Baroda Bible Club
 

March

       

 

March - 01 To 04

COUNTRY :BANGLADESH
Population 132,219,000
Peoples:

All ethnic groups 50.
Bengali 97.3%. Muslim and Hindu Bengalis have distinct cultures and dialects.
Tribal Groups 1.1%. Over 30. Largest: Chakma 352,000; Mogh 185,000; Santal 157,000; Tipera 105,000; Garo 102,000; Tripuri 78,000; Meithei 56,000; Mru 45,000; Hadi 42,000; Usipi 35,000; Bawm 31,000; Oraon 24,000; Dalu 11,000; Pankhu 2,200; Khyang 1,400.
Other minorities 1.6%. Urdu 600,000; Hindi 346,000; Burmese 231,000; Bihari 230,000.
Refugees: 200,000 Rohingya from Arakan, Myanmar.
Literacy Literacy 24%. Official languages: Bengali, English often used. All languages 37. Languages with Scriptures 14Bi 3NT 7por.
Cities Capital: Dhaka 6,646,000.
Other major city: Chittagong 2,289,000.
Urbanization 15%.
Economy: One of the world's poorest nations, suffering from gross over-population and periodic natural disasters such as devastating floods and cyclones with enormous loss of life. There seems little hope that the poverty of this unhappy land will ever be substantially alleviated. Major sources of foreign exchange are aid, textiles and jute. Underemployment 50%. Public debtperson $81. Incomeperson $180 (0.85% of USA).
Politics: Formerly East Pakistan; independent in 1971 after bitter civil war and defeat of Pakistan by Indian and Bangladeshi forces. Corruption, instability, assassinations and 18 coups have marred the years since then. A nine-year military dictatorship ended in 1991 with restoration of democracy and the election of a government led by a woman, Begum Zia.
Religion: A secular state 1971-88; then the former government declared Islam to be the state religion. This is heightening tensions between Muslims and followers of other religions. Muslim fundamentalists are a vociferous minority.

Muslim 87%. Almost entirely Sunni.
Hindu 11.7%. Decreasing through emigration and lower fertility.
Buddhist 0.6%. Mainly among the Chakma, Mogh and Mru peoples.
Other 0.3%. Non-religious 110,000; Animist 80,000; Baha'i 4,000.
Christian 0.44%. Affil 0.36%. Growth 3.6%.
Protestant 0.23%. Affil 0.19%. Growth 4.5%.
Roman Catholic 0.21%. Affil 0.18%. Growth 2.9%.

1. Bangladesh has been a hard field for the gospel. Revulsion at the cruelty of Pakistan's repression in the name of Islam in the 1971 civil war temporarily weakened Bangladeshi loyalty to Islam, and gave new opportunities for the gospel. However, the rise of extremist Muslim groups pressing for a more radical Islam is affecting Christian witness in many ways. Pray that the present freedom for all to practise and propagate their own religions be maintained and that the leaders of the nation may handle the many problems with integrity, devotion to duty and fairness. Pray above all that the grip of the powers of darkness may be broken.
2. Praise God for progress for the gospel despite the increased difficulties.
a) Christian aid since independence and during the nation's frequent natural calamities has been generous and impartial. Non-government organizations such as HEED and World Vision seek to uphold Christian values and prepare the way for local church and mission involvement. TEAR Fund seconds workers and helps in funding projects. Pray for wisdom and sensitivity for all involved in implementing these programmes -- that aid not be perceived as manipulative or dependency-producing.
b) The openness and even responsiveness of whole Muslim families in some areas to innovative methods of evangelism is encouraging. Pray for strong witnessing churches to be planted and for protection in persecution of all who follow Christ.
c) Several Hindu castes have shown marked and continuing response to the gospel. This has mainly been among the Namasudra and, more recently, the Muchi castes.
d) People movements among tribal peoples have resulted in nearly all the Bawm and Pankhu becoming Christian, and also 95% of the Garo, 60% of the Oraon, and 50% of the Mahili and Khasi. The turning to the Lord continues among the Santals (25%) and Munda (16%).
3. Praise God for steady growth in the number of Christians with ingatherings of both Hindu and tribal people into the churches.
The Church has grown at twice the population rate for the last 30 years despite the difficulties. There is rising confidence and faith for that to continue in the '90s. Pray for:
a) The Bangladesh Baptist Fellowship, Assemblies of God and the Bangladesh Free Baptist Churches who are growing fast and who have set bold church-planting goals.
b) The Great Commission Movement, launched in 1991, which has brought together evangelical congregations with the commitment to prayer, research and cooperation to plant a church in every one of the 464 sub-districts and each of the ethnic groups of the country by the year 2000. Pray for the implementation of these goals.

4. Revival of the church is the greatest need.
Pray that the Holy Spirit may move in these areas:
a) Nominal Christianity. Early people movements brought thousands of marginalized sections of society into the Church. Poverty, illiteracy and lack of trained and godly leadership have led to shallowness and nominalism.
b) Unity. Imported and indigenous divisions have hindered the effectiveness of the witness in the past. Pray for the National Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh as it seeks to encourage evangelical unity and cooperative action in evangelism, teaching and aid programmes.
c) Missions vision. After years of little interest, there is growing interest in reaching out to the major non-Christian communities.
5. Leadership for the churches.
God is raising up a new generation of leaders who exercise a ministry beyond their own community, yet they are few. Pray for the multiplication of leaders:
a) The Christian Discipleship Centre and the Dhaka United Theological Seminary are the only interdenominational residential schools. The CDC also runs TEE and short-term programmes. The CDC had graduated 145 by 1991.
b) Five denominational Bible schools and seminaries (AoG, ABWE, Free Baptist, Lutheran and Church of Bangladesh).
6. Unreached peoples.
Few nations in the world have a larger number of people totally untouched by the gospel. Pray for:
a) The Muslims. From among the 100 million Muslims there are only a few thousand believers, but their numbers are increasing. Pray for the house groups meeting as Jamat (Muslim-style congregation) and for their continuing need for discipleship to be met. In 1985 there were only 25 Christian workers among them; the situation has improved, but the vast majority have never heard the gospel. Most are fairly lax in their profession of Islam.
b) The Hindus who feel vulnerable as a religious minority. Their insecurity increased during the 1991 Gulf War, when Muslim mobs destroyed Hindu temples. Pray that this may open many to the truth in Jesus. Of the 29 lower castes, only four are over 2% Christian, and in a further six there has been a smaller response. The upper castes have remained resistant to the gospel.
c) The Bihari Muslims who, while refusing Bangladeshi citizenship, are denied entry to India and Pakistan. They live in large refugee camps. Pray that their dilemma may bring an openness to the gospel.
d) The Rohingya Muslims. 200,000 became refugees in 1978 and again in 1992 fleeing Myanmar government persecution. They have never been evangelized -- pray for those seeking openings to reach them.
e) The tribal peoples, some of whom have resisted the gospel, or have not had adequate opportunity to hear: the animist Mru (work by Baptists), the Buddhist Chakma (Baptists), Mogh and Khyang (1,200 Christians).
f) Students. There are nine small groups with but 200 Christians linked with the BSFB (IFES) for the 458 colleges and 650,000 students. Pray for the two staff workers. In 1992 a Bangladesh Sports Coalition was formed for ministry among literate, educated and sports-loving young people.
g) Young people and children. Over half the population is under 16. Very little effective outreach is directed to them.
7. Church planting in the majority community has borne fruit, and village congregations and indigenous house meetings have multiplied. Pray for great wisdom in nurturing this movement -- its leadership, worship patterns, dependence on God in poverty, firmness under persecution from Muslim neighbours, evangelistic vision and relationships with the older Christian community from a different cultural background.
8. The tribal peoples' very existence is threatened by the population explosion.
The Chakma of the Chittagong Hill Tracts have responded with guerrilla warfare to the destruction of their villages, occupation of their land and even massacres by hundreds of thousands of Bengalis invading their territory. Pray for a just settlement -- the granting of limited autonomy to the region has not improved the situation much. Pray also for Christian agencies seeking to bring the tribal peoples to Christ (ABMS, BMS, SBC, Presbyterians and Lutherans).
9. Missions have been welcomed for their social uplift programmes -- hence the emphasis on institutions and aid programmes -- but too few are directly involved in evangelistic outreach and church planting. Pray for increased opportunities to fulfil their primary calling. Since 1980 limitations have been placed on missionaries, with all projects, plans and finances needing government approval and strict quotas placed on the number of missionaries allowed. Yet reinforcements are needed. Pray for visas, patience with red tape, and strategic usefulness for the small missionary force in a pressurized situation. The largest agencies are Assoc. of Baptists for World Evangelization (53), Norwegian Santal Mission (49), Scandinavian Pentecostals (36), Mennonite Central Committee (35), ABMSBMS (23), Interserve (15), SBC (14) and SIM (12).
10. Christian literature is in great demand because of the hunger created by:
a) Mass distribution by Young Christian Workers, EHC, UBS and ABWE, the latter with a large Literature Division.
b) Bible Correspondence Courses run by SIM and others; the former have a staff of 10 in six centres processing over 2,000 papers a month. Pray for these and all efforts to follow up contacts, and for many to be added to the churches. Pray for inspired, national writers and for efficient production of suitable evangelistic and teaching literature and books.
11. Distribution of Scriptures -- portions and sales of Bibles have risen year by year. Pray specifically for:
a) The Bible Society and its extensive ministry of production and distribution of Scriptures.
b) The wise distribution of the New Testament in the Bengali Muslim dialect. Many copies have been distributed since 1981. It has been well received and appreciated by Muslims, but there has been opposition from some churches. A temporary ban on its import in 1990 enhanced sales. Pray for the completion of the Old Testament.
c) The translation of the Bible into tribal languages. At least six, possibly nine, translations are needed; work is in progress in three of these.
12. Christian Media are important since a high proportion of the population is illiterate. Pray for effective outreach through:
a) Radio. Christian broadcasters (TWR, FEBC and FEBA) transmit eight hours a week in Bengali and 88 hours in English. Pray especially for the production of suitable and sufficient programmes for the non-Christian majority.
b) The Jesus film. This is available in Bengali, Assamese and Santali, and has been used among Hindus and Muslims with good response. Pray for effective training programmes for those who use the film -- both in maintaining the equipment and effectively using the film for church planting. Pray for freedom to show the film in villages and for protection for the operators.
c) Cassettes. GRn have a team of recordists working on master tapes in indigenous languages; 21 languages have been recorded. Pray for the completion of the recordings and effective use of the finished product.

