Hostile
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has been listed as one of the poorest countries on earth, its economic development hindered by a brutal civil war that raged in the country from 1991 into the early 2000s. Much of the country, particularly the north, lacks electricity and modern necessities and has an extremely high illiteracy rate believed to be around 40 percent. Persecution is associated with tribal violence and the rise of radical Islam. Despite identifying publicly with a particular religion, an estimated 90 percent of Sierra Leoneans are aligned with secret societies that dominate all aspects of life in the country. These societies practice demonic rituals that include bodily mutilation of society members and the killing of humans.
Major Religion
61 percent of Sierra Leoneans are Muslim and 13 percent are Christian. 24 percent follow tribal religions.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted by Muslims, tribal groups and secret society members.
What It Means To Follow Christ in Sierra Leone
In southern Sierra Leone, Christians can meet and worship freely. But in the north and in remote rural areas, Christians regularly face persecution. Secret societies violently persecute Christians who convert from traditional religions and Islam. When Christians leave secret societies, the entire community often opposes them, threatens them and forces them to flee. Some have been brutally attacked and even killed for their faith. In some places, secret societies wield great influence over local government officials who may make life difficult for Christians.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available in the capital but too expensive for most Sierra Leoneans. They are not available at all in most rural villages, especially in the north. Because of the very high illiteracy rate, audio Bibles are an important and effective way to spread God’s Word in Sierra Leone. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM works to support Christians who have left Islam or traditional religions and have no means of supporting themselves. VOM also equips front-line workers and local missionaries serving in remote areas. VOM helps distribute Bibles, including audio Bibles, throughout Sierra Leone, especially in areas where they are in short supply. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Sierra Leone
- Pray for 45 Christian women who are learning sewing skills after fleeing their families' demonic rituals.
- Ask the Lord to soften the hearts of secret occult society members so they will be saved from darkness.
- Pray that Christians will stand firm in the face of threats from secret occult societies.
- Pray that many, like Pastor Osman was, will be saved from the darkness of witchcraft by hearing and obeying God's Word.
- Pray for the safety of Christian children targeted for sacrifice and harm by occultists.
