Pray for the Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is a landlocked country in Central Africa.
It is bordered by Chad in the north, Sudan in the northeast, South Sudan in the east,
Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the south, and Cameroon in the west.

Bangui is the capital.
The population is 4.4 million

FACTS
Most of the territory is located in the Ubangi and Shari River basins.

Most of the country is savannah but it also includes tropical forests in the south
and a semi- desert in the north east.

Two thirds of the country lies in the basins of the Ubangi River,which flows
south into the Congo River.
The remaining third lies in the basin of the Chari River, which flows north
into Lake Chad.

The country has over 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language.

DEMOGRAPHICS
33%   Baya
28%   Banda
7%     Mandjia
10%   Sara
7%     Mboum
4%     M'Baka
4%     Yakoma
3%     Fula/Fulani
4%     Others (Including Europeans of mostly French descent.

51%    Protestant
29%    Roman Catholic
10%    Muslim
10%    Animism

HISTORY
From 1000 B.C. -1000 AD, Ubangian groups from Cameroon and Sudan and settled in the area.
During the same period, a small number of Bantu-immigrants settled in the southwest.
Central Sudanic-groups settled along the Oubangi.

Until the early 19th century the country had little contact
with the outside world

During the first decades of the 19th century, Muslim traders
began to penetrate the region.

Between 1860 and 1910, slave traders from Sudan, Chad, Cameroon, kidnapped
much of the population from the eastern regions.

In 1889 the French established a post on the Ubangi River at Bangui.

The Central African Republic was a French colony from 1894-1940.

The country became independent in 1960.

Since independence the country has gone through a series of coups and counter-coups.

Since 2013, there has been brutal sectarian fighting between Muslim
and Christian groups.
Hundreds of thousands fled their homes.

CONDITIONS
The economy is based on subsistence agriculture.
Much of the population lives at a subsistence level.
Livestock development is hindered by the presence of the tsetse fly.

The country has large mineral resources (Uranium, crude oil, gold, diamonds)
Despite its resources the Central African Republic is one of the poorest
countries in the world.

There have been numerous government abuses.
Freedom of speech is in the constitution, but there have been incidents
of government intimidation with the intent to limit media criticism.

There is high unemployment.

The country is underdeveloped
It doesn't have a decent transport system or adequate healthcare facilities.

11% of the population aged 15 – 49 is HIV positive.
Only 3% of the country has antiretroviral therapy available

There are many diseases that come about from malnourishment, lack
of clean water, faulty hygiene and poverty.

The average life expectancy is only 49 years.
Life expectancy is dropping year by year.

Only 30% population is functionally literate.
French and Sango are the official languages, but few citizens speak French.

Wars in neighboring Sudan and the Congos have resulted in floods
of refugees and disruption of trade.

The Central African Republic is heavily dependent upon foreign aid.
In 2006,. due to ongoing violence, over 50,000 in the country's northwest
were at risk of starvation.
This was only averted thanks to United Nations support.

VIOLENCE
The country is politically unstable and has seen much violence in recent times.
Political strife and banditry further damages the economy and infrastructure.

There is much anarchy in the north of the country.
Thousands have been killed.
Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes
Nearly half a million children have been displaced by violence
Many are hiding out in forests

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
Catholic and Protestant missions are scattered throughout the territory.

Islam is practiced primarily in the north.
With immigration from other countries, the number of Muslims is growing.
Islamic influences from Libya, Sudan and Saudi Arabia are bringing many more converts.

Indigenous animistic beliefs are practiced by about 10% of the population.

Since the 1960s many have become Christians, but there has not been enough
discipleship to see their faith mature.

There are huge numbers of unaffiliated Christians.

Even within most churches there is little depth and limited grasp of the truths
of Scripture.

Failure to make discipleship a priority also means that high moral standards
and honesty are frequently lacking in the churches.

The Church struggles with divisions and lack of trust between leaders.
Denominational rifts hinder cooperative efforts.

Breakdowns between church leaders and missionaries have caused heartache and splits.

Failure on the part of leaders to demonstrate Christ-like humility and graciousness
not only stunts their own fruitfulness but affects their congregations.

There is widespread nominalism and syncretism.

Animistic religions are decreasing on the surface, but their influence is still strong.

Very little Christian work is being done among the Arab and Muslim immigrants

Of more than 80 ethnic groups, seven are still unreached with the Gospel.

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray for peace and stability, particularly in the north and east.

Pray for those who have lost loved ones in the fighting.

Pray for those who have been displaced.

Pray that the violence and chaos stop.

Pray that a strong and just central government can establish peace
throughout the country.

Pray that wealth that enriches the entire nation and not just a privileged few.

Pray that righteousness prevail in government and business.
Pray for the employment opportunities for the many without work.

Pray for those suffering from HIV and other diseases.

Pray that increased emphasis on disciple-making might yield Christians
of high moral fiber.

Pray that denominational rifts be healed

Pray for the emergence of Christian businessmen who will be agents
of transformation in the economic and spiritual spheres.

Pray for healing of past wounds.

Pray for a deeper appreciation and level of trust among God's servants,
both national and expatriate.

Pray for more Christians to share the Gospel.

Pray that religious freedom continues.

Pray for programs and ministries to combat HIV/AIDS  and other diseases.