Mali

The powerful Kingdom of Mali reigned for centuries in ancient Africa and controlled much of the western desert and its valuable trade routes. Timbuktu was a trade city since the Middle Ages and much wealth passed in caravans over its desert trails. In fact, Mali is still one of Africa’s major producers of gold. When colonial powers arrived, Mali was annexed to French Sudan. In 1959, it was granted independence as a federation with Senegal and it became a separate country a year later. Its independence was not peaceful, however. The people were dissatisfied with the country’s leaders who did little to help the nation’s situation. Discontent was joined by a deadly drought and famine as well as violence against peaceful protesters before new leaders took control. Coups, unrest, and despotic leaders have continued to follow each other throughout the years, leaving many people wondering where peace is to be found. Much of populace is seeking answers and healing for their broken lives.

Having been a French colony, French is the official language; however, there are also thirteen others that are commonly spoken in different regions throughout Mali. Although the country is nearly twice the size of Texas, most of its inhabitants can be found in the southern region and particularly clustered along its southern border. With Malian people looking for meaning in life and hope for the future, religion gives them little comfort. Islam has been strongly rooted in the country for centuries and is professed by over ninety-percent of the population. Over half of the twenty million people in Mali are considered part of people groups entirely unreached.

Nevertheless, as people seek for answers which government and religion never gave them, more and more hearts are searching for Truth. Since Mali has a very young population with over sixty percent under the age of twenty-five, it is an ideal field for those who feel called to work with the next generation. With less than 40% of the country literate, educational outreaches also provide an opportunity to reach into communities. A secular government allows missionaries to come into their country openly, and provides some legal protection for those to turn to Christ.

Missionaries in Mali: