[2026 Ramadan] Day 22: Mauritania, Rising with the Eternal Gospel from the Living Water in the Sahara!

Mauritania means "land of the Moors." As an Islamic Republic, it officially prides itself on being 100% Muslim, and laws imposing the death penalty for insulting Islam remain in place to this day.

The population is approximately 5 million. Bordered by Morocco and Algeria to the north and Mali and Senegal to the east and south, the nation is composed of Arab-Berber groups (White Moors) at 30%, Black Moors at 40%, and other Black ethnic groups (Pulaar, Wolof, Soninke).

Because most of the power and wealth are held by the minority Arab-Berber population, other marginalized ethnic groups harbor deep distrust and resentment toward the ruling class. Furthermore, the Black Moors, who lived in slavery until their liberation in 1981, still face severe discrimination and are treated as the lowest social class, practicing Islam without any real hope.

Geographically, Mauritania serves as a gateway from Africa to Europe. Over the past few years, many Africans have attempted to enter Europe illegally through Mauritania. Consequently, in 2025, the EU collaborated with the Mauritanian government on a major operation to deport most foreign African nationals residing in the country. As a result, over 30,000 to 50,000 Africans were expelled to the southern regions, and many now face the hardship of being unable to settle anywhere.

During this Ramadan, many Mauritanians are exhausted by the weight of reality and rising prices, facing the season with little hope and a fear of tomorrow. Despite this, most souls participate in the fast, hoping for blessings from Allah.

About a month ago, a Muslim man attempted to attack a Pulaar Christian family with a knife but died of a heart attack during the incident. Unjustly, a Christian brother named S was arrested on murder charges and is currently awaiting trial.

"Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14)

However, God is granting the greatest revival among the Pulaar people of Mauritania! Following anti-government protests in the early 1990s and conflicts between Pulaar opposition forces and the military, evangelism reached the Pulaar people, bearing fruit through grace and leading to the planting of Pulaar churches.

In 2024, a video of Pulaar people worshipping in the southeastern region was leaked, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals. Miraculously, all 17 were released even though none of them denied Jesus. Hallelujah! Since then, these exposed Pulaar Christians have faced persecution and hardship, yet even more souls are coming to believe in Jesus and receiving baptism than before.

Although persecution and fear remain during this Ramadan, God is allowing the seeds of the Gospel to grow and bear fruit in this land!

[Today’s Prayer]

1. Just like the revival among the Pulaar in the southeast, may disciples of Jesus Christ rise throughout the land of Mauritania, and may churches that the gates of hell cannot withstand be planted in every corner!

2. May the Lord, who is the hope of Mauritania, continue to send harvest workers to serve the souls of this land!