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GlobalPrayerGuide

Tanzania
Hostile
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Overview:

Though the Tanzanian government generally seeks to protect Christians from persecution, they still face significant opposition in Muslim-majority areas along the coast and in western regions. Tanzania is also home to many unreached tribal groups who are resistant to the gospel. Like many countries in Africa, Tanzania is being targeted by Muslim groups outside the country that work to Islamize Tanzania by establishing Muslim businesses and schools, helping Muslims get elected to office and passing laws that favor Islam. Even so, local churches in Tanzania boldly work to spread the gospel.

Major Religion:

51 percent of Tanzanians are Christians; however, 99 percent of those living in the Zanzibar archipelago, along Tanzania’s coast, are Muslims.

Persecutor:

Christians are persecuted by community members and organized Islamist groups in Muslim-majority areas.

What It Means To Follow Christ In Tanzania

Christians can freely practice their faith, but they are oppressed and harassed in predominantly Muslim areas. Persecution ranges from family pressure to the burning of churches and homes. On the island of Zanzibar, the local government works to quietly close churches, prevent the establishment of new ones and force pastors to leave. Persecution is more overt on the island of Pemba, where Christians are violently attacked. In the predominantly Muslim areas, Christians, especially converts from Islam, are often ostracized by their communities and prevented from obtaining jobs.

Access To Bibles:

Bibles are readily available in most areas, but they can be difficult for believers to obtain in remote, predominantly Muslim areas. Give Bibles

VOM Work:

VOM provides Bibles and supports Christians who are attacked or rejected because of their faith. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for Generosa, who sometimes sees the men believed to be her husband's killers.
  • Pray that Tanzanian missionaries will share the gospel with unreached people groups on the Swahili Coast.
  • Pray for a strong Christian witness in the archipelago of Zanzibar, which is 99% Muslim.
  • Pray for Bible translation work in languages spoken by the last remaining unreached people groups.
  • Pray that Christians living in remote, predominantly Muslim areas will have access to God's Word.