 

COUNTRY :BARBADOS
Population 272,000
Peoples Afro-Caribbean 95.4%.
European 4%. Asian 0.6%.
Literacy 98%. Official language: English.
Cities Capital: Bridgetown 102,000. Urbanization 45%.
Economy Tourism, sugar and light industries are the mainstays of the economy. Incomeperson $5,990 (28% of USA).
Politics Parliamentary government since 1647. Independent from Britain in 1966.
Religion Complete freedom of religion.
Non-religious other 9%.
Baha'i 0.6%. Muslim 0.36%. Hindu 0.25%.
Christian 89.8%. Affil 71.7%. Growth -0.4%.
Protestant 79.3%. Affil 64.35%. Growth -0.6%.
Roman Catholic 7.5%. Affil 4.4%. Growth 0.8%.
Marginal 3%. Affil 2.9%. Growth 2.4%.
1. Since 1627, Barbados has been Protestant. Despite religious profession and many Evangelicals, real commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ is rare. Materialism, decreasing church attendance, increased violence and crime are the symptoms of spiritual malaise. Pray for the renewal of God's people and a spiritual awakening throughout the country.
2. Opposition to the gospel is strong. Sinister attempts have been made by Satanist prayer groups in other lands to destroy churches and pastors in Barbados. Muslim evangelism has become more aggressive, and Eastern religions more vocal. Pray that God's people may have wisdom and courage to counteract these assaults, and may commit themselves to earnest prayer.
3. Young people must be transformed by the power of the gospel to lift them above spiritual lukewarmness and the pervasive immorality, for 73% of all births are illegitimate and only 13% of adults are legally married. Pray that churches may offer effective programmes for children and youth. Pray also for the ministry of CEF among children, as well as for the efforts of ISIUCF(IFES) in schools and colleges.
4. Goals for 2000. The New Testament Church of God and Pentecostal Assemblies have set bold church-planting goals. Pray for a greater vision for evangelism and missions within all churches.

 

March - 05

BELGIUMCOUNTRY :BELGIUM
Population 9,980,000
Peoples Indigenous 88%.
Flemish 54.7%. Language related to Dutch; mainly in north and west.
Walloon 32.3%. French-speaking; mainly in south and east.
German 0.65%. In districts adjoining Germany.
Jews 0.32%. Mainly in Antwerp.
Foreign 12%.
European Community Citizens 6%. Italian 280,000; French 110,000; Portuguese 80,000; Spanish 70,000; Dutch 70,000.
Other 6%. Arabic-speaking (mainly North African) 150,000; Turkish 60,000; Kurdish 22,000; Chinese 14,000; Zairois 10,000; Albanians 3,000.
Literacy 98%. Official languages: Flemish, French and German. All indigenous languages 4. Languages with Scriptures 3Bi.
Cities Capital: Brussels 1,100,000 -- HQ for the European Community and NATO. Urbanization 96.5%.
Economy Highly industrialized and wealthy, but economy faltering due to weak governments and world recession. Income/person $14,880 (71% of USA).
Politics Constitutional monarchy since 1830. Political stability imperilled by disagreements between the Walloons and Flemings since the mid-1960's with fragmentation of most political parties along linguistic and regional lines.
Religion Non-religious/other 7.2%.
Muslim 3.1%. Mainly North African, Turks and Yugoslavs.
Jews 0.32%. Half the pre-war number. Largely Orthodox.
Buddhist 0.10%.
Christian 89.3%. Attendance 11%. Growth 0.1%.
Protestant 0.8%. Growth 0.5%.
Roman Catholic 87.3%. Growth 0.1%.
Other Catholic 0.04%. Growth -1.1%.
Orthodox 0.5%. Growth -0.3%.
Marginal 0.7%. Growth 2.7%.
1. For 400 years spiritual darkness has gripped this land. The Spanish Inquisition destroyed the 600 churches that embraced Reformed teachings in the 16th Century. Pray that the light of the gospel may penetrate that darkness once more.
2. The great majority of the population is culturally Catholic rather than Christian. Catholic attendance and adherence to the teachings of the church are stronger among the Flemish than the more lax Walloons. Yet the Church faces four major crises -- declining attendances, waning influence, theological seminaries without students and the invasion of New Age thinking. The charismatic movement has had little lasting impact.
3. The small Protestant witness has hardly grown in 20 years; the growth of the Evangelicals and the evangelical wing of the theologically liberal United Protestant Church has offset the liberal decline. Growth has been most marked through the witness of the BEM/OM teams, Baptists, Pentecostals in the French-speaking areas and, in the Antwerp area, of the Brethren.
4. Goals for the year 2000.
a) There is a growing trans-denominational vision to present the gospel to every Belgian in this decade. Pray for a closer fellowship and unity among believers so that this goal may be achieved.
b) BEM plans to plant 47 new churches in the '90s.
c) Cosmopolitan Brussels has nearly 30% foreign residents. It is the HQ of the European Community and NATO. During 1991 many churches cooperated to reach the 400,000 homes in the city. Pray for lasting fruit in the many new churches planted
5. Freedom for evangelism has never been greater, but all outreach is an uphill battle to obtain a hearing. Pray for OM Love Europe summer teams in their literature and door-to-door ministry and year teams in evangelism and church planting. Evangelism Explosion is a church-based method of evangelism that is attracting interest in a number of churches.
6. Bible training. There are four evangelical training schools: the Evangelical Theological Seminary (Heverlee -- Dutch and English), Belgian Bible Institute (Heverlee -- Dutch) Institut Biblique Belge (Ottignies -- French) and the Brussels Bible Seminary (French and Dutch). Pray for these institutions, the staff and students.
7. The missionary force has steadily increased, the largest being BEM with 125 workers. Other missions of note include AoG (123), OM (61), GEM (50), YWAM (26), SBC (18), Evangelical Free Church Missions (18), and GMU (17). BEM aims to recruit 300 new workers in the 1990s. Stress points for missionaries are the hardness of the field, the high cost of living, and the increasing difficulty of obtaining missionary visas for non-EC residents.
8. A wide range of Christian literature is being produced by groups such as SU, Biblical Literature Fellowship (BLF) with 12 workers, OM and AoG. BLF has a large printing plant and has published over 500 titles. There are 21 Christian bookstores in Brussels and Wallonia; nationally BEM runs seven bookstores and BLF a further five. Pray for the effective use and fruitfulness of these endeavours.
9. Neglected areas of Belgium:
a) Of the 2,500 administrative districts in Belgium, 2,200 have no evangelical congregations.
b) There are 140 towns of over 6,000 people without an evangelical congregation.
c) In Flanders (5 million people) there are only 2,000 known evangelical families.
d) Antwerp (660,000) has but 22 small Protestant churches.
e) Luxemburg province (250,000) has nine groups, each with about 30 believers.
10. Unreached peoples in Belgium:
a) North Africans have grown rapidly through legal and illegal migration, the majority settling in the poorer areas of Brussels. They are almost entirely Muslim and present a unique and urgent challenge for prayer and evangelism. Three GMU couples work among these people. "Good News by Telephone" in a number of languages has proved a fruitful method of witness; pray for this and the prospective ministry of "Radio Good News". There is now one congregation of Arab believers in the city.
b) Turks and Kurds have proved hard to reach with the gospel. There is now a small Turkish fellowship of seven believers, but the great majority have never heard the good news.
c) Orthodox Jews have no long-term ministry specifically directed to meet their need.
d) The large international body of diplomats and EC bureaucrats are overpaid and underevangelized. They present a unique challenge for evangelism, but little has been done to reach them.
e) The German-speaking cantons on the German border have been long neglected by evangelicals. Only recently has a beginning been made by German missionaries to plant churches in the area.
f) The student population of 176,000 in 17 universities and colleges is a major challenge. IFES has a ministry in the five Flemish universities (ESG) and in French universities (GBU), but the total membership in each of the two branches is 50. Pray for the evangelistic ministry of OM in cooperation with these groups and in a teaching ministry in the IFES groups; there is one staff couple.

