Pray Today August 19th for the Republic of Madagascar

Madagascar

Republic of Madagascar

Africa

See Prayer Information

Geography

Area: 587,041 sq km
The world’s 4th largest island 1,600 km long in the Indian Ocean 600 km off the coast of Mozambique; a great degree of flora and fauna is unique to Madagascar.
Population: 20,146,442    Annual Growth: 2.72%
Capital: Antananarivo
Urbanites: 30.2%
HDI Rank: 145 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 41 (27% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Malagasy, French and English (though not widely used)    Languages: 20 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	10,784,390	53.53	3.0
Evangelicals	2,310,539	11.5	3.5

Answer to Prayer

Church growth continues in the midst of political and environmental crises. The most notable increases are of charismatic and neo-Pentecostal groups, who have also endured some opposition. The Holy Spirit is moving among students, young people and laypersons, causing the multiplication of small congregations and house groups.

Challenge for Prayer

Madagascar is locked in a battle with poverty, even though it is often called the “8th continent” and is rich in ecology, ethnicity and history. The majority live on an average of less than $1US/day and survive by subsistence agriculture. The common slash-and-burn technique is destroying the rainforest cover as well as many unique plant and animal species. About 80% of the original rainforest cover has already been lost. Repeatedly, cyclones further hamper development and destroy property. Pray for appropriate and sustainable development that lifts people out of poverty, and for a long-term approach to this complex challenge.
     For an additional 9 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Madagascar.