Gary Miller Ministry

Feb 23: Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Australia, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands

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Australia

Commonwealth of Australia

Pacific

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Geography

Area: 7,682,300 sq km
This island continent is the world’s driest, but better watered in the east, southeast and southwest coastal regions, where most live in highly concentrated urban areas. There are three permanently inhabited dependent territories: Norfolk Island (35 sq km; 2,037 pop), Christmas Is. (135 sq km; 1,408 pop), Cocos Is. (14 sq km; 591 pop).
Population: 21,507,384    Annual Growth: 1.07%
Capital: Canberra
Urbanites: 89.1%
HDI Rank: 2 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 143 (8% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: English. 20% of the population use English as a second language    Languages: 207 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	14,947,632	69.50	0.5
Evangelicals	3,106,949	14.4	1.1

Answer to Prayer

The political leaders of Australia, from recent prime ministers down to many parliamentarians and cabinet members, are profoundly influenced by their belief in Christianity. Increasing secularization is taking a firmer grip on society generally, although a relatively strong Christian representation in politics remains a positive influence in protecting the long-established, biblically based values that shaped law and public life over many generations in Australia. A Christian ethic also aided in issuing a formal apology for the mistreatment of aboriginals.
     For an additional Answer to Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.

Challenge for Prayer

The Church in Australia faces a mighty challenge – to remain relevant. While over two-thirds of Australians identify themselves in some way as Christian, only 10% regularly attend church, and increasing numbers have negative attitudes toward the Church’s perceived intolerance and authoritarianism. Secularism is not so much the dominant ideology as is an individualized, New Age, pick-and-choose spirituality with no accountability. Almost all mainline churches face stagnation or decline, and growth even among evangelicals has slowed. Pray for reformation and revival of the Church, and for this to impact every sphere of society.
     For an additional 8 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 Australia.

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Christmas Island

Pacific

Geography

Area: 135 sq km
2,360 km northwest of Perth.
Population: 1,600    Annual Growth: 1.30%
Capital: Flying Fish Cove

Peoples

Peoples: 7 (14% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Religion

Largest Religion: Buddhist

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	291	18.19	1.4
Evangelicals	47	3.0	1.8
Buddhist	576	36.00

Challenge for Prayer

More Information

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

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Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Pacific

Geography

Area: 14 sq km
Two atolls and 27 coral islands halfway between Australia and Sri Lanka.
Population: 670    Annual Growth: 0.92%
Capital: West Island

Peoples

Peoples: 6 (17% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Religion

Largest Religion: Muslim

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	130	19.40	0.0
Evangelicals	9	1.3	0.0
Muslim	478	71.40

Challenge for Prayer

More Information

The Operation World book, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM provide far more information and fuel for prayer for the people of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.