 

March - 06

COUNTRY :BELIZE
Population 201,000
Peoples Afro-Caribbean/Eurafrican 38%. Mainly English-speaking.
Mestizo/Ladino 34%. Predominantly Guatemalans and Hondurans, with considerable illegal immigration in the '80s.
Amerindian 10.5%. Mayan tribes speaking three distinct languages.
Garifuna (Black Carib) 7.6%. Descendants of African slaves and Arawakan Indians.
European 4.2% Mainly German Mennonites and British.
Other 5.7%. East Indian 3,800; Chinese 2,500; Jews 2,100.
Literacy 93%. Official language: English; Spanish spoken by 50% of the population. All languages 9. Languages with Scriptures 2Bi 5NT.
Cities Belmopan 3,700. Largest town: Belize 74,000. Urbanization 52%.
Economy Underdeveloped yet relatively prosperous. Public debt/person $694. Income/person $1,600 (7.6% of USA).
Politics Independence from Britain in 1981 as a parliamentary democracy. British forces remain to prevent annexation by neighbouring Guatemala.
Religion A secular state with freedom of religion.
Non-religious/other 2.4%.
Spiritist/Animist 2%.
Hindu 1%. Muslim 1%. Baha'i 1%.
Jews 0.5%.
Christian 92.1%. Growth 3.4%.
Protestant 25.7%. Growth 3.2%.
Roman Catholic 64.3%. Growth 3.3%.
Marginal 2.1%. Growth 9.5%.
1. The evangelical witness is strong, with most of the mission work of the Baptists, Brethren, Mennonites, Nazarenes and Pentecostals being evangelical. Denominational barriers are high; pray for a breakdown of rivalry and mistrust and the growth of a vision for the completion of the evangelization of every ethnic group and immigrant minority. The Catholic Church is growing through immigration from neighbouring Central American lands.
2. Much of Christianity is nominal and syncretic. The Spanish-speaking immigrants with their superstitions and superficiality, the Mayans with their underlying paganism, and the Garifuna with their black magic -- each need a culturally relevant and sensitive presentation of the gospel. Many settlements still need church-planting ministry, despite the threefold increase in congregations since 1960.
3. The less reached groups.
a) The Mayan Mopan (2,500) have only a few Nazarene and Mennonite believers.
b) The Garifuna have had their own NT since 1983. Their strong animistic culture has only been marginally penetrated (CoN, Brethren). There are some Nazarene and Brethren believers among them.
c) The East Indians and Chinese have no one focused on their evangelization.

 

March - 07

COUNTRY :BENIN
Population 5,573,000
Peoples About 57 ethnic groups.
Southern Peoples 69.4%. Fon 1,400,000; Yoruba (8) 465,000; Aja 360,000; Gun 320,000; Ayzo 227,000; Mina 126,000; Wachi 110,000; Mahi 66,000; Tofin 66,000; Xweda 54,000.
Northern Peoples 30.2%. Bariba 460,000; Fula (Fulbe-Borgu) 280,000; Ditammari (Somba) 119,000; Burba 70,000; Boko 70,000; Pila (Yom) 70,000; Lamba 60,000; Gurma 50,000; Nateni (Tayaku) 45,000; Tem (Kotokoli) 43,000; Lokpa (Dompago) 42,000.
Migrants from Niger and Burkina Faso may be 3% or more of the population. Mainly Dyerma (Dendi), Hausa, Mossi.
Other 0.4%.
French 0.3%.
Literacy 28%. Official language: French. Trade Languages: Fon in South, Dendi in North. All languages 52. Languages with Scriptures 5Bi 8NT 4por.
Cities Porto Novo 188,000 and Cotonou 501,000. Urbanization 38%.
Economy Poor and underdeveloped with most people engaged in subsistence farming. Virtually a satellite economy of Nigeria. The stagnation during the years of Marxism is changing with the switch to a free-market economy. Public debt/person $230. Income/person $380 (1.8% of USA).
Politics Independent from France in 1960. The seventh coup after independence brought a repressive Marxist government to power. The worldwide collapse of Communism in 1989/90 led to the multi-party elections of March 1991 and the first democratic replacement of an African head of state in mainland Africa.
Religion The application of Marxist ideology between 1972 and 1985 was not harsh, but it bred a spirit of uncertainty and fear that restricted Christian witness and missionary initiative. There is now complete religious freedom.
Tribal religions 54.8%. Strong in all but seven of the peoples in the country -- especially the Fon, Lokpa, Boko, Bariba and Egba.
Muslim 17%. While only the Nago, Tem, Dendi and Anii of the indigenous peoples are predominantly Muslim, most northern peoples have a significant minority that is Muslim, and the immigrant Nigerian and Burkinabe are largely Muslim.
Christian 28.2%. Affil 24% Growth 5.5%.
Protestant 4%. Affil 3.3% Growth 9.9%
Roman Catholic 21.7%. Affil 18.2% Gr 5.3%.
Foreign Marginal 0.2%. Affil 0.17% Growth 8.8%.
Indigenous Marginal 2.27%. Affil 2.2% Gr 1.6%.
1. Praise God for significant changes in the 1980s. These include the liberation of the country from the ideological bondage and fear of Marxism; the beginnings of a gospel breakthrough among the Fon people; rapid church growth in the country since 1987; and the expectancy of a great harvest in the '90s.
2. The civilian government faces an enormous task of reconstructing and developing the country. Pray that an ethnically fair and ethically just democracy might take root in the social fabric of the country, and that the leaders may work for the good of the people rather than for enriching themselves.
3. Church growth is a new phenomenon. Historically, the southern Methodist churches have stagnated, and growth elsewhere has been slow. But since 1987, both Evangelicals and Catholics have seen new advances and more rapid growth: in AoG churches in the north (Natimba, Burba, Belime, Fulbe, etc) and south (Mina, Nago, Aja, Gun and now the Fon); UEEB/SIM in the north and centre (Lokpa, Bariba, Cabe, Fulbe, etc. and now Boko, Ditammari and Fon); SBC in the south (the Yoruba-related peoples); and Evangelical Baptists in the far north (Dendi and Gurmantche). Pray for:
a) The raising up of more leaders of maturity and vision.
b) All pastoral training -- the AoG Bible Institute (32 students), the ICI Correspondence School, UEEB with one French and seven vernacular primary level Bible Schools (100 students) and 250 studying in a TEE programme.
c) The vision to reach out to every unreached people and community, and the strategy to implement it.
4. Unreached peoples. Only a handful of peoples have a Christian majority, and just five have over 5% Evangelicals. Benin has Africa's highest percentage of followers of traditional religions and is the least evangelized non-Muslim country in Africa south of the Sahara. Specific peoples for prayer:
a) The Fon -- a strategic, well-educated and influential people but in bondage to a fetishism that has remained, until recently, unchallenged by the gospel despite the fact that 20% of the tribe is nominally Christian. The long-awaited breakthrough appears to have begun with rapid church growth since 1987 through the ministry of six missions/churches (including AoG, SIM, SBC). There are now 24 churches with 1,500 adherents; yet this is still but 0.12% of the population.
b) The Togo border strip in the west, where the unreached Aguna, Ica, Anii Foodo, Ife, Kabiyu and Anufo total some 130,000. UEEB(SIM) have started work among the 9,000 Soruba.
c) The middle strip in the south, where the Mahi, Ayzo, Weme, Idaca and Seto live, and among whom there are no indigenous churches. Total population: 350,000.
d) The southwest corner with a complex medley of peoples, including the Wachi, Xweda, Xwla, Ko and Ci totalling 220,000 people.
e) The Muslim peoples. No work is being done among the indigenous Tem and Anii, nor among the more urban immigrant Dyerma, Hausa and Mossi. Islam is extending its influence among many of the central and northern peoples, but among the Fulbe (Fula) there has been a breakthrough with nearly 2,000 coming to Christ (SIM, AoG).
f) The 800,000 urbanites of the two capitals. There are 17 evangelical churches with 4,000 adherents and a further 60,000 in African Independent Churches, but the majority have not been reached. Nearly a fifth of the population is Muslim, and no one is working full time for their evangelization.
5. Missions. Only since 1946 has the centre and north been penetrated by missions. The largest of these are SIM (70 missionaries in 12 peoples) and EMS-Nigeria (11), SBC (20), SIL/WBT (13), Evangelical Baptists (11), AoG (6). Considering the need of the country, the small church-planting missionary force (only 35 in the country!) must be increased. SIM runs the only evangelical mission hospital in Benin and has a useful ministry of rural development.
6. Young people are a vital part of present advance. Conversions in the towns through youth centres, camps and the extensive use of the Jesus film together with good follow-up have often resulted in churches in both towns and rural areas. Pray for adequate resources to be committed to these ministries at a time of unprecedented openness.
7. Bible translation is a major unmet need. There are 24 languages without a New Testament. SIM translation teams are working in seven languages and SIL in five. Other literature is being translated and printed -- TEE materials, Bible commentaries, etc. Pray for a biblically literate Church to be the result. Literature sales are increasing. There are four Christian bookstores.
8. Media opportunities abound in the new day of freedom. Pray for:
a) The effective use of audio recordings in evangelism and teaching. GRn has made recordings in 34 languages.
b) The wise and strategic use of the Jesus film in French, Fon and Bariba.
c) Radio. The loss of ELWA (SIM) radio station in Liberia has forced the churches to look for alternatives. Radio Parakou broadcasts the gospel daily in Fon and Bariba, and weekly in French, with encouraging response (UEEB).

