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A Cup of Tea in Mali

Pray for the Peace of God in Mali

Mali is a land-locked nation in West Africa with 18 million inhabitants and 90{1ef34f8f1cacfdc6c19f5319e487deec2393c82eacea09a13da7feed1a24e305} of them are Muslims. Mali used to be a peaceful land but since 2012 there has been unrest and conflict in the northern part of the country, stirred by Islamist militant groups. Violence and government instability have caused a rise in poverty and ethnic divisions.

However, all the tribes in Mali share a saying: “The stranger is worth more than you!” If you come as a stranger to a village, you will find a family to stay with, food and water. Even those who do not have much will share their food with a traveller.

A foreigner will even get a local family name. That way they will be given a place in the society and be treated as someone belonging to the ethnic group or caste which goes with that family name.

Tea in Mali – a staple of life

But what really binds Mali together is the sharing of a small glass of tea several times a day. Every afternoon you will see the men gathered around a teapot in the streets, at the street corners, in front of someone’s house or outside the local shop. To make good tea is a slow process and, in the meantime, you can discuss family, politics, religion or football!

See also  Refugees in Europe

Ideas for Prayer

  • Nations are destroyed by corruption, violence, prejudice and extremism; but they are built up by honesty, peace, unity and compassion. Pray the blessings of Psalm 67:1-7 over Mali.
  • Pray that many of the people of Mali will be welcomed into the family of Christ as described in Ephesians 2:18-20.
  • Pray for those working in Mali to share the gospel and for more believers in local churches to be a light to their nation.
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