Zambia

Capital: Lusaka

Major Language: English

Area: 752,618 km2

Population: 19 million

HDI Rank: 146 of 189

Major Religion:

Protestant: 14 million (75%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 4 million (20%)

Other: 95,000 (5%)

General Information:

Zambia was formerly called Northern Rhodesia. Following European explorers in the 18th century, it became a British colony from 1888. Zambia gained independence in 1964 and has been politically stable since then, unlike much of Africa's post-colonial history. The nation is a model for peace and ethnic harmony. It has one of the world's fastest growing populations. Paying “lobola” or bride price is widely practiced. Zambia, along with Zimbabwe, is home to Victoria Falls, which was discovered and named by David Livingstone. Soccer is the most popular sport.

Religious Background:

Zambia is predominantly a Christian country. It was declared as a Christian nation in 1991. The country allows freedom of all religions. The first Christian missions arrived before colonial rule. More than 75% of Zambians identify as Protestant, and the growth of Evangelical churches has been particularly noticeable since independence. Witchcraft and sorcery, based on animism, strongly affect the lives and worldview of many Christians. Animism and African Folk Religions are prevalent in the country, along with a growing number of atheists and agnostics.

Catholic background:

Catholics began organized mission activity late in the 19th century. Jesuits came in the 1880s, followed by White Fathers. The Italian Franciscans and the Irish Capuchins established their missions by 1931. Growth was rapid, particularly in the two decades after World War II, and the Catholic population doubled. In the early 1970s, Zambia's socialist government took over most of the church property, resulting in a major conflict between the Catholic Church and the state. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 9 dioceses and 265 parishes. Patron saint: None.

Prayer Points

1. Zambians 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 4 million Catholics in Zambia.
Catholicism is riddled with superstitions and occult practices. Pray that there will be a widespread revival and that many Catholics will come to know Christ personally.
Pray that the Spirit of God will create an opportunity for Catholics to hear the gospel in ways they can understand and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray that Catholics would discover true peace with God through Christ, and turn away from idolatry, witchcraft and all kinds of occult practices that continue to dominate their daily life. Pray that they will be set free.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 265 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 637 priests, 596 brothers and 1,596 sisters.
Pray that as the gospel is preached to Catholics, Christ will reveal Himself to them, demonstrating His saving and delivering power.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelicals have experienced substantial growth since 1960, from a mere 4% to 26%. However, there is a severe lack of trained leadership. Pray that the church will continue to grow, and leaders will be trained and equipped to minister to new followers of Christ. Pray that Evangelicals will share their faith with the lost in a spirit of love and humility.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Zambia’s 2/3rd population live in poverty, despite rapid economic growth. Children still die from preventable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and malnutrition. Pray for wisdom in tackling extreme poverty and the HIV/AIDS crisis.

5. Other Religions

Muslim population is growing rapidly. There are also Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jews, Mormons, Hindus and followers of the Lumpa Church (a religious sect) in the country. Ask God for a revelation of Jesus Christ to those earnestly seeking the true and living God.