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GlobalPrayerGuide

Mauritania
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Overview:

Mauritania is dominated by Islamist leadership and struggles with poverty and corruption. Located on Africa’s western coast, Mauritania has strong connections and cultural similarities to its North African neighbors. Slavery still exists within tribal groups, with Christians commonly subservient to the majority-Moor people groups. In 2009, an American missionary was killed in Mauritania, and many mission agencies subsequently withdrew their workers from the country. Other indigenous and near-culture leaders have also been killed. Some Christian workers, however, are starting to return. Mauritania has been staunchly Islamic for more than 1,000 years, and the security risks for both national Christians and foreign missionaries remain obstacles to reaching Muslims with the gospel.

Major Religion:

Nearly all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims.

Persecutor:

Families, tribes, communities and the government persecute those who leave Islam in Mauritania.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Mauritania

Only a few hundred local believers are known to live in the country. All indigenous Christians converted from Islam, though conversion is illegal. Jobs are difficult to obtain in the poor economy, especially for Christians. Believers have been arrested.

Access To Bibles:

It is extremely difficult for Christians to get Bibles, which must be hand-carried into the country at great risk. No Bibles are printed in the country, and the importation of Bibles is restricted. Give Bibles

VOM Work:

VOM supplies audio Bibles, supports underground churches and provides training and encouragement to believers. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Praise God that Christian workers are returning to Mauritania after a long pause in missionary efforts.
  • Pray that indigenous Christians will experience God's peace; leaving Islam is illegal in Mauritania.
  • Pray for those who hand-carry Bibles into the country at great risk.
  • Pray that Christians who suffered under slavery and servitude will rejoice in their freedom in Christ.
  • Ask the Lord to remove obstacles that prevent Christians from reaching Muslims with the gospel.