 

COUNTRY :BERMUDA
Population 60,000
Peoples About 25% of the population is foreign-born.
Afro-Caribbean 63%.
Euro-American 35.4%. Mainly from UK, USA, Canada and Portugal.
Other 1.6%.
Literacy 97%. Official language: English.
Cities Hamilton 6,000. Urbanization 100%.
Economy Its superb climate and geographical position makes it a tourist paradise and a lucrative tax haven. There are over 4,500 offshore companies registered in Bermuda. Income/person $26,040 (123% of USA).
Politics A British Colony; parliamentary democracy.
Religion Non-religious/other 10.1%. Baha'i 0.5%.
Christian 89.4%. Growth 0.5%.
Protestant 71.7%. Growth 0.2%.
Roman Catholic 15.5%. Growth 1.3%.
Marginal 2.2%. Growth 3.5%.
1. Bermuda is a materialistic Eden, but spiritually shallow. The islands are crowded with churches, the airwaves filled with gospel broadcasts, but the message is largely ignored. Pray that the believers may live lives worthy of the Lord, and contribute more to world evangelization.

March - 08

COUNTRY:BHUTAN
Population 671,000
Peoples Only rough estimates can be given.
Drukpa 60%. Three major indigenous groups: Ngalong, Kebumtamp, Sharchop, but speaking numerous dialects.
Nepali 30%. Indo-Aryan Paharia and Tibetan Sherpa, Gurung, Rai, Tamang and Limbu. Mainly in the southern lowlands.
Other 8%. Assamese 30,000, Loba, Kirabi, Lepcha, Santali and others.
Expatriates 2%. Mainly Indians, some Westerners.
Literacy 18%. Official language: Dzongkha. All languages 11. Languages with Scriptures 2Bi 1NT 3por.
Cities Thimphu 28,000. Urbanization 13%.
Economy Undeveloped subsistence economy but with development potential should the government desire it. Income/person $300 (1.4% of USA).
Politics Moving from feudalism to a constitutional monarchy. Isolated from the outside world until trade and cultural links with Tibet were severed after the Communist Chinese invasion. India plays a dominant role in foreign affairs of Bhutan and also in its development, but the government fiercely protects its own sovereignty and oppresses those considered non-Bhutanese citizens. Over 70,000 of Nepali descent were forced to become refugees in 1992 due to fighting in the south.
Religion Unity and independence of the country under state religion of Buddhism. All public worship, evangelism and proselytization by any other religion is illegal.
Lamaistic Buddhist 70.1%. With a strong element of Bon, the animistic pre-Buddhist religion.
Hindu 24%. Mainly Nepali and Assamese.
Muslim 5%. Assamese and Indians.
Animist 0.6%. Predominantly tribes originating from Arunachal Pradesh in India.
Christian 0.33%. Affil 0.13%. Growth 3.2%. Mainly Nepali and Santali.
Protestant 0.25%. Affil 0.10%. Growth 4.4%.
Missionaries:
to Bhutan 72 (1:8,300 people) in 11 agencies.
from Bhutan 1.
Roman Catholic 0.08%. Affil 0.03%. Growth 0%.
Missionaries to Bhutan 10 (1:60,000 people).
1. Bhutan was tightly closed to any Christian witness until 1965. After a very slight relaxation for 25 years, increased success in soul-winning by the few Christians has brought renewed restrictions. National Christians have been denied promotion and overseas training, and pressure has been occasionally brought to bear on any Christian house gatherings. Pray for the opening of this land for the light of the gospel.
2. The government has pressed the Nepali minority to assume Drukpa customs, language and clothing. This has provoked a violent reaction with outbreaks of terrorism. Many Nepalis have been expelled, or fled the country to India and Nepal. Pray for the king and his government, and for wise and enlightened rule that gives peace and freedom to all the land's peoples.
3. The Drukpa majority is strongly Buddhist, and Christians among them number only about 120-150. Most of these believers are isolated and scattered with little opportunity for fellowship, and some have suffered for their faith. Pray for the emergence of a vital witnessing fellowship in every ethnic group of the Drukpa.
4. The number of believers among the Bhutanese Nepali has grown steadily since 1970 through the fervent witness of believers inside Bhutan and on the Indian side of the border. Believers meet in about 20 places but mainly along the southern border. It is not easy for foreign Christians to fellowship with them. Pray for these believers, who face growing pressure from the authorities
5. Missions have been welcomed to operate leprosy hospitals and be involved in health, agricultural and educational programmes, but only on the condition that they do not proselytize. Leprosy is almost eradicated, and leprosy ministries are being phased out. Small aid projects continue. Pray that aid workers may be called and granted visas. Pray for the silent witness of Christians in various aid missions (TLM, Interserve, Norwegian Santal Mission, etc.). Pray for a relaxation of restrictions on entry and witness for missionaries.
6. Indian believers in India's border region are active in evangelism and literature distribution among visitors from Bhutan. Many of the Christians in Bhutan have come to the Lord by these means. Pray for conversions among the Bhutanese. Pray also that Bhutanese students in India and lands around the world may hear the gospel.
7. Christians in government service -- mostly Indians and some Westerners -- have good opportunities to witness all over the country. Pray for Christians who work in such frustrating and lonely situations.
8. Literature distribution is possible in Bhutan in a limited way, through personal contacts and the mail. Pray for fruit from the literature now spreading through the land.
9. Bible translation is making slow progress. Parts of the New Testament have been translated into Dzongkha, but are only in draft form. The main translator has died. Pray the New Testament into print and into the hands and hearts of Bhutanese. Translation is under way in the Kebumtamp and Sharchagpakha languages.
10. Radio programmes in Dzongkha and Sharchopkha are being prepared for broadcasting.

 

March - 09 to 10

COUNTRY:BOLIVIA
Population 8,421,000
Peoples European 10%. Mainly of Spanish descent; they dominate the political and economic life of the country.
Mestizo 25%. Mixed race, Spanish-speaking, predominantly urban.
Amerindian 64%.
Highland peoples 62%. Quechua (2 groups) 2,500,000; Aymara (26 sub-groups) 1,889,000; Mixed Quechua-Aymara 227,000.
Lowland peoples 2%. About 35 groups. A further seven have recently become extinct. Major groups: Chiquitano 47,000; Guarani (2) 33,000; Guarayu 12,000; Tsimane 9,200; Ignaciano 7,700; Trinitario 7,700; Tacana 6,200; Yuracare 4,600; Ayoreo 2,300; Mataco 2,200.
Other 1%. Plaudietsch (dialect of German) 23,000 spoken by Mennonite settlers; Japanese 14,000; Chinese 5,000; Jews 600; Korean.
Literacy 81%. Official languages: Spanish, Aymara, Quechua. All living languages 38. Languages with Scriptures 3Bi 16NT 7por.
Cities Capitals: La Paz (administrative) 1,092,000; Sucre (legal) 93,000. La Paz is the world's highest capital at 3,600 metres. Other major cities: Santa Cruz 467,000; Cochabamba 349,000. Urbanization 49%.
Economy Decline through frequently corrupt and unstable governments, the fall of worldwide tin and cotton prices, and hyper-inflation (26,000% in 1984), brought the country to its knees. Since 1985 courageous reforms have stabilized the economy. Shared responsibility for ending illegal cocaine exports between the consumers and producers is bringing in foreign aid to build a more healthy agricultural industry. Unemployment 22%. Public debt/person $500. Income/person $600 (3% of USA).
Politics Independent from Spain in 1825 after a long war for freedom. Since then, over 200 successful coups or revolutions have held back meaningful progress. Since 1985, successive democratic governments have stabilized the country and give cautious hope for improvement.
Religion

The Catholic Church continues to be recognized as the State Church, but the rapid growth of non-Catholic religious bodies has threatened this status. Religious freedom and separation of Church and State is an issue yet to be fully resolved.
Non-religious 5.9%.
Animist 15%. Predominantly Aymara and some lowland peoples. About 58% of the population has been baptized as Catholics, but are practising animists or Christo-pagan, so statistics below must be interpreted in this light.
Baha'i 3%. Strong among the Quechua.
Other 0.4%. Buddhists, Shinto, Muslim 1,000, Spiritist, Jews 600.
Christian 75.7%. Affil 88.5% (see note under Roman Catholic). Growth 3.5%.
Protestant 9.3%. Growth 8.6%.
Roman Catholic 65.2%. Affiliated 77.9%, but of this figure syncretic Christo-pagan are 52.9%, nominal 15%, practising 10%. Growth 2.8%.
Orthodox 0.04%. Growth 2.1%.
Marginal 1.17%. Growth 16.3%.

