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Burkina Faso is made up of more than 72 distinct ethno-linguistic groups. The majority of Burkinabe families live in rural villages and depend on subsistence agriculture. The landscape is increasingly barren, due to population growth, over-cultivation, severe drought, and the encroaching Sahara Desert. The nation is
blessed with religious freedom and with recent strong church growth
in some areas. Some Muslim groups are beginning to respond to the
gospel. But the occult is extremely powerful, with idolatry, fetishism,
and secret societies dominating daily life, sometimes underlying
a surface Christian profession. Improvements
in the nation's educational systems have resulted in restlessness
and frustration among the young people who are now better educated
than their parents. It's difficult for the churches to provide appealing
programs for children and youth. Many Burkinabe youth leave home
for the city, or for neighbouring Côte d'Ivoire — where
it is reported that 70% of them convert to Islam within a few months. The SIM-related
church in Burkina Faso is devoted to evangelism, having the goal
of planting at least one church in every village in the five provinces
where the church exists. They send evangelistic groups door to door,
conduct open-air evangelism campaigns, and hold discussion groups.
The church has sent three missionary couples to ethnic groups within
Burkina Faso and one couple to Benin. Fulani evangelism/church
planting efforts are underway in seven locations in the country,
involving both Burkinabe and SIM missionaries. SIM and the church
provide short-term Bible schools in each region. There is also a
long-term Bible School in both French and Gourma. Because of the
dominance of agriculture and animal husbandry in the country, the
schools need to provide training for community development along
with Biblical and ministry training. A number of Burkinabe church
workers have been outside the country for advanced theological studies,
and more are planning to go. Translation
of the Old Testament in Gourma has recently been completed, and
the entire Bible is being prepared for printing. Bible translation
for the Fulani people is urgently needed. Radio is a growing means
of outreach, and the church is taking on an increasing role in this
area. Urban ministries are being developed to reach street children
and youth and AIDS-related ministries are being developed in conjunction
with the church. Please pray
for:
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