Get a FREE copy of VOM’s Global Prayer Guide with any gift
Give Now
MaliHostile
Christian Persecution in Mali
Overview:
Mali is a poor country with a growing population that remains predominantly Muslim. Although missionaries arrived in the early 1920s and have worked in most areas of the country, there are few Christians. Small congregations of believers continue to worship in towns known to be centers of Islamist activity. Several missionaries have been kidnapped in Mali or have been kidnapped and brought to Mali from neighboring countries in recent years. Threats by Islamist groups have led some mission agencies to withdraw workers from the country. Recent military coups have led to sanctions by the international community, further degrading Mali’s economy.
Major Religion:
88 percent of Malians are Sunni Muslims, with most also practicing animism. 3 percent are Christians.
Persecutor:
Islamic extremist groups persecute Christians in Mali.
What It Means To Follow Christ In Mali
In 2012, believers fled to the south as extremist groups in the north destroyed church buildings and pastors’ homes in their efforts to create an Islamic state. Christian converts from Islam face harassment from family members and their communities. Open and active churches exist in the north, though outreach and evangelism in the community can be dangerous. Several pastors were forced to leave after receiving death threats for actively sharing their faith.
Access To Bibles
Bibles are scarce and difficult to obtain outside the capital, especially in minority languages. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides Bibles, pastor training and assistance for persecuted Christians. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Praise the Lord that many Bibles have been distributed in local languages, bringing joy to Christians in Mali.
- Pray that more Christians will have access to Bibles in their local language.
- Pray for the strength and boldness of our Christian brothers and sisters who are persecuted by Islamists.
- Pray for pastors who were forced to leave after receiving death threats for sharing their faith.
- Pray that Christians in Mali will boldly proclaim the gospel in their communities.