Restricted
Mauritania
Mauritania is dominated by Islamist leadership and struggles with poverty and corruption. Located on Africa’s western coast, Mauritania has strong connections and cultural similarities to its North African neighbors. Slavery still exists within tribal groups, with Christians commonly subservient to the majority-Moor people groups. In 2009, an American missionary was killed in Mauritania, and many mission agencies subsequently withdrew their workers from the country. Other indigenous and near-culture leaders have also been killed. Some Christian workers, however, are starting to return. Mauritania has been staunchly Islamic for more than 1,000 years, and the security risks for both national Christians and foreign missionaries remain obstacles to reaching Muslims with the gospel.
Major Religion
Nearly all Mauritanians are Sunni Muslims.
Persecutor
Families, tribes, communities and the government persecute those who leave Islam in Mauritania.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN MAURITANIA
Only a few hundred local believers are known to live in the country. All indigenous Christians converted from Islam, though conversion is illegal. Jobs are difficult to obtain in the poor economy, especially for Christians. Believers have been arrested.
Access to Bibles
It is extremely difficult for Christians to get Bibles, which must be hand-carried into the country at great risk. No Bibles are printed in the country, and the importation of Bibles is restricted. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supplies audio Bibles, supports underground churches and provides training and encouragement to believers. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Mauritania
- Pray for Christians living in fear after a Christian man's body was exhumed and dragged through the street.
- Pray that persecuted Christians will experience the peace and presence of Christ.
- Pray for new Christian converts who break the law by leaving Islam for Christ.
- Pray that persecuted Christians will shine the light of Christ to their Muslim neighbors.
- Ask God to open avenues for access to his Word in this restricted nation.
