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Christians suffer persecution in regions throughout Africa. They struggle under sharia (Islamic law) in many areas. In other areas believers try to survive in conditions of lawlessness where their faith in Christ may cause them to be singled out.
Open Doors has long been active in leadership development in Africa. Timothy Training courses provide intensive biblical training and produce leaders able to guide their congregations in the midst of government oppression, Islamic domination and warfare. Standing Strong Through the Storm seminars bring biblical teaching about persecution to those who face it daily.
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Key Facts About Africa
Population: 922 million
Area: 30.2 million km²
Density: 30.51 people/km²
Languages: over 1000 indigenous plus several European and Asian languages.
Main Religions: Islam, Christianity, and Indigenous religions.
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Educational facilities and programs, from elementary school children in Nigeria to theological students at the Emmanuel Christian Training Center, are a focus for Open Doors to help strengthen and encourage Christians throughout the region.
Advocacy will continue on behalf of Christians imprisoned for their faith, such as the more than 2,000 believers being held against their will in Eritrea.
Nigeria in Context
Christians in Northern Nigeria continue to live under increasing persecution. Sharia (Islamic) law has been implemented in 12 of the 19 northern states. "This is a calculated attempt to persecute us and stop Christian activities in this state," said a Christian residing in Kano state. Concerns have surfaced that the President, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, who brought in sharia (Islamic) law when he was governor of Katsina state, will allow religious liberty to continue to erode throughout the country.
Nigeria: Muslims in Nigeria Kidnap, Convert Christian Children
What Believers Have Said
"The seminar has indeed brought a great unity among the pastors and has empowered us very well to reach out with the gospel to Muslims. Before, the churches used to stay apart, but the seminar has solidified the unity of Christians." (a pastor in northern Nigeria)
"We get an increasing number of requests to accept new believers into our safe house, space has been a limiting factor to our work. With the building we have received; we can now admit and disciple more Muslim background believers." (an Open Doors co-worker)
Country Profiles:
Somalia - Number 5 on the World Watch List 2009.
Eritrea - Number 9 on the World Watch List 2009.
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