Christianity in Republic of Chad

Christianity in Republic of Chad: The Republic of Chad is located at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the North, Sudan to the East, the Central African Republic (CAR) to the South, Cameroon and Nigeria to the Southwest, and Niger Republic to the West. The capital and largest city is N’Djamena, while the official languages are Arabic and French.

Chad has a human population of 16 million and several ethnic groups, including Sara, 26.6%; Arab, 12.9%; Kanembu, 8.5%; Masalit, 7.2%; Toubou, 6.9%; Masa, 4.8%; Bidiyo, 3.7%; Bulala, 3.7%; Maba, 3% and others, 22%. Islam is the dominant faith practiced by 55.1% of the population. Others are Christianity, 41.1%; Atheism, 2.4%; Animism, 1.3%; other faiths, 0.1%.

Brief History

 In the early 20^th century, Chad became a French colony and later gained its independence in 1960 under the leadership of Francoise Tombalbaye. Resentment towards his policies in the Muslim dominated North led to a protracted internal conflict from 1965 to the 1990s. In 1979, the rebels conquered the capital and put an end to the South’s hegemony. The rebel commanders then fought among themselves until Hissene Habre defeated his rivals.

Then the Chadian-Libyan conflict erupted in 1978 following the Libyan invasion of areas around their common boundary. The fighting was brought under control by French military in an operation codenamed, “Epervier.” In 1990, a General under Hissene Habre known as Idris Derby overthrew him. In April 2021, Derby died from gunshot wounds sustained in a battle against rebels in the North of the country. The incumbent President is Mahamat Deby. Meanwhile, the country is still plagued by political violence and recurrent attempted coups d’état.

God’s Canvass in Chad

The country consists of a large basin bounded on the North, East and South by mountains. Lake Chad, which represents all that remains of a much larger lake, is situated in the centre of the Western frontier, 281 metres above sea level. The lowest altitude of the basin is the Djourab Depression, which is 175 metres above sea level.

Chad’s river network is virtually limited to the Chari and Lagone Rivers and their tributaries, which flow from the Southeast to feed Lake Chad. Other significant geographic features of the country are highlighted under its fauna and flora below.

Fauna

Chad has a variety of wildlife, including bush elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and hippopotamus. Some of the animal species in the country are shown below.

Flora

Chad is home to many plant species such as desert rose, umbrella thorn, acacia, Hanza and Athel tamarisk. Some of them are shown below.

Beaches

Culture

Chadian culture reflects a blend of African, Arabic and French influences. Consequently, many ethnic groupings follow different religions and customs. However, sport and music play an integral part in uniting the country

Traditional Attire

The diversity in culture and customs also affect the dressing code of the various tribes in the country. While most clothing in the country is traditional, it varies depending on religion, ethnicity, and occupation. Arab men in particular wear turban-like headgear known as Tagiya. They also wear long robes called Jalabiyas, which cover most of their bodies. Another popular male attire known as Boubou goes with long robes. Women in the country are usually covered from head to toe, not because of the law, but because of their religious beliefs. Even non-Muslims living in the Southern axis often wear a wrap called ‘Rabott’ or ‘Pagne’ around their upper and lower body. Some notable traditional attire common in Chad are presented in the pictures below.

Cuisine

Chadians use a variety of grains, vegetables, fruits and meats. Commonly consumed grains include millet, sorghum and rice. Meats include mutton, chicken, pork, goat, fish, lamb and beef. Some of the popular dishes are shown below.

Status of Christianity in Chad

Out of the 141 people groups in Chad, 80 of them representing 56.7% of the population are classified as “Unreached.” Even within the Christian dominated South, only 7.33% are core Evangelicals. Most are Roman Catholics, while millions practice traditional African religion, steeped in witchcraft. The Northern part of the country is a Muslim stronghold. Many of the Christian denominations in Chad are not zealous about evangelism due to doctrinal influence.

We know that the church is primarily intended to win souls for the Kingdom of God. It has no other core mission. If it fails in this assignment, it is no longer the church of Christ. Evangelism should be preceded and nurtured by prayer. Therefore, we charge everyone reading this article to intercede for all unsaved persons in Chad using the under-listed prayer points or as the Holy Spirit leads.

1. Ask the Father to empower Christians all over the world with His Spirit, to enable them pray fervently for unsaved Chadians.
2. Pray that God would destroy faulty foundations laid in Christians in Chad through demonic doctrines and human errors.
3. Ask Him to lay new foundations in Christ in these believers and give them Pastors that would feed them with the truth.
4. Pray that the Father would purge all Christians of pollutions from witchcraft and influences of other false religions.
5. Pray that He would deliver all believers that are oppressed by the enemy through generational iniquities and blood covenants.
6. Ask the Father to expose false teachers and agents of darkness operating in the various denominations and destroy their platforms.
7. Pray that He would sanctify all Christian believers with His word, the only truth worth knowing and receiving.
8. Pray that God would pour out His Spirit on all unsaved persons in the country to bring them to repentance; using the President, Mahamat Deby as point of contact.
9. Ask the Father to judge all demonic principalities and powers operating in Chad and free its people of their influences.
10. Pray that He would open doors for ministry of the word in Muslim dominated areas.
11. Ask the Father to strengthen the faith of former Muslims who have surrendered their lives to Christ.
12. Pray that He would protect them against attacks from Islamic extremists.
13. Pray that the Father would remove every veil of darkness from the heart and mind of unsaved people in Chad and unstopped their ears that they might hear the truth and accept it.
14. Ask the Father to send labourers into His harvest in the country.

Intercession Checklist

Use the political map of Chad in the text to choose a town, city or region for focused prayer. Present the chosen geographical space to the Father and tell Him that you are claiming its people for Christ as His ambassador. The anchor Scriptures are Psalm 2:8 and 2 Corinthians 5:20.

****Some materials sourced from Chad, https://en.m.wikipedia.org; https://www.britannica.com; https://www.sahistory.org.za; https://www.rocapply.com; https://www.danddclothing.com