WHERE WE SERVE

BENIN is a French-speaking country located in West Africa between Togo and Nigeria. Though almost 40% of the population is Christian, Benin is extremely influenced by animistic and traditional African religions. They are steeped in syncretism: combining Catholicism with traditional African beliefs and Voodoo. Currently, there is a shortage of trained pastors and leaders to serve the growing Christian population. 

CAMEROON is an English and French speaking country located on the eastern border of Nigeria. The population is 54% Christian, but tensions exist between the mostly Christian south and the Islamic north. Political corruption also causes instability. However, there is great progress with evangelism and cross-cultural missions, especially among the youth. 

ETHIOPIA is a primarily English-speaking country located in East Africa. More than 60% of the population is Christian, with 30% being Muslim. Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. Christianity has been present since the 4th century, and there are many denominations living and working side-by-side today. Christian persecution under a Marxist regime during 1974-1991 has fostered unity among the Christians that continues to this day. 

Christianity is the dominant religion in Haiti, with a vast majority of the population identifying as Catholic or Protestant/Evangelical. While Catholicism has a long historical presence, Evangelical Christianity has grown rapidly. Haitian Christianity often exists alongside Vodou, with many navigating a blend of cultural traditions and religious beliefs. Despite facing extreme poverty, political turmoil, and violence, the church remains a resilient and crucial source of hope and community, with many congregations operating in small groups amid social instability.

KENYA is an English-speaking country in East Africa. Kenyans are 83% Christian, but it is estimated that 31% of the 115 people groups are unreached. There are 80,000 congregations trying to reach these people groups, but translations of Scripture are needed. There are 74 languages in Kenya. Most languages have portions of the Scripture translated, but only 16 languages have the entire Bible. You can pray for the groups that are working diligently to increase the availability of The Word.

MALI is a French-speaking country located in West Africa. The population is 90% Muslim and only 2% Christian believers. An interesting fact is that the famous town of Timbuktu is located in Mali, but its proper French spelling is Tombouctou. Many foreign agencies are working to evangelize the people, but progress is slow. The education system is based on Islamic beliefs, and there is a lack of church facilities. Despite the rampant poverty and other challenges, the Christians in Mali are working hard to spread the faith.

NIGERIA  is an English-speaking country and boasts the largest population in West Africa. The population is 51% Christian. There is a major division between Muslims in the north and Christians in the south. Unfortunately, Christian persecution is common. There has been a blossoming of missions since the 1970s, and there are now 5,000 Nigerian missionaries serving at home and abroad. 

SIERRA LEONE is an English-speaking country located in West Africa between Liberia and Guinea. In 1785, the first Protestant Church was started in Freetown, among freed slaves, yet after over 200 years of effort, only 13% of the population claims to be Christian. Today, 63% of people call themselves Muslims. After a horrific civil war, the people have been left with many physical and emotional scars from the war, so the churches are working to bind up these wounds. There is a need to edify the church leaders of this country to win the country to Jesus Christ. 

THAILAND was traditionally a stable country in a troubled region. From time to time, power struggles emerge between political parties. Occasionally these bring the nation to a halt, until the military steps in. Traditionally, the royal family enjoyed highly revered status – a status quickly eroding under the current monarch.

UGANDA is located in the central part of Africa, and the official languages are English and Swahili. The population is 85% Christian. Ministries aimed at the youth are fundamental to rebuilding the country in the wake of the AIDS crisis and the devastation caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA is a heterodox “Christian” cult operating in 4 African countries. For over 20 years, the LRA has used child abduction to make child soldiers and to exploit people in Uganda. Numbing poverty deprives many children—including up to 2 million orphans—of care, education, and hope.

BURKINA FASO is officially a French-speaking country, although 70 languages are spoken throughout the landlocked country of western Africa. The population is more than 50% Muslim, with the remaining people split between Christianity and traditional African practices of witchcraft, fortune tellers, and animal sacrifice. Unfortunately, the African worship has pervaded both Christianity and Islam in the nation.

COTE D'IVOIRE is a French-speaking country located on the western border of Ghana. The population is 42% Muslim (primarily in the north), 34% Christian (primarily in the south), and the remaining people are traditional African worshippers. This means that 32% of people remain unreached. The country has suffered civil unrest in recent decades and an influx of immigrants. The political upheaval and religious differences have caused economic unsteadiness.

GHANA is an English-speaking country located on the southern coastline of West Africa. The population is 63% Christian, while 18% are still unreached. While more than half of Ghanaians consider themselves Christian, many have underdeveloped faith that is being influenced by traditional African religions. Thankfully, native Christians have made a great effort to evangelize the unreached. Youth are open to the Gospel and represent 40% of the population; this gives hope to the churches. 

INDIA has more unreached individuals than any other nation. The south and northeast have a higher proportion of Christians than the more populated north and west. Pray that the Church worldwide might rise to this task! 

KAZAKHSTAN has abundant natural resources, but too much of this wealth remains in the possession of the powerful elite. Kazakhstan’s first president ruled as an autocrat for nearly 30 years, before anti-government protests prompted his resignation. After significant turmoil and a new president, the country has the opportunity to establish a new course. The new leader may continue to take Kazakhstan beyond its autocratic past, or fall back into those familiar patterns.

NIGER is a French-speaking country located in West Africa. The population is 97% Muslim and 0.33% Christian. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, and the people struggle with exploitation and modern-day slavery, as well as illiteracy. Many Christian agencies are making an impact through agricultural development, medical ministries, promoting literacy, and radio and audio-media ministries. The Jesus film has now been translated into 11 of the 21 languages spoken in Niger. 

SENEGAL is a French-speaking country located on the westernmost point of the continent. The population is 91% Muslim, while only 6% are Christian believers. The Senegalese struggle with treatable health problems (STDs, parasites, etc.) and a lack of education and literacy. The good news is that there are seven translations of the New Testament in native languages. There are currently only seven ordained United Methodist pastors in a country that is home to almost 13 million people.

SOUTH SUDAN is an English and Arabic speaking country in East-Central Africa. The population is overwhelmingly Christian, with 82% professing the faith. South Sudan is the newest African country: officially sovereign in 2011. The country is rich in agriculture and oil, but it is an extremely underdeveloped nation. Tribalism, idols, and Islam are present within the population. Marriage and family are prioritized among the South Sudanese

TOGO is a French-speaking country just to the east of Ghana. The population is 45% Christian, but traditional African beliefs (such as ancestor worship) have crept into churches. Some of the challenges affecting the Togolese are disease, exploitation, and illiteracy. There is progress with the Bible translations into indigenous languages; the availability of Christian literature and audio resources; and the increased use of Christian radio and television to spread the Gospel.

UNITED STATES - Christianity is the largest religion in the United States, with approximately 62-69% of adults identifying as Christian, primarily Protestant and Catholic. While historically dominant in shaping American culture, the Christian share of the population has declined significantly since 2007, stabilizing recently around 2019-2024. Despite this, the U.S. has the world's largest Christian population, with faith continuing to play a substantial role in politics and social life.