Pray for: Niger

The combination of Islamist violence, the military coup, and the nation’s subsequent travails have stopped most of the gospel’s spread in this previously open land. This reversed progress made in recent years, when many previously unreached people groups gained their first believers. Islam dominates the land, and strict, aggressive Muslim groups increase. Pray that Niger may once again be open for Christian mission, and that the Lord would remove every barrier to the knowledge of Him. The spiritual effects of folk Islam and demonic oppression hinder many from following Christ.

The numbers of those who follow Christ increases, but Niger’s high birthrates far outpace Christianity’s growth rate. There is great pressure to remain in – or return to – Islam. New believers feel isolated. Below the radar, movements are forming of Jesus-followers who have seen enough of Islam to choose a different path. Pray for those from a Muslim background who have chosen to follow Jesus; may they persevere and remain faithful amidst all the difficulties they will face.