Sep 8, 2012
Mind on Missions: Namibia
The Republic of Namibia is a country of 2.1 million people on the west coast of Africa. It is a secular state with freedom of religion. Despite the high profile of Christian denominations, non-Christian religions are being granted similar opportunities in schools and in the media.
Namibia long had the highest percentage of Christians for any country in Africa. The early labors of German and Finnish Lutheran and then Anglican missionaries gave birth to large denominations. The influence of liberal and then black theology eroded that spiritual heritage, and true discipleship and holy living are now in short supply, with nominalism widespread. There is a noticeable turning away from Christianity and a lack of openness to the gospel. Pray for a unity, based on Scripture and bathed in the Spirit, that will bring reconciliation and revival.
There are serious social issues that must be addressed by Christians. The government does not have the resources to handle these, and the churches have not risen to the challenges. Problems include poverty, with large disparities between the rich and poor and over 30 percent unemployment. Many flock to the cities seeking work, causing shanty towns to multiply. AIDS has also become a silent and largely ignored calamity with between 20-25 percent of adults and young people infected and more than 67,000 AIDS orphans.
Young people have become much more materialistic and are rejecting Christianity as irrelevant to their needs. Substance abuse, immorality and the rapid spread of HIV are the result. Christian camps are struggling to attract young people. Pray for innovative and effective ministry by churches and agencies.
Information from Operation World
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