III was restored to the throne, and in 1998, Prime Minister Mosisili took office. That same year, there was bloodshed due to protests over election fraud and a military coup, prompting military intervention by South Africa and Botswana. These frequent coups and dictatorial governments have led to continued political turmoil. As a constitutional monarchy with a cabinet system, the king is Letsie III. In 2020, Prime Minister Thabane resigned due to his involvement in a murder case, and Moeketsi Majoro took office as Prime Minister.

The economy is based on a narrow economic foundation of textile manufacturing, agriculture, remittances, and local customs revenues. Agriculture produces less than 20% of the country’s food needs, yet about three-quarters of the population engage in livestock raising and farming. Lesotho relies on South Africa for most of its economic activity, importing 85% of its consumer goods. It depends heavily on remittances from families working in mines, farms, and domestic work in South Africa. Recently, diamond mining has accounted for 35% of exports. Poverty affects 57% of the population, youth unemployment stands at 35%, and the adult HIV prevalence rate is 21%, the second highest in the world. Lesotho’s GDP per capita is approximately $2,300

》 Scripture Focus

》 Prayer Points

1. Lesotho has a Christian population of 91% and accepted Christianity many generations ago, but there are few truly born-again believers. Catholics account for 62%, and evangelicals make up just over 13%, or about 280,000 people, but most are either mixed with traditional religions or are nominal believers. Several churches of the African Independent Church (AIC) have intentionally incorporated ancestor worship rituals such as ‘Balimo,’ witchcraft, and secret societies of traditional magic. Most mainstream denominations have sought to maintain their religious status while diminishing the influence of the gospel, and traditional religions and families have pressured believers to prevent them from becoming born-again Christians. In addition, churches often distort the gospel by excessively emphasizing healing and material prosperity.
Let us pray that idols will be removed from the church in Lesotho, that true reform will take place through the gospel. Let us pray that Lesotho receive the grace of the Lord, who protects the faithful, and believe in the gospel according to His Word.

2. Overseas missionary organizations, including Youth With A Mission (YWAM), the International Mission Board (IMB), AIM, and various organizations in South Africa, are actively working in Lesotho. They teach the Bible through Theological Extension Education (TEE) and seminaries, training disciples of the Lord who fully believe in the gospel. Operation UP, an indigenous missionary organization, operates a mission-oriented training program, while the Pastoral Bible Training Center provides pastoral training. Hundreds of thousands of people in remote mountainous areas are even poorer and have lived entirely without exposure to the gospel, prompting Operation UP to establish dozens of churches in these regions. World Joy Ministries, Fill the Gap Ministries, Full Gospel Church, and World Evangelization Mission have also been ministering to these communities. In particular, Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is an essential mission organization in Lesotho, where high mountains and poor road infrastructure make transportation difficult. MAF operates 26 runways and six airplanes, transporting and supporting missionaries and medical personnel with the help of more than ten missionaries.
Let us pray that overseas missionary organizations and churches will unite to systematically nurture believers in the truth through the gospel of the cross and the Word of God. Let us pray that wherever the seeds of the gospel are sown, the Lord will bestow His grace upon those who fear Him and take refuge in Him.

3. Lesotho has 340,000 AIDS patients, the second highest rate of infection in the world, with nearly 30% of adult women affected. In addition, more than 110,000 AIDS orphans are often exploited in prostitution, and many children live on the streets. Missionary organizations and churches are striving to address this crisis through education, prevention, and treatment. Let us pray for more workers to be sent to serve them and for patients and orphans to call upon the Lord in the midst of death and suffering, so that salvation may cleanse them from disease and sin. More than half of Lesotho’s population is under the age of 24, yet there is a lack of gospel preaching and discipleship for the next generation of children and youth. Scripture Union (SU) is diligently teaching the Bible through school-based religious gatherings.
Let us pray that the next generation of Lesotho, who have lost hope due to poverty and high youth unemployment, will encounter salvation through the gospel of the cross and experience God’s amazing love. Let us pray that the next generation, who put their hope in God, will rise up as strong and courageous witnesses of the gospel, transforming Lesotho.

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