Angola

Challenges for Prayer

The Church, despite great growth, has not emerged unscathed from decades of conflict. Much prayer is needed, specifically for:

a) Forgiveness and love in action. The Church must be at the forefront of activities aimed to overcome the longstanding tribal loyalties and partisan politics. Such forgiveness must include many who perpetrated crimes against Christians and Christians who compromised under pressure.

b) The right relationship between Church and state. Religious freedom is a blessing, but Angola has a reputation for having dangerous syncretistic cults that mix elements of Christianity with animistic tribal religions. The government attempts to encourage the work of established and reputable denominations, while limiting the effects of the cults.

c) Christ-like, holy living by followers of the Lord Jesus that commends the gospel to unbelievers and passionately reaches out to their disillusioned, apathetic neighbours – non-practising Christians number in the millions.

d) Unity in the gospel. There is much new growth among Independent congregations and groups unaffiliated with any larger body, but too much work is done in isolation and without partnership. The Angola Evangelical Alliance links 11 denominations and two parachurch organizations for coordinated action. The Council of Christian Churches in Angola (WCC) also draws Christian groups together.

The challenge to biblical faith is great. Explosive growth is worthless if the Church is permeated with false beliefs and ignorance of the Bible. Witchcraft and animistic practices continue to infiltrate and pollute many churches and lives. Islam’s assertiveness, simple message and financial backing cause it to grow. Those who claim to follow Christ need to be taught what such a claim truly means.

     For an additional 6 Challenges for Prayer see Operation World book, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM.