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GlobalPrayerGuide

Mauritania
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Overview:

Mauritania is dominated by Islamist leadership and struggles with poverty and corruption. Located on Africa’s western coast, Mauritania has strong connections and cultural similarities to its North African neighbors. Slavery still exists within tribal groups, with Christians commonly subservient to the majority-Moor people groups. In 2009, an American missionary was killed in Mauritania, and many mission agencies subsequently withdrew their workers from the country. Other indigenous and near-culture leaders have also been killed. Some Christian workers, however, are starting to return. Mauritania has been staunchly Islamic for more than 1,000 years, and the security risks for both national Christians and foreign missionaries remain obstacles to reaching Muslims with the gospel.

Major Religion:

Nearly all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims.

Persecutor:

Families, tribes, communities and the government persecute those who leave Islam in Mauritania.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Mauritania

Only a few hundred local believers are known to live in the country. All indigenous Christians converted from Islam, though conversion is illegal. Jobs are difficult to obtain in the poor economy, especially for Christians. Believers have been arrested.

Access To Bibles

It is extremely difficult for Christians to get Bibles, which must be hand-carried into the country at great risk. No Bibles are printed in the country, and the importation of Bibles is restricted. Give Bibles

VOM Work

VOM supplies audio Bibles, supports underground churches and provides training and encouragement to believers. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the encouragement and perseverance of Christians who have been harassed and arrested for sharing their faith.
  • Pray that missionaries from other parts of Africa will feel called to serve in Mauritania.
  • Pray that those who carry Bibles into the country will be able to distribute God's Word without detection.
  • Only a few hundred local believers live in Mauritania. Pray that they will grow in faith and boldness.
  • Ask the Lord to change the hearts of government officials so Christians will be allowed to meet and worship openly.