Angola has suffered more than 25 years of civil war since gaining independence form Portugal in 1975. Tens of thousands of Angolans have fled the country and millions more are refugees in their own country – forced from their homes through war and living in desperate conditions in Angola’s overcrowded cities.

Landmines outnumber the population, with more than 11 million littering the land, giving Angola has the highest number of amputees – caused by exploding landmines – in the world.

In April 2002 the government and opposing rebels reached a peace agreement . Although previous attempts at peace have broken down there is hope for an end to the violence that has devastated the land and the people of Angola.

In the first decade of violence Christians faced intense persecution and thousands were martyred or abducted. Throughout the suffering and devastation many Christians have remained strong in their faith and the church is growing.

Pray that a lasting peace can be restored to Angola.

Luanda and other cities are home to millions of refugees living in squalor and many orphaned or abandoned children struggle to survive. Pray that churches and other groups can meet the needs of all those who are suffering.