Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Central African Republic
République Centrafricaine
Africa
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 622,436 sq kmA landlocked state in Africa’s geographical centre. Variation from tropical forest in the southwest to semi-desert in the northeast.
Population: 4,505,945 Annual Growth: 1.90%
Capital: Bangui
Urbanites: 38.9%
HDI Rank: 179 of 182 (UN Human Development Reports 2009)
Peoples
Peoples: 88 (9% unreached) All peoplesUnreached Peoples Prayer Card
Official language: French and Sango (trade language used by most of the population Languages: 82 All languages
Religion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 3,441,190 | 76.37 | 1.9 |
| Evangelicals | 1,453,346 | 32.2 | 2.3 |
Challenges for Prayer
The unity of the Church continues to be a fundamental need. Progress is being made within the Protestant framework, but bringing in the new and diverse Independent/AIC groups is essential. Pray for:a) The AEC (Alliance des Evangéliques en Centrafrique) and the newly reconstituted National Committee on Evangelism and Missions (CONEM) as they work to bring healing and restoration in place of fragmentation and division.
b) Cooperative research of the harvest force and harvest field in CAR. AMI, FATEB, ACATBA/SIL and others make significant contributions in this area. Pray for resources to publish findings and for the evangelical community to be enthusiastic about its usefulness in evangelism, discipleship and church planting.
Leadership development is increasingly important, but not all denominations truly make it a priority. Much is happening, but it is only a fraction of what needs to be accomplished to train pastors and disciple believers. Pray for the following:
a) About 15 Bible schools – lack of staff, students, funds and resources means that some are Bible schools only in name. Foreign-developed curriculum and emphasis on paper qualification hamper the ability to train pastors equipped to deal with CAR’s unique challenges. Pray for a release of funds; many are eager to study and only a lack of resources holds them back.
b) The Bangui Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (FATEB). This was the first evangelical theological seminary for French-speaking Africa. There are many qualified candidates seeking scholarships; pray for financial provision for students, staff and the school itself. Pray also for this institution and its spiritual impact throughout Africa. Grace Brethren, Baptist Mid-Mission and UFEB all have seminaries.
c) TEE has great potential, but poor infrastructure (roads, mail and such) limits its impact. Pray for creative solutions that will provide theological education to those seeking to go deeper in their study.
d) Women in ministry, a long-neglected area, now receives the attention it deserves. Christian Women’s Union, Women’s Aglow and PAFEC are all making inroads into releasing more women into ministry.
For an additional 7 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
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