Ethiopia has known Christianity since the 4th century and has seen terrific
growth among evangelicals over the last 70 years.  However, challenges
abound.  The war-torn economy has left many in severe poverty, and the
steady rise of Islam threatens the freedom Christians now enjoy.

Ethiopia is located in northeastern Africa.  With the independence of
Eritrea, Ethiopia has no direct connection with the Red Sea.  Besides
Eritrea, Ethiopia borders on Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, and Sudan.  The
land is mostly mountains and high plateaus with warm temperatures and often
inconsistent rains.

Approximately 64 million people live in Ethiopia.  Years of war have driven
many away to neighboring countries.  Only recently have some of these
people begun to return.

Ethiopia's economy is based largely on agriculture.  Because rain
patterns are erratic, crop failures due to drought are a frequent occurrence. 
The rise of Marxism in 1974 only made matters worse.  The country's
infrastructure is poor, and with continued fighting, the prospects for
economic improvement in the near term are dim.

The ancient Ethiopian monarchy maintained freedom from colonial rule.  The
only period during which Ethiopia was not independent was from 1936 to 1941
when Italy occupied the country.  In 1974, a Marxist coup overthrew the
monarchy.  Christianity was brutally repressed under Italian rule and under
communism.  In 1991, the Marxist government fell, and a multi-party

democracy was established.  The country has continued to suffer from
internal fighting, and a border war with Eritrea, which broke out in May
1998, continues.

Ethiopia has known Christianity for centuries.  The Ethiopian Orthodox
Church was the official state church until 1974.  Evangelicals began to grow
in number in the early 1900's and now account for nearly 15% of  the population.

Evangelicals suffered the most under the Italians and communism, but those
periods seem to have had a refining effect on the church.  In addition to
the many evangelical Protestant churches, there are a few evangelicals in
the Orthodox church.  Since the fall of communism, Christians have enjoyed
unprecedented freedom.

Unfortunately, that freedom is being challenged.  Islam prospered under
communist rule.  Today, over one third of the population is Muslim, and
the number is growing.  Under communism, mosques were being built while
church buildings were destroyed.  Most of those converting to Islam are coming
from traditional African religions or are nominal members of the Orthodox
church.

Muslim leaders are pushed for greater imposition of Islamic law. 

Pray that Christians will maintain the freedom to worship and evangelize.
Pray for missions as they reestablish their presence after years of
communist rule.  Pray for the Christians who have suffered much in the
past and live a difficult existence in the present.  Pray for
opportunities to reach the Muslim community.  Pray for revival among
the Muslims and a turning of the tide in their desire to silence Christians.