Madagascar

Capital: Antananarivo

Major Languages: Malagasy, French

Area: 587,041 km2

Population: 28.5 million

HDI Rank: 164 of 189

Major Religion:

Indigenous: 12 million (42%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 5.7 million (20%)

Protestant: 7.7 million (27%)

Other: 3.2 million (11%)

General Information:

Madagascar was one of the last major habitable landmasses on earth settled by humans. The first settlers on the island are believed to have arrived from Indonesia. Madagascar was a pirate stronghold during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and served as a slave trading center into the 19th century. The island was conquered by the French in 1896 who made it their colony. The nation got its independence in 1960. The Malagasy are more closely related to Indonesians than to Africans. Soccer and Rugby both enjoy a large following in Madagascar.

Religious Background:

Approximately half of the country's population practice traditional religion, which tends to emphasize links between the living and the razana (ancestors). In 1818 the London Missionary Society sent the first Christian missionaries to the island, where they built churches, translated the Bible into the Malagasy language and began to gain converts. Islam is also practiced on the island. Islam was first brought to the island in the Middle Ages by Arab and Somali Muslim traders. Many people hold a combination of indigenous and Christian or Muslim beliefs.

Catholic background:

Madagascar was discovered by Portuguese in 1500, and from 1500 until mid-18th century Catholic missionaries, especially the Vincentians, made futile attempts at evangelization. The Jesuits arrived in 1845, and they were entrusted with the Prefecture Apostolic of Madagascar, which became a vicariate apostolic in 1885, after the region had been proclaimed a French colony. By the 1900’s, the Catholic Church had grown rapidly, to nearly 100,000 Catholics. The Church is composed of 5 archdioceses, 17 dioceses and 314 parishes. Patron saint: Vincent de Paul.

Prayer Points

1. Malagasies 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 5.7 million Catholics in Madagascar.
Compromise with the old beliefs, veneration of ancestral spirits, and witchcraft is widespread among Catholics. Ask God to convict them of their sinful lives.
Pray for the occult practices within Catholicism and that God’s power will help those engaged in it to break free from the devil’s power and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Pray that Catholics will not rely on their works and self-effort but instead put their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ and His righteousness.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 314 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 1,143 priests, 1,494 brothers and 3,930 sisters.
Pray for the Catholics who are still living without a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray for the Catholic youth to come to know the Lord and be kept from every evil and wickedness of this world.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical churches are growing, especially in Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations. Various ministries are reaching out to the people of Madagascar with the gospel. Pray for lasting fruit among the many Evangelical denominations. Pray for Evangelical unity and increased cooperation to have a greater impact.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

About 50% of the population lives below poverty line. Poor governance and corruption are other major problems. HIV/AIDS is widespread. Pray for honest government leaders, tackling of poverty and wisdom in handling various problems.

5. Other Religions

Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hindus and Baha'is are minority religious communities in Madagascar. Ask God to reveal the truth of the gospel to them and that many may come to know the living Christ, and grow in Him.