1. Democracy and freedom are new realities for Bolivia. The benefits have yet to reach the Amerindian majority that has long been mired in poverty and politically marginalized. Pray for courage and moral integrity for the democratic leaders as they grapple with the immense economic inequalities and social ills of society, not least of the latter being the cocaine "industry". About 50% of the world's cocaine is grown in Bolivia. Bolivian Evangelicals are becoming active in exercising their political responsibility to bring Biblical principles into the government of the country.
2. The great responsiveness of many sections of the population is cause for praise to God. The economic and political disasters of the '80s have increased spiritual hunger. Evangelicals have consistently doubled their numbers every ten years since 1960. The major growth has been among:
a) The Aymara. A people movement since 1930, with 17% growth per year, has resulted in 20% of these animistic people becoming Evangelicals (Baptist, AoG, Friends, Methodist and AEM/SIM-related churches).
b) The urban areas and frontier settlements in the Amazon lowlands, with many conversions through evangelistic outreach and campaigns among the mestizos.
c) The lowland Amerindian tribes (130,000), whose evangelization is nearly complete.
3. The Catholic Church is confronted by multiple crises. Its long-held political supremacy is threatened and annual losses to other churches and religions are disturbing. It has failed to develop an indigenous clergy or challenge the rampant paganism within the majority it claims to shepherd. Pray for an outpouring of the Spirit.
4. Evangelical unity, a product of a repentance and prayer revival in 1986, has been advanced by weekly prayer meetings among Christian leaders in La Paz. Pray for love and unity of vision among all true believers for the evangelization of the 65% of the population that never goes to church.
5. The Association of Evangelicals of Bolivia is sponsoring the launch of the DAWN programme. Pray that this may be a sustained, interdenominational, coordinated, country-wide effort which results in:
a) The evangelization of every people group.
b) The tripling of Evangelicals and churches in the '90s.
6. Territorial powers of darkness have long held the nation. Only now are Christians coming to grips with the reality of the spiritual battle. Pray that the Lord may rebuke these and liberate millions from fears, bondages, sin and compromise.
7. The less reached:
a) The upper classes have long held exclusive control of the reins of power, but were shocked by the national disasters of the '80s. Few were Evangelicals before 1985, but all is changing and many are seeking the Lord. The Ekklesia Church came to life in the 1986 revival; many of its members are from this class.
b) The Quechua in the high Andes and lowland farming colonies are largely Christo-pagans and have long been indifferent to the gospel. By 1990 only 2% have become Evangelical. About 70% of the Quechua are beyond the reach of present efforts.
c) The 100,000 tertiary students in the nine universities are disillusioned with traditional Catholicism, often secular, leftist in political views, and discouraged by interrupted courses and bleak future prospects. About 500 students in eight universities are linked with the CCU (IFES); others are linked with the ministry of CCC in several universities.
d) The youth are largely neglected. Few churches know how to meet their spiritual needs. Unemployment, urban violence and increasing drug abuse enhance the growing generation gap. Pray for the work of SU and others seeking to reach and disciple the youth.
8. The lowland tribes have been largely evangelized at great cost and with considerable success. Praise the Lord for the work of NTM, AEM-SIM, WGM, UWM, South American Mission, SIL and others. Their ministries have been strongly attacked by anti-Christian anthropologists and others as "genocidal", but in answer to prayer the effects of these attacks have been reduced. Pray for the neutralizing of these assaults, the maturation of indigenous leaders, the integration of these believers into Bolivian life, and the sound conversion of the second generation of Christians.
9. Leadership training at various levels is vital for the many growing churches -- from jungle village tribal churches to sophisticated elite city congregations. There are over 25 Protestant seminaries and Bible schools as well as a number of TEE institutes and BCCs. All these can never provide maturity and spiritual authority without the deep working of the Spirit of God. Men and women who know their God are needed!
10. Foreign missions. Early missionaries struggled long against hostility, persecution and harsh living conditions before the harvest ripened. The contribution of AEM (now SIM) was unique in pioneering most of the major gospel advances and ministries in the country, but the work of AoG and Ekklesia is also significant in new visions and advance. The missionary body now needs to concentrate more on church planting among the Quechua and upper classes and the discipling of the youth. Major missions include NTM (130 workers), SIM (109), Swedish Pentecostal Mission (65), WGM (58), Mennonites (56), Brethren (50), GMU (49), South American Mission (47), Norwegian Lutheran Mission (44), AoG (35), SBC (23), CBIM (15), UWM (16), Friends (12). Major missionary-contributing nations are USA (557), Norway (75), Canada (73), Sweden (56), UK (53), Brazil (49) and Korea (30). There are six Korean missions in the country, and Koreans have founded two of the three Christian universities.
11. Bible translation and distribution. The Bible Society has played a major role in every aspect of Bible work and now has its own press. Over one million New Testaments have been distributed in schools. The Aymara and Quechua Bibles are in great demand. SIL has almost achieved the amazing objective of completing the Bible translation programme for all the Amerindian languages that warranted it. May God's Word become part of the life of the entire nation!
12. Christian Media:
a) TV and radio have made a big impact through six Christian radio and two television networks and also the international stations. The latter include HCJB, TWR, FEBC, and High Adventure (USA), among others. Many hours of programmes are broadcast daily in Spanish, with HCJB adding eight hours per week in 17 Quechua dialects. The big gap is the lack of broadcasting in Aymara.
b) Christian literature -- especially tracts, teaching materials and books -- is in short supply in Aymara and Quechua. AEM/SIM have a significant ministry in this area.
c) The Jesus film is being widely used, with considerable impact in Spanish, Aymara and Quechua.

 

March - 11

COUNTRY:BOTSWANA and HERCEGOVINA
Population 1,528,000
Peoples Total ethnic groups 83.
Bantu peoples 94%.
Tswana 70%. Eight major tribes, most living along south-eastern border with South Africa.
Other 24%. Kalanga 160,000; Yeyi 29,000; Herero 18,000; Ndebele 17,000; Lozi 14,000; Subia 12,000; Pedi 11,000; Shona 10,000.
San (Kalahari Bushmen) 3.4% speaking 32 languages and dialects. Of the 43,000 San, less than 1,000 are still nomadic.
European/mixed race 2%.
Other 0.6% Zimbabweans, Angolans, South Africans and South Asians 1,000.
Literacy 71%. Official languages: English, Tswana. All languages 26. Languages with Scriptures 3Bi 1NT 2por.
Cities Capital: Gaborone 130,000. Urbanization 22%.
Economy Benign neglect in colonial times. Rapid development since independence through export of meat, diamonds, copper, nickel and gold. Earnings have been wisely used to develop country. Average annual economic growth 13% in '80s despite severe drought. Public debt/person $400. Income/person $940 (4% of USA).
Politics Independence from Britain in 1966 as a stable, multi-party democracy -- a rarity in Africa.
Religion Freedom of religion. The government has introduced Scripture education into the school curriculum as a compulsory subject.
Tribal religions 37%. A major component within every people, a majority among the San, Yeyi and Mbukushu.
Baha'i 0.8%. A surprisingly strong following among the Tswana.
Muslim 0.2%.
Christian 62%. Nom 13.5%. Affil 47.7%. Growth 4.3%.
Protestant 20.1%. Affil 13.4%. Growth 1.9%.
Roman Catholic 6.8% Affil 4.2%. Growth 4%.
Foreign Marginal 0.17%. Growth 12%.
Indigenous Marginal 35%. Affil 30.7%. Growth 5.7%.
1. The Tswana were the first Bantu people in Africa to respond to the gospel, several tribes turning to God in the last century through the LMS from England. Other missions followed. Nominalism soon became a major problem, since each mission planted what became virtually a "state" church for the tribe that received that group. Only a few ageing pastors remain in the United Congregational Church with very few preparing for the ministry. The average congregation today is predominantly composed of women. The majority of Tswana are Christian in name but given over to immorality and drunkenness accentuated by the breakdown of family life. In some areas, over 90% of children are illegitimate. The AIDS virus had infected at least 6% of the population by 1990. Pray for revival and a reversal of the moral decline.
2. The growth of African indigenous churches has been dramatic. Nearly one third of the Tswana are linked to one of these 160 groups, most of which mix Christian truths with traditional religions. Mennonite missionaries are giving Bible teaching to the often-illiterate leaders. Pray for many in these bodies to see the full light of the gospel.
3. Less reached peoples:
a) The 50,000 Bakgalagadi are mixed Tswana and San, but they speak Tswana. They are partially nomadic, living in the western desert. Little is being done on a permanent basis to reach them.
b) The Kalanga resent the cultural dominance of the Tswana. There are few active Christians among them. The New Testament is now being translated.
c) The Yeyi of the Okavango Swamp have only been exposed to nominal Christianity in the medium of the Tswana language.
d) The Mbukushu and Subia in the north are isolated from the main flow of national life and have never received a clear presentation of the gospel.
d) The Herero are mostly nominal Lutherans or belong to the fire-worshipping "Oruuano" Church.
f) The San have seen their traditional way of life destroyed by drought and modernization. Perhaps 1,000 may now be Christian in about 15 congregations through the efforts of Lutheran, AEF, Dutch Reformed and Charles Haupt Ministries workers. Pray that these workers may help the San to adapt to modernity, yet retain their cultural heritage and, above all, find their true identity in Christ.
4. The last 20 years have been a time of a new evangelical penetration. The growing work of the Mennonites (32 missionaries), AEF (27), SBC (21), the Korean Stump Mission (20), Brethren (16), AoG (4) and others needs prayer. Major missionary-sending nations: USA (108), UK (32), Korea (20), Germany (17), Finland (16), South Africa (13).The spiritual and physical conditions are not easy. Pray for the planting of witnessing churches in which Christians exhibit true holiness and a love for the Scriptures. The impact of Christ For All Nations evangelistic crusades in Gaberone and Francistown since 1975 has been significant.
5. Young people under 21 make up half the population, but relatively few are churchgoers. Pray for the ministry of SU in providing Christian teaching materials for the schools and nurturing the 30 of the 73 secondary schools that have SU groups. Pray for more part- and full-time workers for this ministry. There is a lively IFES group at Gaberone University.
6. The training and support of pastors and leaders is a great need. There are few pastors, and the scattered and poor congregations are barely able to support them. Pray for the AoG Bible School, and the AEF Shashi Bible Training College. Pray for the raising up of men of God able to turn the nation back to Him.
7. Christian Media Ministries for prayer.
a) The Bible Society oversees the translation programme. Pray for the new Kalanga NT being translated and for wisdom in choice of minority languages for translation projects, the most challenging being the many small San languages.
b) Radio broadcasts and Christian TV on the national network are supervised by the International Church Radio Council. TWR Swaziland broadcasts 45 minutes daily in Tswana.
c) Literature for the rapidly increasing literate population is scarce and often expensive. Little variety is available in Tswana, and virtually nothing in minority languages. Pray for bookstore ministries and the national distribution of evangelistic literature by EHC.

