Oops! I'm a day late; but this week’s country of focus is Mozambique, a south eastern country in Africa. Home to 24.5 million people, this country is one of the world’s poorest countries. The majority of the population works the land, and over half live on less than $1 a day. In the early 2000’s, they suffered even greater setbacks from natural disasters on opposite ends of the spectrum – floods and drought. The Lonely Planet described Mozambique as one of Africa’s up and coming hotspots. It has gorgeous beaches lining the eastern side, with opportunities appealing to tourists and hopefully boosting the economy.
Freedom of religion has been exercised since 1988; however, as in most cases, freedom only comes after great wars are fought to attain such a status. Mozambique’s largest religion group is Christianity, and the rest is mixed with traditional ethnic religion and Islam.
Ways to pray for Mozambique
~The government has worked hard to bring up the economy, establish a democracy and religious freedom, and boost the morale after a 2 decade civil war. Pray for leaders to rise up and encourage the country in its pursuits in all areas, not just certain regions.
~There are over 300,000 AIDS orphans and about 14% of the population is known to be HIV+. Pray for healing, medical resources and services to be available, and the peace and power of Jesus Christ to be fully known.
~After much persecution, Christianity experienced significant growth in the early 2000’s. Ask that this growth will be maintained and that those who claim to follow Christ will faithfully do so. Ask they will share their story of how God changed their lives with others.
~There is still a large number of people who have not been introduced to the love and hope of Jesus Christ. Pray that people are placed in their lives to show them and be praying for people we will meet and interact with during our time there!
