Rwanda

LOCATION:
Central Africa, east of Democratic Republic of the Congo

POPULATION:
12 159 586 (2017 est.)

RELIGION:
Roman Catholic 49.5%

Protestant 39.4% (includes Adventist 12.2% and other Protestant 27.2%)

Other Christian 4.5%

Muslim 1.8%

Animist 0.1%

Other 0.6%

None 3.6%

Unspecified 0.5% (2002 est.)

INTERNET USERS:
3 724 678 (2017)

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE:
NA%

LEAST REACHED PEOPLE GROUPS:
3

KEY CITY:

Kigali

Population of the city:

745 261

Urbanization Rate:

6.43% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

Major religion in the city:

Christianity

Father we sometimes don’t understand how an 80% Christian nation can allow atrocities to take place like they did in the civil war in the 1990’s. Therefore we pray, Lord, that you will cement in the people’s hearts an authentic Christian foundation which they will start to live out.

Father we pray that You will raise up spiritual leaders in Rwanda and that You will help those who have fled the country during the violence, to return.

Since less than 10% of pastors have received formal training, Lord, we pray that leaders will be trained and established to be witnesses of Your love and redemptive plan. We pray for the mission agencies that are working with the people of Rwanda, that You will bless the work which they are doing.

Lord we also pray for forgiveness in the country between the Hutus and Tutsis. We pray for those who are still suffering trauma and sorrow, Lord, that You will meet them in their desperation and bring them the comfort they need. We pray for the process of healing and reconciliation to continue, especially in the young generation. And we ask you to establish unity in the Rwandan Church and effectiveness of her effort in the healing and reconciliation process.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

There are between 300 000 to 400 000 survivors of the genocide in Rwanda of which 50 000 are widows and 75 000 are orphaned. As of 2007, 40 000 survivors were still without shelters after they were displaced and their homes were destroyed.

Every year, from 7 - 13th April, the nation of Rwanda commemorates the genocide against the Tutsi's. This is a very difficult moment for everyone as they look back to the history. It is the only time most people allow themselves to look at their pain and one can feel it in the country. This is also a time where people are especially open to Christ's message of hope and healing."

There is a strong Islamisation movement taking place in Rwanda and pastors needs to be trained accordingly

Rwanda became infamous (or notorious) in 1994 when the Genocide broke out. The world was in shock during the ±100 days of war where, according to the UN, 800 000 - 1 000 000 Tutsi's and moderate Hutus were slaughtered. This means that, for three months, 6 people murdered every minute. According to Foundationrwanda.org, between 250 000 and 500 000 women were raped during the time of the genocide.

The reason for these atrocities was the result of years and years of suppression by the Tutsi minority on the Hutu majority.

Today Rwanda is more stable and is rebuilding its economy, with tea and coffee production being among the main sources of income.

More Resources:

Regional Prayer Initiative: Pray4sea
African Prayer Initiative: Pray Africa

INcontext ministries – http://incontextministries.org/
CIA World Factbook
Atlas of Global Christianity – Todd M.Johnson & Kenneth R. Ross (Published by – Edinburgh University Press) (Missionaries and national workers: Africa 2010, page 267)
Prayercast – http://prayercast.com/
Unreached people groups – http://www.joshuaproject.net
The voice of the Martyrs – http://www.persecution.com/
Jul-Dec, 2010 International Religious Freedom Report – http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2010_5/index.htm
Operation World – http://www.operationworld.org/african-countries

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