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EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Equatorial Guinea.png
Equatorial.png
Equtorial Guinea.png

Capital: Malabo

Major Languages: Spanish, French

Area: 28,050 km2

Population: 1.5 million

HDI Rank: 145 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 1.3 million (87%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 75,000 (5%)

Other: 120,000  (8%)

General Information:

The first inhabitants of Equatorial Guinea are believed to have been Pygmies. Discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in 1472, it later became a colony of Spain in 1778. The country achieved its independence in 1968. The Fang people form the majority of the population. Equatorial Guinea is Africa’s only Spanish-speaking country, and the residents have the highest literacy rate in Africa. It has one of the worst human rights records in the world. The country is home to the world’s largest frog, called the Goliath frog. Soccer is the most popular sport.

 

Religious Background:

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion. The vast majority are Catholic, the highest percentage of any African nation. The government gives preference to the Catholic Church and the Reformed Church. Protestant denominations were established in the 19th century during the British occupation. In 1853, Spain declared Catholicism as Equatorial Guinea's official religion, which resulted in the close down of Protestant missionaries and the churches. There is a small but significant population of Sunni Muslims.

 

Catholic background:

The Portuguese introduced Catholicism in the region in the 15th century. Both, Portuguese and Spanish colonial rule supported the spread of Catholicism. The Catholic Church grew with the help of the Spanish missionaries, and the Jesuits. The first ten years after independence brought the repression of the Catholic Church and death to many Catholics.  Some Catholics still believe and practice the African traditional religions. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 5 dioceses and 69 parishes. Patron saint: Immaculate Conception.

Prayer Points

 

1. Equatoguineans to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

 

2. Catholics to know Christ

  • Pray for the salvation of 1.3 million Catholics in Equatorial Guinea.

  • Most Catholics are nominal, and retain traditional forms of worship, including animism. Pray for all who are blinded by Satan’s deception, to be set free.

  • Pray for a mighty move of conviction and salvation upon the Catholics in the nation.

  • Pray for the Lord to grant wisdom and favor to them to know the truth and for the truth to set them free from every doctrinal error.

  • Pray for all the Catholics attending the 69 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.

  • Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 108 priests, 86 brothers and 208 sisters.

  • Many Catholics have forsaken the Catholic faith altogether. Pray that they will find Christ through a personal relationship with Him.

 

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The Evangelical church is growing, and missionaries have increased in number, including those from West and Central Africa. Pray for indigenous leadership to be developed, and for urgency and fervency in proclamation of the gospel. Pray for unity in the Body of Christ and for a concerted and greater effort to reach the lost for Christ.

 

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Human trafficking is a significant problem, with forced labor and sex trafficking being widespread. Corruption and poverty continue to plague the country. Pray that many will find and live in a new-found freedom in Christ.

 

5. Other Religions

Islam, African indigenous religions and the Bahá'í Faith are practiced in Equatorial Guinea. About 5% are non-religious. Pray that they might get an opportunity to hear and respond to the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and experience abundant life.

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