AFWIS Joins Operation World in prayer for the Republic of Angola - Africa

Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)

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Angola

Republic of Angola

Africa

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Geography

Area: 1,246,700 sq km
Large coastal state on the South Atlantic coast. Cabinda is an oil-rich coastal enclave to the north of the Congo River.
Population: 18,992,707    Annual Growth: 2.71%
Capital: Luanda
Urbanites: 58.5%
HDI Rank: 143 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)

Peoples

Peoples: 60 (3% unreached) All peoples
Unreached Peoples Prayer Card

Official language: Portuguese    Languages: 41 All languages

Religion

Largest Religion: Christian

Religion		Pop %	Ann Gr
Christians	17,870,238	94.09	3.0
Evangelicals	4,277,143	22.5	4.4

Challenges for Prayer

The Church, despite great growth, has not emerged unscathed from decades of conflict. Much prayer is needed, specifically for:
a) Forgiveness and love in action. The Church must be at the forefront of activities aimed to overcome the longstanding tribal loyalties and partisan politics. Such forgiveness must include many who perpetrated crimes against Christians and Christians who compromised under pressure.
b) The right relationship between Church and state. Religious freedom is a blessing, but Angola has a reputation for having dangerous syncretistic cults that mix elements of Christianity with animistic tribal religions. The government attempts to encourage the work of established and reputable denominations, while limiting the effects of the cults.
c) Christ-like, holy living by followers of the Lord Jesus that commends the gospel to unbelievers and passionately reaches out to their disillusioned, apathetic neighbours – non-practising Christians number in the millions.
d) Unity in the gospel. There is much new growth among Independent congregations and groups unaffiliated with any larger body, but too much work is done in isolation and without partnership. The Angola Evangelical Alliance links 11 denominations and two parachurch organizations for coordinated action. The Council of Christian Churches in Angola (WCC) also draws Christian groups together.
The challenge to biblical faith is great. Explosive growth is worthless if the Church is permeated with false beliefs and ignorance of the Bible. Witchcraft and animistic practices continue to infiltrate and pollute many churches and lives. Islam’s assertiveness, simple message and financial backing cause it to grow. Those who claim to follow Christ need to be taught what such a claim truly means.
     For an additional 6 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 Angola.