Pray Today - August 12
Lesotho
Kingdom of Lesotho
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 30,355 sq km
A mountainous country completely surrounded by South Africa. Only 10% is arable.
Population: 2,084,182 Annual Growth: 0.88%
Capital: Maseru
Urbanites: 26.9%
HDI Rank: 156 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 13 (8% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: Sesotho, English Languages: 6 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian
| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 1,861,383 | 89.31 | 0.9 |
| Evangelicals | 253,040 | 12.1 | 2.7 |
Challenges for Prayer
Lesotho faces a tough future. The nation is both protected and imprisoned by its isolated geographical location. Dwindling agricultural returns, an underdeveloped economy, widespread HIV/AIDS, urbanization, family breakdown, endemic poverty and unemployment for much of the population, and limited access to water all combine to place great burdens upon both the people and the government of Lesotho. Pray for wisdom in leadership and for new, creative and sustainable ways to improve the quality of life of the population.
AIDS is the greatest challenge facing Lesotho. It has devastated the population with an HIV infection rate of 23.2% (now stabilizing, but among the world’s highest), already leaving 100,000 orphans. The 20-40 age group, so vital to the economy, is also the most afflicted. A host of agencies, missions and church ministries are answering this challenge in many ways (education, prevention, care). But the risk of reductionism is present as spiritual ministry to needy souls is at times taken over by the overarching spectre of HIV. Pray for a balanced ministry approach that brings life to the whole person.
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