BURKINA FASO

COLONISED BY FRANCE (1896-1960) In the 1890s, during the European Scramble for Africa, the territory of “French Upper Volta” was invaded by France, and colonial control was established following a war of conquest between 1896 and 1904. In 1960, Republic of Upper Volta gained full independence from France. It was renamed Burkina Faso in 1984. Burkina Faso means “land of honest men”.

HOW DID CHRISTIANITY GET THERE? Christianity came through the Roman Catholic Church to the Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) with the arrival of the French Colonialists in 1896. Burkina has never suffered civil war or religious conflict. Muslims, Christians and animists are neighbours, live together and inter-marry.

CHURCH TODAY: Some people say that the population is “50% Muslim, 20% Christian, and 100% animist”! Idols, charms and secret societies have more control in Burkina Faso than in most West African countries. The occult shows its power even in some churches. The Protestant denominations belong to the Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions. Christianity increased steadily across recent decades and continues to increase! The Church now faces a leadership crisis, as many new believers need discipleship.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray for deep healing, repentance, restitution and restoration regarding the wounds caused by slavery and colonialism.
• Pray for the new government of Burkina Faso—that they will reflect in word and action the meaning of their country’s name (to be a ‘land of honest men’). Pray that all decisions, laws and decrees of the new government will uphold religious freedom.
• Pray for Christians to demonstrate the power and authority of the name of Jesus and to live out holy, blameless lives in His name.
• Pray for the occultic power to be broken.
• Pray for the church to continue to grow both in influence and as a missions-sending body.
• Pray for the unreached. Despite church growth, increased evangelism and mission and continued responsiveness, 27 unreached people groups remain without an effective witness.
• Pray that the church of Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso and pray as the Holy Spirit leads you.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

WEEKLY WORLDWIDE MORAVIAN WATCHWORD

Jesus said, “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39

PRAYER

Everlasting God, as we wait patiently for what lies beyond the trials and struggles of this life, may we do so as the body of Christ, trusting in You and loving one another fully. Amen.