Angola
Summary
Angola is still rebuilding its country since the end of a 27-year civil war in 2002. Fighting between the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), led by Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Jonas SAVIMBI, followed independence from Portugal in 1975. Peace seemed imminent in 1992 when Angola held national elections, but fighting picked up again in 1993. Up to 1.5 million lives may have been lost – and 4 million people displaced – during the more than a quarter century of fighting. SAVIMBI’s death in 2002 ended UNITA’s insurgency and cemented the MPLA’s hold on power. President DOS SANTOS pushed through a new constitution in 2010 and elections held in 2012 saw him installed as president. Angola assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2015-16 term. [1]
📷 : Wikipedia
Statistics
From the The Joshua Project [2]
In the News
📷 : Wikipedia
Prayer Guide
Christian leadership is still the most critical challenge before the Church. Only a fraction of congregations have trained pastors. This shortage results in division, petty legalism, compromise and condoned sin, including elements of witchcraft. The increase in Bible schools and seminaries is still not keeping pace with the needs. Around 25 Bible schools and two seminaries exist (interdenominational [SIM, AME, AIM], Assemblies of God, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Catholic). Among evangelicals, the Superior Institute for Evangelical Theology of Lubango is the largest and is well respected. Just as vital are the practical discipleship/training programs, such as those run by YWAM and the many Brazilian-originated ministries. TEE and mobile education programs, such as Africa’s Hope (AoG), SEAN (UK) and BTCP, are all the more important given the scope of the task and the prevailing poverty. Pray for provision of funds, buildings, libraries and, above all, godly teachers; pray also for effective spiritual growth and ministry of those trained.
Young people and children. Their numbers dominate Angola’s population, despite the huge odds stacked against them. In 2006, the mortality rate for children under age five was 26%, and 45% of that same group suffered chronic malnutrition. The legacy of Marxism and war is a generation burdened with many scars and deprived of educational opportunity and physical security. Most of Angola’s Christians are under age 25; ministry focused on them must occur for the sake of the Church’s future. Pray for:
- Primary and secondary schools to be rebuilt, well staffed and full. This generation is the first in a long time to know peace; pray that solid education might bring hope for the future.
- Ministry to students. Pray for the impact of Scripture Union, CEF, IFES and other such groups in schools once hostile to Christianity.
- Churches to increase their vision for evangelizing and disciplining children and young people. OM, YWAM, AIM and the Brethren are just a few of many working in this capacity.