 

March - 12 to 14

COUNTRY:BRAZIL
Population 165,083,000
Peoples Brazil is a "melting pot" of nations, with much intermarriage, so percentages given below are not meant to indicate rigid categories.
European 53%. Portuguese 15%, Italian 11%, Spanish 10%, German 3% in origin. (Undefined 14%.)
African 11%. Many claim the actual figure is closer to 40%. Descendants of slaves brought from West Africa and Angola.
Mixed race 34.8%. Mestizo and Mulatto.
Asian 1.1%. Japanese 1,200,000; Chinese 160,000; Arab 150,000; Korean 60,000.
Amerindian 0.14%. In 1900 there were 500,000 in 230 tribes, but now there are an estimated 200,000 in 200 tribes, still decreasing through the encroachments of new settlers, loss of land and disease.
Literacy 81%. Official language: Portuguese. All living languages 208. Languages with Scriptures 1Bi 30NT 37por.
Cities Brasilia 1,950,000. Other major cities: Sao Paulo 18,300,000; Rio de Janeiro 11,700,000; Belo Horizonte 3,640,000; Porto Alegre 3,000,000; Recife 2,700,000; Salvador 2,300,000; Fortaleza 2,300,000; Curitiba 2,170,000. Urbanization 74%.
Economy Vast economic potential in the developing hinterland of the north and west, rapid growth and industrialization in the '60s and '70s in the south made Brazil one of the leading industrial and trading nations in the world. Massive inflation in the '80s, crippling foreign debts, and gross disparity in wealth between the rich 30% and the poor 70% have blunted growth and increased hardship to many, and hunger encourages violence. There may be 90 million undernourished. Inflation in 1989 was 1,386%, but this fell dramatically in 1990. Public debt/person $565. Income/person $2,550 (12.1% of USA).
Politics Independent from Portugal in 1822 as a kingdom, it became a federal republic in 1889. Authoritarian military rule between 1964 and 1985 left a legacy of social inequality, bureaucratic inefficiency and state ownership of large parts of the economy. Multi-party democracy restored in 1985. Popular outcry at the corruption of the President forced his resignation in 1992, hopefully strengthening grassroots democracy and forcing on the political system greater accountability to the people they rule.
Religion Freedom of religion and separation of Church and state. There is still a residual bias to Catholicism in government circles.
Non-religious/other 2.4%. Secularism is on the increase in the middle and upper classes.
Spiritist 4.8%. Spiritist-Catholic 16%. Over 60% of the population are involved in occult practices, most still claiming to be Catholic.
Buddhist 0.2%. Muslim 0.1% (though Muslims claim 1.4%). Jewish 0.06%.
Christian 92.4%. Affil 91.73%. Growth 1.6%.
Protestant 21.6%. Affil 19.2%%. Growth 7%.
Roman Catholic 68%. Attend 5.3%. Growth 0%.
Other Catholic 2%. Growth 1.7%.
Orthodox 0.1%. Growth 0.1%.
Marginal 0.7%. Growth 11.5%.
1. Praise God for the astonishing growth of Evangelicals -- from less than 100,000 in 1900 to four million in 1960, eight million in 1970, 15 million in 1980, and 26 million in 1990, with Pentecostals being 88% of the last total. Brazil has long been known as the largest Catholic country in the world, but it also now has the third largest evangelical community (after the USA and China).
2. The Catholic Church is in serious trouble, and faces a discouraging future. There are only 13,000 priests, 46% foreign, and most over the age of 50. About 600,000 Catholics leave the Church every year -- 30% turning to spiritist groups and many others to the Evangelicals, provoking tension between conservative Catholics and sections of the Pentecostal movement. Average church attendance is around eight million, but for Evangelicals it is over 20 million. The left wing of the Church has espoused liberation theology and champions the poor and outcast. Yet there are strong renewal movements through both "Base Communities" (one million involved in Bible study groups that work for social and political reform), and also the vigorous 600,000-strong, charismatic movement which are changing the face of the church. Pray for an increasing receptivity to Bible truths that leads to changed lives.
3. Challenges facing Brazilian Evangelicals. Intercede for the following needs:
a) For relevance and a prophetic voice in Brazilian society - their influence is not in proportion to their large numbers. Evangelistic vision is rarely extended to a vision to bring a message of righteousness to a society ravaged by inequality, injustice, selfishness, crime, immorality and AIDS. Pray that Evangelicals may use their influence to raise the moral tenor of public life rather than for political manipulation.
b) For spiritual depth. Pentecostal growth has often been at the expense of adequate discipling, biblical teaching and nurturing of mature leaders. Narrow and petty legalisms concerning dress and social behaviour and a common over-emphasis on physical healing and prosperity have resulted in a high rate of backsliding or membership transfer.
c) For spirituality -- especially in non-Pentecostal denominations. Liberation theology, with its emphasis on political and social salvation at the expense of personal repentance and faith in Christ, has gained a significant hearing in some churches and seminaries. Pray that theologians may equip the church to maintain loyalty to the Scriptures and balance in teaching its truths. Pray that world evangelization may be the priority in the churches.
d) For leadership for the churches to maintain growth and retain the fruits of evangelism. There are 27,100 ordained pastors for 150,000 churches. Pray for the 321 seminaries and institutes where over 12,000 men and women are being trained for ministry. The great bottle-neck now is godly, mature, well-trained teachers who are good role models to the students -- over 2,000 teachers are needed over the next 10 years.
e) For unity. Unresolved divisions weaken the voice of Evangelicals. Pray for the Evangelical Association of Brazil, founded in 1991, that it may be a means of fostering unity, fellowship and prayerful cooperation.
4. Goals for the '90s. Praise God for denominational goals for prayer mobilization, church multiplication and growth set out by the Assemblies of God, (50,000 new churches and 50 million affiliated to their churches), Baptists, Foursquare Church and others. Pray for denominational barriers to be lowered to enable trans-denominational national goals to be set so that all Brazil be permeated with the gospel.
5. Spiritism is a dynamic force for evil in Brazil. It appeals to the emotions and offers physical healing; both traits make it an attractive alternative to traditional Christianity. In 1975 there were at least 14,000 spiritist centres guided by 420,000 mediums. There are seven million Brazilians practising Kardecism ("high" spiritism) and millions more practising Umbanda and Macumba ("low" spiritism with African roots). A majority of Brazilians are involved -- most still claiming to be Christian. Pray both for Christians willing and spiritually equipped to minister to those bound by Satan, and for the deliverance of many. Freemasonry among Baptist and Presbyterian pastors is on the increase.
6. The challenge to reach less evangelized people groups. Pray for:
a) The squalid favelas (slums), a blight in every major city. Over 13 million live in such places, where poverty, hopelessness, crime and disease make these people hard to reach. Pray for Christian congregations and agencies to be raised up who will give spiritual and economic uplift to these communities.
b) The northeast, which is poor and underdeveloped and also has Brazil's lowest percentage of Evangelicals (5%). There is a great exodus of poor to the Amazon and the cities of the southeast.
c) An estimated eight million children who have lost all or most links with their families. Many live on the streets and in the sewers, and live from crime. Prostitution, drug-taking and AIDS are "normal". Pray that Christians may minister love, healing, identity and salvation to these unfortunates.
d) The secularized, wealthy middle and upper classes. These have been generally less responsive.
e) Young people who face many pressures -- especially in university. There are about 1,500,000 students in 871 universities. Pray for more workers to minister to them. The CCC and Navigators are active, and the ABU(IFES) is having a significant impact with groups in most universities. They help students come to the Lord, build them up in the Word and encourage missionary vision. The ABU is also pioneering a ministry to Christian graduates.
f) The one million Japanese who are over 60% Roman Catholic and only 3% Protestant. There are 80 evangelical churches with 7,000 adult Japanese believers. Pray for the witness of the Japan Holiness Church (OMSI), Japan Evangelical Mission and UFM. Pray that these Japanese churches may enter into the mainstream of Brazilian life.
g) The 160,000 Chinese. They live largely in Sao Paulo, where there are 12 small evangelical congregations, but the percentage of Christians (1.7%) is low. By contrast, there are 42 churches for the 60,000 Koreans.
h) The little settlements along the many rivers in the vast Amazon jungle. These communities are poor and needy -- physically and spiritually -- and believers are few and often isolated. UFM is doing pioneer work in the Lower and Central Amazon region, planting little churches. These churches need prayer -- they constantly suffer the loss of key members to the towns and cities. Pray for those engaged in pioneer evangelism by means of river launches -- a hard ministry.
i) Pioneer colonies along new roads being driven through the virgin jungles of the west and north -- the Brazilian Church is seeking to reach out to these rough settlements and plant churches.
j) The Amerindian tribes yet to be reached. Possibly about 40 small tribal groups totalling around 5,000 remain to be contacted with the gospel. About 52 tribes are "assimilated" into national life, and a further 45 marginally so. Until curtailed by the government in 1978, SIL was working in 41 tribes, NTM in 20, UFM in five; but in a number of these a viable indigenous church had yet to be planted. Some of these restrictions have since been eased, but international interest in the Amazon makes this a sensitive issue. Pray for the complete evangelization of these tribes and the preservation of the integrity of their societies in the face of disastrous and exploitative invasions into their territories by gold-seekers and settlers.
7. The role of missionaries has changed from the past. The most important ministries for missionaries today are in leadership training, missionary preparation for Brazilians and pioneer work in the Amazon region. Missions with the largest number of workers: NTM (693 -- 30% Brazilian), YWAM (610 -- 85% Brazilian), SBC (292), SIL/WBT (208), Baptist Mid-Mission (183), ABWE (113), UFM (106), Brethren (59), BMS-UK (59), CBFMS (53), WEC (48 -- 50% Brazilian), GMU (40). Major missionary-contributing nations: USA (2,390), Germany (265), UK (201), Canada (182), Korea (86). Pray for the wise and strategic deployment of the missionary force to the best advantage of the Brazilian church.
8. Limitations on missionary activity among 48 Amerindian tribes since 1978 was triggered by a combined assault of anti-Christian anthropologists, development agencies seeking Indian lands, gold-seekers and corrupt officials. Pray that this unholy alliance may be thwarted and that evangelism, Bible translation and church planting may continue unhindered. Brazilian commitment has rapidly increased, with 857 missionaries from national and international agencies serving among Amerindians. Bible translation is a major unfinished ministry. Work is in progress in 64 languages, but between eight and 70 additional languages may yet require translation teams.
9. Rapid growth of missions vision is cause for praise! The AMTB is an evangelical association of cross-cultural missionary agencies that links many of the 1,300 cross-cultural Brazilian missionaries serving in 21 national and 45 international agencies. Pray for:
a) Suitable training and orientation programmes, sending structures and pastoral care for these missionaries.
b) Congregations which have long-term commitment in prayer and giving for their missionaries. Initial enthusiasm has often faded rapidly. Inflation has wrought havoc with the support of missionaries overseas.
c) The Associaçao de Conselhos Missionários de Igrejas (ACMI), founded in 1990, which aims to help local churches set up viable missions structures, programmes and channelling mechanisms.
10. Christian literature. Brazil's most widely sold books are about magic and the occult. The evangelical community, as a whole, reads one book per person per year. Pray for change through:
a) Christian publishers such as JUERP (Baptist Conv), EVN (New Life, CBFMS), Betania (Bethany Fellowship), Mundo Cristao (EUSA) and ABEB (IFES). Most of these are under the umbrella of the Evangelical Literature Committee of Brazil.
b) Christian distributors. CLC, with 10 stores and 59 workers is one among many.
c) The Bible Society, which distributes over one million Bibles and 142 million portions or leaflets annually.
d) Gideons International, who are distributing 10 million New Testaments in six years.
11. Christian Media -- for prayer:
a) The Jesus film. Pray for its effective use by film teams all over the country. Over 100,000 see it every year. The video version has been a valuable means of reaching professionals. Pray for those who respond and for their integration into Bible study groups and churches.
b) Radio. Brazilian Evangelicals operate four TV stations and 40 radio stations. Internationally, TWR Bonaire, KYFR USA, and HCJB Ecuador beam in 226 hours of broadcasts per week. Projecto Luz (700 Club) gains huge audiences across the country. Pray for a lasting impact for the Kingdom.
c) Cassettes. GRn have prepared tapes in 80 indigenous languages.

