Pray For…Zimbabwe

Stats
•Population – 12,549,000
•Percentage of Evangelicals – 30.9 %
•Total Number of People Groups – 44
•Number of Unreached People Groups – 3
•Language Spoken – English
•Major Religion – Christianity
•Human Development Rank – 169

The UK annexed Southern Rhodesia from the [British] South Africa Company in 1923. UN sanctions and a guerrilla uprising in 1979 finally led to free elections and Zimbabwe’s official independence in 1980. Robert Mugabe was elected as the nation’s first prime minister and has been the country’s only ruler (as president since 1987). He has dominated the country’s political system since independence. But his domination has led to Zimbabwe’s downfall. His chaotic land redistribution campaign, which began in 2000, caused an exodus of white farmers, crippled the economy, and ushered in widespread shortages of basic commodities. Ignoring international condemnation, Mugabe rigged the 2002 presidential election to ensure his reelection. President Mugabe in June 2007 instituted price controls on all basic commodities causing panic buying and leaving store shelves empty for months. Because of corruption, the people of Zimbabwe suffer. The unemployment rate is over 90% and the majority of the population live in dire poverty. The average income of a person is $268. Most of those in poverty are in the rural areas, relying on small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods. They suffer because of poor land, inadequate rainfall, and insufficient income to purchase good seeds, fertilizer, or farm machinery. With the economic deterioration, increasing numbers of urban dwellers are finding themselves in poverty.

•Hyperinflation and economic meltdown have driven millions into gripping poverty from which there seems no escape. Pray for wise leaders and workers to begin to remedy the economic downfall. Pray for God to provide for those in need.
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•The AIDS calamity in Zimbabwe is one of the world’s worst cases. Pray for effective government, NGO and church action to stop the spread of the infection. Pray for Christians to address the issue and face up to the moral, spiritual and economic implications of the pandemic.
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•Zimbabwe needs a government that will serve the nation and not just those who govern. Pray for God to establish Christian leaders in leadership positions. Pray for the government to see the needs of the people and work to solve the overwhelming social issues that face Zimbabwe today.
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•The Church has grown but has its challenges. Pray for godly men and women to be discipled into leadership roles in the church.
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•Pray for the Gospel to be spread to minority groups that are unreached. Pray for workers to go to these people groups and make disciples. Pray for the growth of the church.