April - 29 To 30

Country : ETHIOPIA Population 52,569,000 Peoples Semitic origin 45%. Ethiopian. Amhara 13,300,000 (North and Central Highlands); Tigrinya 4,150,000 (North and also Eritrea); Gurage (three major dialects) 1,856,000 (South Highlands); Adare (3 groups) 70,000 (East). Arab 80,000. Falashas. A few thousand Black Jews remaining -- mainly Christians. Over 70,000 airlifted to Israel. Cushitic 44%. Over 30 peoples in all areas of the country. Oromo 30.1%. Wellega 8,000,000; Borane-Arusi-Guji 3,657,000; Harar-Ittu 2,142,000. Somali 3.9%. In Harar and Ogaden. Other 10%. Largest: Sidamo 1,261,000; Hadiyya 644,000; Agew 490,000; Gedeo 455,000; Kambaata 443,000; Konso 200,000; Afar 200,000 Omotic 7%. Over 25 peoples in south and southwest. Largest: Wolaytta 1,100,000; Gamo 464,000; Keffa 443,000; Kullo 163,000; Goffa 154,000; Bench 123,000; Yemsa 114,000; Aari 109,000; Basketo 50,000. Nilo-Sudanic 3.1%. Over 24 peoples in south and west. Related to Sudan peoples. Largest: Anuak 111,000; Gumuz 105,000; Bertha 93,000; Murle 51,000, Me'en 50,000; Koma 50,000; Nuer 40,000. Other 0.9%. Literacy 37-50%. Official language: Amharic; 65% of population are able to speak it. All languages 123. Languages with Scriptures 8Bi 11NT 5por. Cities Capital: Addis Ababa 1,780,000. Urbanization 11%. Economy Famine, wars and 17 years of Stalinist Marxism ruined the already weak economy. Poor communications, lack of political unity and severe droughts inhibit rebuilding the economy to pre-revolutionary levels. Unemployment over 35%. Public debt/person $64. Income/person $120 (0.5% of USA). Politics Claimed to be one of the oldest nations known; over 60 references in the Bible. Amhara-dominated Empire 1896-1974, with Italian occupation 1936-41. The Marxist revolution of 1974 overthrew the Emperor Haile Selassie and imposed doctrinaire Marxist ideology on the country with collectivization, nationalization and repression of all dissent and of religion. Regional uprisings together with severe droughts and man-aided famines ultimately led to the collapse of Mengistu's Marxist regime in 1991. The partial failure of the 1992 multi-party elections left the country divided on regional and ethnic lines. The likely alternatives are a loose federal republic of ethnic provinces or the dismemberment of the country into ethnic states. Religion Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations -- from the fourth century. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church became the State Church until the 1974 revolution. The Marxist regime persecuted the Church -- especially Evangelicals, with many church buildings destroyed and congregations scattered. Since 1991 there has been unprecedented freedom for worship and witness. Religious percentages are approximate. Non-religious/other 1%. Mainly the urban educated. Traditional religions 6%. Mainly among peoples of south and west. Muslim 35%. (Muslims claim 40-50%). Strong in north, east (Afars and Somalis) and southeast (Oromo and Omotic peoples). Christian 58%. Nom 5.8%. Affil 52.2%. Growth 1.6%. Protestant 14.1%. Growth 11.2%. Some of the denominations listed here include Eritrean statistics which therefore inflate those of Ethiopia. Catholic 0.75%. Growth 3%. Orthodox 43.1%. Affil 37.31%. Growth -1.1%. Marginal groups 0.03%. Growth 12%. 1. Ethiopia is in a state of shock. Her population struggles with the trauma of millions of deaths through repression, famine and war, and of the nation losing its sense of identity and purpose. Communism made many promises, but proved to be a cruel lie that left the land spiritually, economically and agriculturally bankrupt, and in disintegration. Pray for regional and national leaders as they seek to work out a viable political structure that will facilitate peace and economic progress. Pray also that gloom and despair may cause many to take refuge in the Lord Jesus. 2. Praise God for the thrilling growth of the Protestant churches since 1936. Two great waves of violent persecution under the Italians in 1936-41 and the Communists in 1974-1990 refined and purified the church, but there were many martyrs. Vision, sacrificial evangelism and courageous witness have characterized Evangelicals of all denominations. There have been great seasons of harvest with millions coming to Christ, the greatest being since the failure and collapse of Communism. Protestants were fewer than 200,000 -- and 0.8% of the population -- in 1960, but by 1990 this may have become six million and 13% of the population. 3. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church faces a series of crises. Centuries of isolation from the rest of the Christian world as an island in a sea of Islam formed its unique theology, traditions and customs. It has to adjust to the dramatic changes of the 20th Century, not least being its loss of political privilege under Communism. The leadership in the post-revolution era feels threatened by massive losses to more vigorous, younger evangelical churches, and there is rising opposition and localised persecution aimed at minimizing that growth. Pray for a greater use of the Scriptures, new life and renewal to come to the Orthodox Church with its millions of nominal adherents. There are small but growing charismatic and evangelical parties within the Church. 4. The Church faces enormous challenges. Pray that: a) Christians may seize present opportunities for evangelism and effectively multiply disciples and congregations. b) Recovery from the trauma of persecution may go smoothly. Thousands of places of worship must be built or rebuilt, backsliders and compromisers restored, and families helped after the devastations of famine, separations, bereavements and loss of all possessions. c) Effective social help programmes be expanded to care for the needy and destitute. Western aid agencies such as SBC, TEAR Fund, WV, World Relief, World Concern, Lutheran World Relief and others can play a vital role in support of Ethiopian initiatives. The Christian Relief and Development Association coordinates the activities of 88 such organizations. The flood of foreign aid can distort the delicate balance between spiritual and social ministries. d) Missions vision may be revived. Before 1974, thousands of rural missionaries took the gospel to other ethnic groups, but much of this was forcibly stopped. Pray that churches may work together in planning for the full evangelization of every province and people of their land. No such national strategy has ever been launched, nor has there ever been a national survey of the unfinished task. The Kale Heywet Church has re-launched its missions programme, sending out 60 pioneer workers to unreached peoples. e) Unity among churches may prevail. Pray for the Union of Evangelical Churches formed in 1987. 5. Leaders in the churches need prayer for: a) Their interactions with the government. Ethiopia could undergo a tempestuous decade of adjustment, and relationships with churches could become tense. b) Their own denominations. Pray specifically for the Kale Heywet Church (Word of Life), the fruit of SIM work, now the largest and most widespread evangelical denomination in the country. The Mekane Yesu Evangelical Church, the daughter church of Lutheran and Presbyterian missions, is a large, dynamic and charismatic denomination that is growing rapidly. The numerous Pentecostal churches are all growing fast. c) Their walk with God. Success following persecution can be a dangerous time -- pride, power, fame, and the consequent moral and ethical dangers need to be withstood in prayer. 6. Leadership training was severely restricted under Communism. There are too few Christian workers with even a basic Bible training. Pray specifically for staff and students in: a) Seminary level training -- at the Evangelical Theological College (Kale Heywet and the International Evangelical Church), the Mekane Yesu Seminary, and also the Orthodox St Paul's Seminary -- all in Addis Ababa. Pray also that more graduates may enter pastoral work rather than filling administrative posts or becoming employed by foreign agencies. b) Residential Bible Schools for various denominations which are multiplying again. The lack of finance for development, for fees and for salaries is a major brake on development. In 1988 the Kale Heywet Church had 3,500 students in 105 Bible schools, while the Mekane Yesu Church had a further 4,000 students in 24 Bible schools. c) The network of local evening and short-term Bible schools, and TEE programmes around the country. 7. Foreign missions were forced to close down ministries during the time of Marxist rule. Missionary numbers were reduced to about 400. Since 1991 more missionaries have been able to enter. Pray that the missionary force may be wisely and sensitively deployed to best serve the maturing church. The major ministry needs are in leadership training, pioneer outreach to unevangelized peoples, Bible translation and technical and aid ministries. The largest agencies are: Norwegian Lutheran Mission (152 workers), SIM (133), Finnish Lutherans (66), Finnish Pentecostal Mission (29), SIL (26), Swedish Pentecostal Mission (23), Danish Lutheran Mission (22), German Lutherans (20), SBC (17), and Baptist General Conference (16). Major missionary-contributing nations: USA (165), Norway (159), Finland (100), Germany (50), Sweden (45), Denmark (30). 8. The Muslim advance. Muslims strengthened their position under Marxism, and are poised to launch an Islamization of Ethiopia by penetrating Christian areas with the offer of bribes and a mosque-building programme -- many were reported to have been built during the time that many Christian churches were being closed. Their numbers are growing significantly, with converts out of both animism and the Orthodox Church. Pray for a definite prayer mobilization that will lead to breakthroughs among Muslim peoples. Converts out of Islam are numbered only in hundreds. 9. The less reached. The greatest need is thorough research of the unfinished task. Pray that this may be done. Pray for church-planting in: a) The northern provinces where Evangelicals are few. Gojam, Tigre and Gonder are 95% Orthodox. Welo is 65% Muslim, 35% Orthodox. The area has been severely affected by war and two major famines over the past 20 years. The main peoples are Amhara, Tigrinya and Oromo. b) The Muslim provinces of the east and southeast. The Afar, Somali, Oromo and Borane have had minimal contact with missionaries in the past. Pray for the re-entry of workers to reach them, and for the distribution of the Arusi Oromo New Testament. c) The south and southwestern provinces -- especially on the Sudan border. All are populated by the Nilo-Sudanic group of peoples. Most of the peoples of special need are small, animistic and isolated. In nearly all there are Christians, but in some the real gospel breakthroughs must still come. Pray for the Basketo (50,000); Dassenach (40,000); Maji (35,000); Suri (30,000); Chara (17,000); Allaaba (5,000); Dime (1,500); Nao (1,000). d) Sudanese refugees from the vicious fighting in the south of that land. Many are housed in large camps. There are over 260,000 refugees in the camp at Itang. Pray for all ministering to these unfortunate people. There are groups of believers among a number of the ethnic groups in these camps. 10. Young people, long fed Marxist rhetoric, need purpose and hope in life. Pray for SU ministry among young people and for its expansion among teenagers, and for EVASUE(IFES) with ministry already re-established in 19 colleges. The bottleneck is lack of staff. 11. Bible translation is a major missions task to be accomplished. The Bible Society is involved in 16 translation projects and training courses for national translators, and SIL in survey and in a number of translation teams. KHC/SIM and Mekane Yesu Church/Lutheran Missions are committed to translation programmes. Praise God for the completion of the Bench, Hadiyya and Kambatta New Testaments. Major projects needing prayer for completion: Bibles for the Afar, Anuak, Gurage, West Oromo and Wolayta, and New Testaments for the Aari, Amaaro, Burji, Gumuz, Hadiyya, Majang, Kafa, Konso Silti Gurage and Sidamo. There are 17 languages with a definite translation need and a further 39 needing further confirmation of need. Pray for guidance in assessing remaining needs, and resources to start work in those that do (SIL). 12. Christian Help ministries. a) Literature. Intensive literacy campaigns have created many new readers, but reading materials are scarce. The restrictions imposed on printing and distributing books and magazines have been lifted, but importation and the logistical problems for distribution of literature are still difficult. b) Aviation. MAF have returned after a 14-year absence. The road system, already poor, has been degraded by neglect, so planes are a vital service to Christian work. c) Cassettes with both the Scriptures (Bible Society) and gospel messages (GRn in 62 languages). These are a significant means of communicating the Good News. Pray for supplies, distribution, and also planning and implementation of new programmes. d) The Jesus film. This is being used in Amharic, Tigrinya, Borane and Turkana. Pray for film teams, travel, safety and follow-up. e) Radio. FEBA broadcasts 11.5 hours/week in Amharic, 6.5 hours/week in Oromo and Tigrinya, and 3.5 hours/week in Afar. Pray for the preparation and impact of these programmes. Pray also for the return of the Lutheran station in Addis Ababa, Radio Voice of the Gospel. The Communists seized it after the revolution.   Country : ERITREA Population 3,677,000 Peoples At least nine peoples. Semitic origin 70.6%. Tigrinya 1,900,000; Tigre and Mensa 683,000; Arab 200,000. Cushitic 12.8%. Afar 300,000; Saho 144,000; Beja 120,000. Nilo-Sudanic 14.6%. Kunama 140,000; Nara 63,000. Other 2%. Mainly Arab and Italian. Literacy 37%. Official languages: English, Tigrinya. All languages 9. Languages with Scriptures 3Bi 2NT 1por. Cities Capital: Asmara 600,000. Economy Devastated by 30 years of war and drought. In 1992 over 70% of the population was dependent on food aid from abroad. Politics Italian colony 1890-1941. UN-arranged federation with Ethiopia in 1951. The war for Eritrean independence began in 1961. All three liberation movements were avowedly Marxist, but since the ending of Ethiopian rule, ideology was forgotten in the effort to rebuild the nation. A multi-party democracy is to be established. Religion Secular state but with freedom of religion. Religious statistics are estimates. Muslim 51%. Dominant among Tigre, Afar, Beja, Saho, and large numbers among all but the Kunama. Non-religious/other 2.9%. Many influenced by Marxist anti-religious propaganda in the past. Christian 46.1%. Affil 27.87%. Growth 1%. The Tigrinya has a Christian majority. The Bilen, Mensa and Kunama a minority. Protestant 1.5%. Growth 7.8%. Catholic 4.6%. Growth 2.5%. Orthodox 40%. Affil 26.4%. Growth 0.5%. 1. Long-sought independence won at such cost could lead to anguish if ethnic and religious divisions polarize the nation. Pray for wisdom, moderation and moral integrity for the new leadership. 2. Recovery from the devastation of war and drought will be a long and painful process. Pray for: a) Stability and peace and the rebuilding of the country. b) Reintegration of the one million Eritrean refugees who fled to Sudan during the War and also for Christians among them. A number of refugee churches were planted during the war. c) Christian help agencies who seek to alleviate suffering and set up projects that will improve the lot of the people. They need wisdom and sensitivity in selecting and maintaining projects. 