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Niger is
the largest country in West Africa. It is predominantly Muslim
and is 80% desert. According to the United Nations Development Index,
it is the second poorest country in the world. The history of the
country stretches back at least 4,000 years, when it was inhabited
by a highly civilized people. In the last 1,000 years, three empires
have controlled Niger: the Borno, the Hausa, and the Songhai. Islam
took root among the country's leaders a thousand years ago, but
became the religion of the rural people only in the 19th century.
Niger's constitution provides for democratic elections and religious
freedom, but pressures exist to make it more Islamic. SIM entered
Niger in 1924, and the churches planted by SIM missionaries formed
L'Eglise Evangélique de la République du Niger (EERN).
A tragic division among the churches appears to be in the process
of healing. There's a combined total of 100 congregations and more
than 6,000 adherents. Though predominantly
Muslim, surprising openness to the gospel exists among some sectors
of the population. Thanks to famine relief efforts, many Fulani
have opened to the gospel. There is also encouragement in the outreach
to the Tamajaq. SIM is primarily
engaged in church planting, supplemented by various development
efforts and strengthened by programs of theological education and
media publication. SIM missionaries are engaged in Bible translation
in Tamajaq (Tuareg), Manga and Fulfulde (Fulani), as well as in
Songhai literacy. Young people and women provide great opportunities
for mission work. SIM is involved
in community health and other rural development programs such as
water, AIDS education, and famine relief. SIM's hospital at Galmi,
leprosy centre in Danja, and various clinics have opened many doors
for witness. Films, books, and cassette tapes are widely used in
ministry by missionaries, and there are efforts to make them available
to the churches as well. Sahel Academy provides education for MKs
from many missions including SIM. SIMAIR provides air service for
missionary travel, supplies, and medical emergencies. Please pray
for:
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