 

COUNTRY:BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Population 12,950
Peoples Afro-Caribbean 90.3% Euro-American 7.5%. East Indian 0.9%; Other 1.3%.
Literacy 98%. Official Language: English.
Cities Road Town 5,200.
Economy The mainstays are tourism and offshore company registrations. Poor agricultural land. Income/person $10,760 (51% of USA).
Politics A dependent territory of the UK.
Religion Non-religious/other 2.9%.
Baha'i 0.9%. Hindu 0.34%. Muslim 0.31%.
Christian 95.5%. Affil 90.2%. Growth 0.3%.
Protestant 86.5%. Affil 83.9%. Growth 0.1%.
Roman Catholic 6.3%. Affil 3.6%. Growth -0.4%.
Marginal 2.7%. Growth 7.6%.
1. The tourist trade brings large numbers of people seeking fun but whose lives are empty without Christ. Pray that local believers may have a good testimony to them.
2. The beauty of the islands belies the spiritual need. There are many churches, and most people profess to be Christian, yet sin mars the lives of many. More than three-quarters of all births are illegitimate. Pray for revival and for Christian families to live exemplary lives.

 

 

March - 15

COUNTRY:BRUNEI
Population 301,000
Peoples Malay 70.5%. Dominant in government and civil service. Many tribal people who converted to Islam have been absorbed into the Malay population.
Chinese 16%, of which 80% are non-citizen residents. Gradual decline through emigration. Dominant in commerce.
Tribal peoples 5.3%. Predominantly Iban. Also Kedayan, Kayan, Kenyah, Kiput, Murut, Tutung.
Expatriate 8.2%. British 6,000; South Asian 4,200; Gurkha 1,000; Korean; Filipino. Largely involved in the oil industry.
Literacy 85%. Official languages: Malay, English. All languages 17. Languages with Scriptures 9Bi 1NT.
Cities Bandar Seri Begawan 66,000. Urbanization 59%.
Economy Entirely dependent on oil, with estimated reserves for 25 years. One of the wealthiest nations in Asia. Income/person $14,120 (67% of USA).
Politics Refused to join the Malaysian Federation in 1963. A Protectorate of Britain until full independence in 1983. The Sultan rules as an absolute monarch. There are only rudimentary democratic structures
Religion Islam is the state religion. Constitutional guarantees for the free practice of other religions are being eroded and limitations on Christian activity are increasing.
Muslim 71%. All Malays, some Iban, Murut and other tribal people.
Chinese Religions 9%.
Non-religious/other 6.5%. Chinese and non-Malay.
Animist/other faiths 5.5%. Mainly tribal peoples. Some Hindus and Buddhists.
Christian 8%. Nom 3%. Affil 5%. Growth 1.6%.
Protestant 3.8%. Affil 2.8%. Growth 2.2%.
Roman Catholic 3.9%. Affil 2%. Growth 0.7%.
Foreign marginal 0.02%. Growth 5.2%.
Indigenous Marginal 0.19%. Growth 1.1%.
1. No evangelism is permitted among Muslims, and no known believers have come from this community. However, there is a steady stream of conversions to Islam from among tribal and immigrant communities. Pray that through the pure lives of the Christians and the work of the Holy Spirit some may be saved.
2. The Chinese community feels insecure; most are still considered foreign, even if they were born in Brunei. Many still follow Chinese religions or are non-religious. About 15% are nominally Christian, but only a small proportion of these are committed to Christ. Pray that neither fear nor materialistic concerns may hold back Chinese from salvation in Christ.
3. Christians in the various fellowships have a vigorous outreach through meetings, camps and literature. In 1992, the importation of Christian literature and the public celebration of Christmas were banned and all contacts with Christians in other countries forbidden. Most of the Catholic priests and nuns in the country were expelled at the end of 1991. Pray for Christians in their present predicament and for these unconstitutional edicts to be withdrawn.
4. Tribal peoples have either been converted to Islam and absorbed into the mainstream of national life, or have remained isolated in jungle villages. Among the latter, many Iban, Kelabit, Murut and others have come to Christ through the witness of the Anglicans, Brunei Christian Fellowship and Bethel Chapel. Pray for the evangelization of each of these communities.
5. Brunei students usually complete university education in Malaysia, Britain, Australia or other lands. Pray that they may come into contact with a vibrant Christian witness, be won for Christ, and ultimately return home as witnesses to their Saviour.

