Zimbabwe

Capital: Harare

Major Languages: Shona, Ndebele, English

Area: 390,757 km2

Population: 15 million

HDI Rank: 150 of 189

Major Religion:

Protestant: 11 million (73%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 1.2 million (8%)

Other: 3 million (19%)

General Information:

Zimbabwe was formerly known as (Southern) Rhodesia. During the 1800s, whites from South Africa and other Europeans settled on the land. In 1923 Southern Rhodesia became a British colony. Zimbabwe gained independence under a black government in 1980. One of the black leaders, Robert Mugabe, became Zimbabwe’s first prime minister. Once the bread basket of the region, Zimbabwe has struggled to feed its own people since 2000, and the country remains cash-strapped and impoverished. Soccer is the most popular sport, followed by cricket.

Religious Background:

Zimbabwe is largely Protestant, with Pentecostals having the largest following. The first churches and missions were established in the 1890s. Catholicism was introduced by the Portuguese missionaries in 1560. Many people also follow traditional African beliefs. The majority of people believe in a syncretistic Christianity, one mixed with indigenous beliefs. Islam arrived in Zimbabwe at some point between 900 and 1000 A.D. There is a growing number of atheists and agnostics in the country, and most of them happen to be young people.

Catholic background:

The Catholic Church first attempted to evangelize in Zimbabwe through the Jesuit order in 1560. This was followed by the Dominicans in the 17th century. During most of the 17th century, Dominican preachers worked among Portuguese traders, but they were driven out of the country in 1693. Catholic religious orders have been continuously present in Zimbabwe since 1879. The modern Church in Zimbabwe has its beginnings in the Zambezi Mission run by the Jesuits. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 6 dioceses and 208 parishes. Patron saint: None.

Prayer Points

1. Zimbabweans 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 1.2 million Catholics in Zimbabwe.
Many are syncretistic in their lifestyle, taking part in rituals linked with African spiritual beliefs. Pray that they would have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Pray that God’s power will be released as the believers intercede for the nation.
Pray that every deception will be exposed by the Truth and that Catholics will come to the true knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 208 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 403 priests, 528 brothers and 1,049 sisters.
Pray for the authenticity of Christ to be revealed, and that many would come to know and trust Him.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

There has been a widespread preaching of the gospel and the Evangelicals, especially the Pentecostals have been growing rapidly. Pray for spiritual growth in the church and for strong, Spirit-filled leaders to rise up to lead the Body of Christ. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers across the country to witness for Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Zimbabwe is ravaged with HIV/AIDS. It has the highest public debt and consumer price inflation in the world, in addition to an unemployment rate of over 90%. Pray for God to restore the land, and bring relief to the people suffering for decades.

5. Other Religions

Zimbabwe has small communities of Muslims, Hindus, Baha’i’s, Mormons, and Jehovah Witnesses. Pray that there will be an openness to the gospel and that many would trust Christ as Lord, break away from old practices, and follow Him.