Africa (MNN) — Since 2020, Africa has seen six successful coups. And many African countries are struggling with unrest — places like Somalia, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigeria, to name a few.

Greg Kelley, CEO of World Mission says we need to see these headlines through a spiritual lens. “Part of the reason that Africa is being so destabilized is the threat it is to the enemy. Africa is the most populated continent of Christianity in the world.

These disciples of Christ are passionately sharing God’s Word in North Eastern Nigeria.
(Photo, caption courtesy of World Mission)

“The average Christian in the continent of Africa is only 19-years-old. So it is this force that is a huge threat to the enemy, and I believe as a result of that, we’re seeing all these conflicts.”

Between 2010 and 2050, sub-Saharan Africa is projected to have the largest percentage of Christian population growth – 115%.

“The growth of Christianity…is accelerating in Africa far greater, exponentially more so than any other continent in the world,” says Kelley. “For that reason, the devil is threatened. I think Christians need to come alongside that and be aware of what God is doing inside of Africa.”

The Bible reminds us in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)

Kelley says, “Followers of Jesus have to be vigilant in pursuing and seeking out information that is out there and learning about it so we can be praying.

Treasure audio Bible distribution in DRC. (Photo courtesy of World Mission)

“We have to pray for the development of leaders inside the Church. That is the single most important issue in Africa. If I’m a Christian, I need to be praying that the God of the harvest would send forth laborers into these areas — mature laborers — so that disciples can be raised up and groomed into maturity so they can make an impact into these areas.”

Click here to learn more about World Mission’s ministry in African countries.

 

Header photo courtesy of World Mission.