 

 

March - 16

COUNTRY:BULGARIA
Population 9,036,000
Peoples Slavic 84%. Bulgarian 6,950,000; Macedonian 225,000; Russian 18,000; Serb 9,000; Czech 9,000.
Turkic 11% (Officially 9%). Turks 990,000; Gagauz 12,000; Crimean Tatar 6,000.
Gypsy 4.6%. Speaking Romani, Turkish or Bulgarian.
Other 0.4%. Armenian 27,000; Greek 11,000; Jews 3,200.
Literacy 90%. Official languages: Bulgarian, and locally, Turkish. All languages 12. Languages with Scriptures 5Bi 3NT 5por.
Cities Capital: Sofia 1,222,000. Urbanization 68%.
Economy Long one of Europe's poorest countries. Communism left a legacy of inefficient, polluting heavy industry. Since 1990 some progress in liberalizing the economy and adapting to market forces. Much poverty remains, but much potential for growth. Public debt/person $1,220. Income/person $5,300 (25% of USA).
Politics A nation since the fifth century, but rarely independent. Ruled by the Turkish Ottoman Empire 1396-1878. Communist rule of particular severity 1947-1989. Multi-party democracy instituted in 1990. A see-saw struggle for power since then between the Democrats and Socialists (ex-Communist Party) with the Turkish Party holding a balance of power in parliament.
Religion Orthodoxy the state religion until 1945. Communist oppression and ruthless control of denominational leadership until 1989. The new democratic constitution proclaims freedom for all denominations, but makes the status of the Orthodox Church one of ambiguous primacy. Statistics below are approximate; the rate of change since 1989 is rapid.
Non-religious/other 17%.
Muslim 13.9%.
Christian 69.1%. Growth 9.9%.
Protestant 1.25%. Growth 17%.
Roman Catholic 0.83%. Growth 1.3%.
Orthodox 66.9%. Growth 9.9%.
Marginal 0.02%. Growth 17.6%.
1. Bulgaria's political and spiritual transformation has been one of the most dramatic in the former Communist bloc: from one of the most repressive regimes, with severe persecution of Christians, to multi-party democracy (albeit tumultuous). Across the country is a yearning to fill the moral and spiritual void Marxism created. There is a desire for an identity and a hope. Pray that this may be found in the Lord Jesus through the preaching of the gospel. Many forms of eastern and western cults and also the ancient, but very live, occultism of Bulgaria vie for a following.
2. All Churches have shown dramatic growth. Many non-religious and atheist Bulgarians have returned to Orthodoxy. The great change is among Evangelicals, who have more than doubled in numbers in three years; in Sofia they have quintupled. Evangelistic outreach among Bulgarians has elicited good response and possibly 4,000-10,000 Turks and Gypsies have come to Christ since 1990. Praise God, and pray for a continued and conserved harvest. There are signs that the initial enthusiasm is wearing off.
3. The growth has been amidst pain. The dire effects of outright persecution -- with many Christians imprisoned or killed, and manipulation through informers, infiltrators and imposters in the churches -- are still to be seen. The subversion of the Orthodox hierarchy was particularly widespread. Some leaders courageously suffered, others compromised -- a fact that still breeds division, mistrust and lack of cooperation in Orthodox, Protestant and Pentecostal alike which may lead to new Orthodox and Pentecostal denominations. "Sheep-stealing" -- even of whole congregations from one denomination to another -- has unfortunately developed into a fine art. Pray for repentance, reconciliation, healing and spiritual unity. These tensions still prevent the formation of a national Evangelical Fellowship. There is a National Committee for the AD2000 Movement linking five denominations and setting goals for the decade.
4. Maturing the Church is the major challenge for the '90s. Pray for:
a) Bible-based teaching of believers. Only a handful of Christian leaders have had formal Bible training. The hunger of the new Christians is matched only by their ignorance of Scripture and tendency to legalisms.
b) Leadership training. Underground TEE programmes of the '80s have blossomed into the interdenominational Logos Bible Academy in Sofia as well as four other Pentecostal denominational schools. Pray for the provision of the right staff, funds and facilities and, above all, spiritual life for these programmes.
c) The right structures to enhance growth. The tendency is for autocratic, central leadership and a desire to build mega-churches. Pray for a clearer vision for multiplying churches and plurality of leadership, thus avoiding personality clashes and denominational divisions. Networking and loving communication between leaders is a great need.
d) The discernment of doctrinal error. Every modern heresy and cult seems to have targeted the country -- Mormons, Children of God, Jehovah's Witnesses, extreme "prosperity" teachings, as well as eastern cults. Christians are being swayed by every wind of doctrine.
e) The multiplicity of new indigenous agencies that have sprung up for reaching children, prisons, and ethnic minorities, and for providing literature, Bibles, and Christian teaching in schools and camps. There are also international agencies setting up local branches -- CEF, EHC, TWR, Gideons, and the Bible Society among others. The need for wise coordination and adequate funding mechanisms is urgent.
5. Ethnic minorities need specific prayer.
a) The Turks were deeply offended by the Communist campaigns in the mid '80s to impose Bulgarian culture upon them. In 1989, 350,000 fled to Turkey. The collapse of Communism led to the return of half of them and to restitution of their cultural rights. Muslim missionaries from Turkey and Iran have been assiduously seeking to make them stronger Muslims. At the same time there has been a work of the Holy Spirit leading to hundreds of groups of Turkish believers across the country. There were reckoned to be at least 4,000 believers in 1993. This is the first known major spiritual breakthrough among Turks. Pray for Christians with knowledge of Turkish as they seek to disciple the many Pentecostal and indigenous groups (WEC, OD, OM, Ichthus Fellowship -- the latter three with more short-term involvement).
b) Gypsies are generally despised and at the bottom of the social order. Some are Orthodox or Muslim and others still deeply involved in the occult. Among them thousands are turning to the Lord, mainly through the outreach of the Church of God in the Bulgarian language. Others are linked to the indigenous Turkish-speaking movement. A third (180,000) of all Gypsies use Romani as their first language, but lack of a New Testament is a major deficiency. Illiteracy is widespread, and there is a great challenge to patiently teach the fundamentals of the faith.
c) Pomaks (300,000) are Bulgarian-speaking Muslims; a specific ministry is needed to reach them. Several congregations of new Christians have been planted in the south of the country.
Pray that there may be warm and close fellowship between the Christians of different ethnic groups. Ancient Balkan inter-ethnic hatreds and mistrust are still potent. Both Turks and Gypsies have formed political bodies to combat discrimination.
6. Foreign missions have increased personnel committed to Bulgaria. There is great need for long-term missionaries and tentmakers who will learn the culture and language and who earn the confidence of the people through effective role-modelling life and ministry. The need is less for pioneer evangelism than for providing teaching skills and support to an evangelistically-minded church. Pray for:
a) The calling of the right workers to serve in this day of extraordinary opportunity. Significant missions: SBC (6), (intteams)IT (4), []SEND (4), YWAM (4), OM (3), WEC (3).
b) Wisdom in use of short-term visits and ministry. Too much has been done (and even undone) by enthusiastic but ill-prepared visitors on foray ministries. All needs to be integrated into a wider coordinated strategy that has been developed indigenously. High-powered western evangelism is meeting with rising scepticism.
c) Sensitive use of foreign funds. The chronic lack of finance and poverty of those in Christian work makes every infusion of funds a potentially damaging or distorting influence to the spiritual life of churches and individuals. Employment by foreign agencies can easily take away key workers from the ministries most needed by the church. Yet how vital such help is!
7. Young people. The authorities are eager to have moral and religious education in schools, so there is freedom for Christian input in many schools. Pray that neither Orthodox sensitivities about Evangelicals nor Western evangelical insensitivities limit opportunities. Millions of Bibles, books and pieces of literature published in the West have been distributed in schools, but not always adequately used. Pray that all this may lead to a good understanding of the things of God and many new Christians.
8. Christian help ministries.
a) Literature. New Man became the first Bulgarian Christian publisher with a wide-ranging vision for producing solid evangelical books, Scripture aids and teaching/evangelistic materials. Pray for viability in the prevailing poverty and flood of Western-produced subsidized literature. EHC has plans for a nationwide literature distribution campaign. Effective cooperation between foreign and national literature agencies is needed.
b) Bible translation and distribution. The present Bulgarian Bible is archaic; but the new Living Bible soon to be available is not acceptable to some. Pray for consensus among Christians on the issue. Pray for the early availability of an effective modern translation. Distribution of 70,000 of the Cyrillic-script Turkish New Testaments has had a significant impact. Higher levels of illiteracy among Turks and Gypsies are a hindrance. Many Bibles are being printed locally. There is a need for the Scriptures in Romani for the Gypsies.
c) Radio. Local television and radio programming is increasing; TWR has set up a studio. The potential is enormous; finance and caution about Evangelicals are bottlenecks. Four international broadcasters transmit five hours/week to Bulgaria.

 

March - 17

COUNTRY:BURKINA FASO
Population 10,382,000
Peoples Over 72 distinct ethno-linguistic groups in four major language families.
Gur-Voltaic (35 groups) 75.7%.
Mossi-Gurma: Mossi 4,541,000; Gurma 533,000. The Mossi are the dominant people