3. Christians suffered through warfare in the rural areas and persecution from the Marxist authorities in the cities. The Orthodox are numerous among the Tigrinya; Evangelicals are fewer and confined to the Kunama, Tigrinya, Mensa and the city of Asmara. Congregations were scattered and most social and outreach programmes halted. Pray for churches as they seek to repair and build meeting places, restore fellowship and begin again to reach out in evangelism. Pray also for religious freedom -- there are strong pressures from Muslim radicals for Islam to gain political ascendency. 4. Coptic Orthodox and Evangelical Christians were refined and drawn together in fellowship in the years of suffering. All churches are full, many having daily meetings and nightly prayer meetings. There is a spirit of revival, resulting in concern for both missions and relief and development in their new, but battered, nation. 5. The return of Christian missionaries to serve the Church is an urgent need. Every facet of ministry is lacking in skills and gifts -- leadership training, media and practical help ministries. Many areas have never been effectively penetrated by missions. The main missions in the past have been Swedish Evangelical (among Mensa, Tigrinya and Kunama), Swedish Lutherans, SIM and American Faith Mission, also MECO (in the western lowlands) and RSTI (among the Afar). Pray also for African mission agencies to take up this challenge. 6. The less reached. Pray specifically for: a) The Muslim Beja, Afar, Nara and Saho peoples with no known churches or existing outreach. b) The Red Sea coast and cities of Massawa and Assab where Islam is strongest. c) The Tigre people who are almost entirely Muslim -- the only one of the Ethiopian Semitic peoples that is not predominantly Orthodox. There is a Bible in Tigre, but few committed Christians.   Country : FAEROE ISLANDS Population 48,000 Peoples Faeroese 97%; Danish 3%. Literacy 99%. Official languages: Faeroese, which is of the Scandinavian family; Danish. Cities Tórshavn 14,770. Economy Based on the fishing industry. After an economic boom in the '70s and '80s, recession and declining fish yields are raising unemployment levels. Income/person $23,000 (109% of USA). Politics Parliamentary democracy; a self-governing region of Denmark, but not a member of the European Community. Religion Complete religious freedom, though the Lutheran Church is recognized as the national church and is supported through a tax levied by the State. Non-religious/other 6.6%. Christian 93.4%. Growth 0.4%. Protestant 93%. Growth 0.3%. Most members are nominal. Roman Catholic 0.1%. Growth 1.4%. Marginal 0.3%. Growth 5%. 1. Nominalism and liberal theology characterize the Lutheran Church, yet within it are strong evangelical movements: the pietistic Home Mission (6,000 affiliated) and the charismatic movement (500). Pray for all who preach the truth within the national Church. Only about 8% of Lutherans are churchgoers. 2. Evangelicals are a quarter of the population -- a contrast to the few in the mother country, Denmark. The remarkable witness of the Brethren is a major contributory factor. There are also growing Pentecostal and charismatic churches and groups. Yet compromise with a secular society, divisions among believers and a lack of mature leadership in many fellowships tarnish the witness. Pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 3. Missions involvement is high, with 50 Faeroese serving in 14 lands and a further 50 studying in Bible schools in other lands. Pray that the home churches may stand with them as they serve the Lord; few congregations are mission-minded. Christians are trusting for 200 missionaries by the year 2000.   Country : FALKLAND ISLANDS Population 1,991 Peoples British 97%. Other 3%. Literacy   Cities Capital: Stanley 1,200. Urbanization 56%. Economy A forgotten, sheep-ranching colony until the 1982 war. Development, construction, exploitation of fisheries, and tourism have brought sudden wealth to the islanders. Income/person $30,860 (146% of USA). Politics Self-governing UK Colony. Argentinian claims on the islands as the Islas Malvinas led to 1982 War of South Atlantic. Religion Non-religious/other 13.1%. Christian 86.9%. Growth 0.8%. Protestant 76%. Growth 0.9%. Roman Catholic 10.2% Growth 0%. Marginal 0.7%. Growth 1.3%. 1. The traumatic Argentinian invasion, and Argentina's subsequent defeat by British forces in 1982, decisively affected the economic, political and spiritual life of the once-complacent Falkland Islanders. Praise God for the 150 who made decisions for Christ in a 1991 crusade in the capital. Pray for lasting results in these lives. 2. There are only three significant Protestant denominations among the Islanders (Anglican, Tabernacle United Free Church and Baptist) with a few actively witnessing Christians. 3. The British forces based on the Islands face a lonely, thankless task. Pray for openness to the gospel and to Christian witness by believers in the forces and Mission to Military Garrisons.