Chad

Land & People

The Republic of Chad is a large, land-locked country in the center of the African continent. Independent since 1960, the Chad was formerly the most northern part of French Equatorial Africa. The population of the Chad is divided into 52 percent Arab in the north and 48 percent black in the south.

Religion

The north is predominately Muslim. The southern part of Chad is divided into over 800 different tribes. All these tribes are animistic but vary greatly in the seriousness with which they hold to their animistic beliefs. Some tribes have resisted evangelization, while other tribes have accepted the gospel message. Large segments are at least nominally Christian.

Year Established

1925

Past & Current Work

A Legacy of Faith and Perseverance

Historical Overview
Baptist Mid-Missions embarked on its mission in Chad through Paul Metzler, focusing efforts on the southern region of the country. In 1973, the Chadian church stood boldly against government-enforced tribal initiation rites, a move that resulted in severe persecution. During this time, the region hosted hundreds of churches, but believers faced unrelenting challenges. Tragically, thirteen senior Chadian pastors were martyred, Baptist churches were forcibly shut down, and missionaries were expelled. For two years, Chad was inaccessible to missions work.

However, in 1975, after a military coup replaced the previous government, the resilience of the Chadian Christian community shone brightly. Within three weeks, Baptist churches were reopened. Although most of the original missionaries had transitioned to other fields, a few returned, rekindling the flame of ministry in the country.

Current Ministries in Chad
Despite the prevalence of idolatry and adherence to traditional cultural practices, Chad now serves as a hub for thriving ministries:

• Leadership Development: Bible theological schools, supported by American and Cameroonian pastors, are equipping leaders for Chadian churches. These efforts include seminary modules that enable students to pursue theological master’s degrees within the country.
• Refugee Outreach: Ministries are actively reaching out to war refugees from the Central African Republic and Sudan, offering hope and support.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs: Flourishing ESL initiatives attract participants from various ethnic backgrounds. By offering language classes that also serve as a bridge to the gospel, these programs effectively engage Muslim communities and others with a hunger for education and cultural exchange.
• Bible Translation: Remarkable progress has been made in translating the Bible into eight different languages. Six New Testaments have been completed by Chadian translators with support from biannual visits by Bibles International, bringing Scripture to life in local communities.
• Orphan and Child Outreach: An orphanage in Koumra ministers to infants and provides care for street children, addressing critical needs in the region.
• Medical Evangelism: The Koumra Medical Center, now fully operated by local professionals, exemplifies the success of medical evangelism. It has trained numerous doctors, nurses, and medical workers, enhancing both healthcare and spiritual outreach.

Vision & Goals

• Expanded Outreach: Strengthen efforts to reach unevangelized areas in the north and east, with a particular focus on reaching Muslim communities.
• Translation Advancement: Continue expanding Bible translation projects to provide Scripture in additional heart languages.
• Local-Church Ministries: Develop adult Sunday Schools to promote deeper engagement with Scripture.
• Spiritual Maturity: Foster resilience among believers amid increasing governmental and theological challenges.
• Leadership Development: Create programs to bolster Christian leadership within local churches.
• Growth of ESL Ministries: Further establish ESL programs as outreach tools to the Muslim population and other communities.

Workers Needed

To sustain and grow these vital ministries, committed individuals are needed in the following roles:

• Church Planters
• Bible School and Theological Instructors
• English Teachers
• Bible Translators

Through courage, faith, and collaboration, Baptist Mid-Missions in Chad continues to shine as a beacon of hope and transformation. There are numerous opportunities for those willing to join this impactful mission.

Additional Facts

http://www.britannica.com/plac...