Published on Operation World (http://www.operationworld.org)
Feb 24: Australia, Norfolk Island
Australia
Commonwealth of Australia
Pacific
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 7,682,300 sq kmThis 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 peoplesUnreached 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 |
Challenge for Prayer
The 550,000 indigenous Aborigines have been demoralized in their contacts with Western culture and greed; they are frustrated about their lack of control over their lands and their heritage. Recognition of the land rights of first Australians is a major political issue. Reconciliation between black and white Australians made a significant step forward with the prime minister’s apology, along with National “Sorry” Day. Some Aborigines have adapted to the immigrant and majority cultures, but many are marginalized. Some retreated into the more inaccessible and inhospitable parts of the country, while others moved into larger towns and cities. Insensitivities at times and even cruelties by whites are to a degree offset by the loving contribution of many missionaries to the Aborigines over the years. Widespread abuse occurring within some Christian communities is also mitigated by the influence of some excellent, outspoken Aboriginal leaders who are catalyzing positive changes.a) Most Aborigines are Christian, the result of considerable missionary effort in the past. But nominalism, a cultural disconnect from “Western religion”, poverty and often substance abuse stunt the spiritual growth of these unique peoples. Church leaders are trying to combine Christian values with Aboriginal culture in the best possible way for both worship and for outreach. In a number of areas, especially in the north and west of the country, there are strong congregations with effective outreach.
b) Pray for the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship, a key coordinating body of Aboriginal Christians, as it encourages leadership development through its training college, outreach and church planting in every Aboriginal community. Pray that believers may boldly proclaim the liberating power of the gospel in the face of hostility from political activists.
c) Pray for the nearly 500 missionaries in 26 denominational and interdenominational agencies working among these people (such as the Australian Indigenous Ministries, Australian Churches of Christ Indigenous Mission, United Aborigine Mission, CMS, MAF, World Outreach and Baptists). Two Aboriginals have been elected to the Sydney Anglican Synod.
d) Bible translation is in progress in 13 of these small language groups; 28 languages have Scripture portions, 12 have the entire NT. Up to 20 still need translation. The entire Bible now exists in Kriol, the most widespread Aboriginal language – a job requiring 30 years and 100 linguists!
e) GRN recordings in several languages are vital contributions to the task because of the great linguistic variety and the lower functional literacy among the Aborigines.
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.
Norfolk Island
Pacific
See Prayer Information
Geography
Area: 14 sq kmOne main and two smaller islands. 1,500 km east of Australia.
Population: 2,234 Annual Growth: 0.74%
Capital: Kingston
Peoples
Languages: 2 All languagesReligion
Largest Religion: Christian| Religion | Pop % | Ann Gr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christians | 1,533 | 68.60 | 0.5 |
| Evangelicals | 508 | 22.7 | 1.3 |
Challenge for Prayer
The isolation of the islands and their limited resources make Christian ministry difficult. Isolation also makes their communities’ very existence somewhat precarious – depending on assistance from Australia, potential disaster from violent weather and a great distance from immediate help. Pray for God to move among the existing churches to foster renewal and awakening, and for believers to reach out effectively to others, particularly to the Malays of Cocos Island and the Chinese of Christmas Island.For an additional Challenge for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.
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