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Summary

The landlocked North African nation of Niger, a country of sand dunes and desert plains, still has the fresh flavor of freedom on its lips. Under military rule for thirty-one years, violent coups and bloody political infighting have finally unfolded into a fledgling democracy. One of the richest sources of uranium in the world, Niger has instead focused on developing agriculture and raising livestock. Future economic growth is hoped to be found in the mining of gold, coal, and recently discovered oil.

One of the poorest countries in the world, the agricultural economy is frequently destroyed by drought, making it insufficient to support the growing population. Slavery is still practiced in isolated areas of the country. Nigerian children are trafficked for labor in gold mines, sexual exploitation, and begging. Women are abducted and sold into domestic servitude or prostitution, and young boys are kidnapped for work in stone quarries. A land dispute between Libya remains unresolved and often triggers acts of violence.

Less than one percent of the population claims the Christian faith. Ninety-seven percent of the nation is Muslim, with 76% of the people listed as unreached ethnic groups. Christianity is slowly growing through humanitarian efforts such as well-digging, agricultural development, and education. The number of Evangelicals triples every year, though that is not keeping up with population growth. The cultural pressure to maintain the Islamic faith continues to hinder outreach efforts, though indigenous pastors, many of whom have converted to Christianity from Islam themselves, are stepping up as leaders in the fledgling church. Niger still has the taste of political freedom on their tongue. May spiritual freedom in Christ soon quench their eternal thirst with His bottomless well of compassion.

quick facts

continent:
Africa
religion:
Muslim 96%, Ethnic religions 3%
capital city:
Niamey
language:
French, Hausa, Zarma, Fulah, Tamashek, Koyraboro Senni Songhai
government:
Semi-presidential republic
GDP per capita:
$1,200
literacy rate:
35.1%
population:
23,605,767
major groups of people:
30% Tazarawa; 17% Zerma (Dyerma); 7% North Hausa (Arewa, Arawa); 6% Adarawa Hausa; 5% Songhai (Sonrhai)
POPULATION IN UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUPS:
98%

prayer points

01

Patients, who are often the outcasts in society, to find the love of Jesus through the gentle care of the medical staff

02

God’s protection over the evangelistic team as they share the gospel and disciple new believers

03

Financial provision for the medical center, especially for the fistula center, which does not charge patients for their extended stay

04

Emotional, spiritual, and physical stamina for the mission workers and local staff at the hospital – they all see many difficult cases

05

Local churches to catch the vision of engaging with university students

06

God’s protection for those involved in evangelism and discipleship

07

Administrative and management personnel for our institutions. The needs include a director for the university center; principals for the high school and elementary sections of Sahel Academy; a finance manager for Galmi Hospital; a facilities manager for Galmi Hospital; and a second treasurer for SIM Niger

08

More teachers for Sahel Academy. The excellent education children receive at Sahel allows their parents to carry out their ministries in Niger

09

The churches associated with SIM in Niger. Pray for the pastors to be men of integrity and vision, united in purpose, and for increased cooperation between the mission and the churches

10

SIM Niger, as we navigate the security tensions of the Sahel region. Pray that doors will continue to be open so that Nigeriens can respond to the gospel

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