54 Days of Prayer for the Healing of AfricaSample

### CABO VERDE [IMAGE CONTENT] COLONISED BY PORTUGAL (1462–1975) SLAVERY - Initially envisaged as a base to give mariners direct access to West African trade, the Central Atlantic islands soon became a major hub of the Atlantic slave trade. Slaves were used on the sugar plantations of the islands and sold to ships sailing to the Americas. The archipelago was used as a stop-over for enslaved people being transported across the Atlantic, and for supply ships going to the Portuguese colonies. The slaves led very different lives to those of North or South America: On Cape Verde, families developed from the “free” people and slaves who lived together peacefully. HISTORY - The islands were also a setting for exile for political prisoners of Portugal and a place of refuge for Jews and other victims of religious persecution during the Spanish-Portuguese Inquisition. Cape Verde can now look back at a significant achievement: the birth of a completely new Creole culture and language, evolving from the blending of very diverse ethnic groups (African and European). In 2013 Cape Verde changed its official name in the UN General Assembly to Cabo Verde. HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Christianity came through the Roman Catholics and can be traced to as early as 1533 during the Portuguese occupation in Cabo Verde. Missionaries promoted practices such as the baptism of slaves upon their arrival in the islands. The church has long played an important educational and social role in Cabo Verdean society. Priests established schools and sponsored students to study abroad. The church also kept documentation of biographical data such as birth, death, and marriage. CHURCH TODAY: Christianity is the largest religion in Cabo Verde, with Roman Catholics having the majority. About 5% of the population is Protestant. ### PRAYER POINTS * Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration regarding the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism. * Pray for Cabo Verdeans to become mature disciples of Jesus who renounce syncretism. * Pray for more Creole-language Christian literature to be made available to believers. * Pray for opportunities to reach out to other islands in the region. * Pray that the church of Cabo Verde will fulfil Jesus’ prayer from John 17: to be one with one another and with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. * Ask God to bless Cabo Verde and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you. ### PERSONALREFLECTION WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 145:8 PRAYER Welcoming God, we come into Your house like children who have been away from home far too long. As we knew You would, You wrap us up in arms of welcome and acceptance. On the table sit our favourite dishes; our bed is made with fresh linens. How wonderful it is to be home—with You! Amen