Malawi

Capital: Lilongwe

Major Languages: Chichewa, English

Area: 118,484 km2

Population: 19.8 million

HDI Rank: 174 of 189

Major Religion:

Protestant: 8.8 million (44%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 3.5 million (18%)

Islam: 3.7 million (19%)

Other: 3.7 million (19%)

General Information:

Malawi, means “flaming waters”. It is one of the smallest African countries, and has come to be called "The Warm Heart of Africa" due to the welcoming nature of its people. The first European to make explorations was David Livingstone, in the 1850s. A large slave trade took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain annexed what was then called the Nyasaland territory. In 1964, it became the independent nation of Malawi. It is among the world's least-developed countries, and has a rapidly growing population. Soccer and netball are popular sports.

Religious Background:

At the end of 1800, Christianity was first introduced to the Malawians by David Livingston, who influenced them to a great extent. Many people of Malawi practice Christianity along with the conventional rituals of Africa. Nominalism and the influence of African traditional religion are commonplace. This includes seeking advice from the conventional healers and taking part in various traditional religious activities. Polygamy is extensively practiced by the Malawian men. Malawi has a significant Islam minority. About 4% claim to be atheist or irreligious.

Catholic background:

Jesuit missionaries from Mozambique entered the area in the late 16th century. The White Fathers began evangelizing Malawi in 1889, but tribal wars, disputes between the British and the Portuguese, and disease compelled them to leave a year later. The Vicariate Apostolic of Nyasa was established in 1897. By the late 20th century, the Church had grown in Malawi. It emerged as a leader, pushing for a democratic society during the first decades of independence. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 6 dioceses and 147 parishes. Patron saint: None.

Prayer Points

1. Malawians 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 3.5 million Catholics in Malawi.
Nominalism and syncretism are widespread among Malawian Catholics. Pray that they would decisively surrender their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Pray that the Spirit of God will give boldness in generating and taking opportunities to share the gospel with Catholics.
Pray for God to remove the evil influences from their lives that are blocking them from believing in the redemptive work of Christ and accepting Him as the only Mediator.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 147 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 408 priests, 265 brothers and 963 sisters.
Ask God to send Catholics a witness to clearly proclaim the gospel so that they can know and trust Jesus, and worship God in spirit and truth.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

The Evangelical churches are growing, both numerically and spiritually. More than 3/4th of the population claim the Christian faith, and that percentage is increasing every day. Pray for an ever-increasing growth of believers in Malawi. Pray that Evangelicals would have many opportunities to share their faith with everyone in the nation.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

About 1/7th of the population is infected with HIV/AIDS. The people struggle with poverty and unemployment. Pray for the light of Christ to liberate those practicing the deeds of darkness, and by His mercy to alleviate the suffering of the people.

5. Other Religions

Malawi has Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Rastafarians, Hindus, Baháʼís, and Jews practicing their religions. Pray that they would respond to the gospel, come to a saving faith in Lord Jesus Christ, and obey God and His word.