Stability and economic progress followed independence in the 1990s, and Christians united in prayer at that time. But the country could fall into ethnic conflict and economic collapse if good government and community harmony do not prevail. Pray that the nation’s leaders would address the gap between rich and poor, land ownership issues, and HIV/AIDS with wisdom and determination. People migrate to cities for work, but end up in shantytowns. Ovamboland (in the north) suffers the most poverty. Namibia suffers scars from its colonial past, from the legacy of apartheid, and from the terrorism before independence. Pray that in Christ both perpetrators and victims might find forgiveness and peace.

German and Finnish Lutheran and then Anglican missionaries gave birth to large denominations in the 19th Century. Liberal theology and syncretistic Afro-Spiritism eroded that spiritual heritage, and now many self-styled Christians are either nominal or incorporate unbiblical practices into their faith. Reformation is greatly needed, but first there needs to be an opening of hearts to the Spirit. Pray for a biblical faith to be restored throughout Namibia's many churches.

Missions are experiencing a time of growth as the need to re-reach many peoples in Namibia becomes apparent. Pray that they would minister in the power of the gospel, but also with sensitivity. Major missions are: AIM, YWAM, AoG, SIM.

The less-evangelized peoples. Pray for:

• The San (Bushmen) cluster of peoples - much romanticized but in reality a suffering people. Their traditional way of life is threatened by cattle ranching, mining and conservation efforts, not to mention the havoc wrought by sedentary vices. The NGK and Pentecostal Assemblies work among them, yet the San have barely been touched by the gospel; their animistic faith and semi-nomadic lifestyle require a very special kind of outreach.
• The peoples of the Kavango and Caprivi Strip in the northeast - the Mbukushu, Wayeyi, Gckiruku and Fwe. Many are animists. AIM/SIM planted several churches among them. A number of Adventists are among them as well.
• The Himba (5,000) and Dhimba (15,000) are offshoots of the Herero people in the barren northeast and in southwest Angola. Nearly all are animist, though a few are Lutheran and Reformed Christians. Bible translation into Dhimba is nearly completed, along with Scripture songs in traditional Dhimba forms.

Offshore banking on the Internet has been shut down, having been revealed as a front for the money-laundering activities of Russian criminals. It was a courageous move, forfeiting the flow of money through the country - an amount approaching tens of billions of dollars per year. Pray that God may reward the prioritizing of righteousness over riches.

Economic meltdown has struck this tiny nation. After years of boom, Nauru has gone bust. The mining industry is a shadow of its former self, and the two other major income sources have also dried up. Almost all food must be imported, and freshwater supplies are insufficient. Half of the indigenous population has diabetes; 90% are overweight and unemployed. Pray for sustainable economic solutions that will provide livelihoods for those making the island their home.