*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA
Niger (click here to view a satellite map)
Niger, West Africa
Population: 11,665,937
Christians: <1%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
Political Leader: President Mamadou Tandja
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes
A severe famine along with the collapse of Niger's uranium market in the 1980s brought such devastation to the nation that it has never completely recovered. In fact, Niger depends on 50% of its income coming from outside the country. Food shortages are an ongoing problem for Niger's population. Many people live in remote areas, not easily reached because of poor roads that go through desert areas. They grow what food they can, sometimes searching for miles for a nourishing shrub called anza. "We are experiencing, like all the countries in the Sahel, a food crisis due to the poor harvest and the locust attacks of 2004," Niger's President Tandja told the BBC in September. Possibly three million of the country's 12 million people are suffering food shortages according to UN estimates.
Other areas of great need are for people to have access to some kind of health care and schools for their children. Niger is open to the Gospel, yet Church growth has been slow. Its Muslim population mixes Islamic beliefs with animistic rituals. People are free to change religions in Niger, but few have turned to Christ and those who share their faith do experience some persecution.
Prayer Points
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Pray that adequate supply of food and medicine will continue to flow into Niger and reach those in desperate need until crops can be planted and harvested. |
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Pray that God will enable them to plant crops that will prosper and produce a good harvest. |
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Pray that God will raise up good and wise leaders who will seek Him and understand how to reverse the terrible conditions they are facing as a country. |
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Pray that existing churches will experience a mighty visitation of the Holy Spirit that will transform them into powerful witnesses for Christ. |
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Pray for more laborers to be sent with the Good News of Jesus Christ. |
Dear Father in Heaven, we ask You to provide for the people of Niger the most basic things of life. They need food for their bodies as well as the Bread from Heaven--Jesus Christ. We pray for their well-being in every sense--health of body and soul, the opportunity for a good education, and protection for those who know You. Amen. |
