The combined population of Niger, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania, is approximately 100 million people. Over 95 per cent of the population of these countries follow Islam and Sunni Islam predominates, with Sufism having a significant cultural and spiritual influence, especially in Senegal and Mali.
In recent years, the Sahel has become a hotspot for extremist violence. The region has witnessed a surge in attacks by radical jihadist groups, leading to widespread instability. Countries like Burkina Faso have been particularly affected.
Natural disasters such as droughts and floods worsen these crises. Torrential rains in 2024, affected over two million people and destroyed homes across Niger, and Mali.
OM’s focus in the region is on Niger, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso and Mauritania.
The Horn of Africa, a region located in the northeastern corner of the African continent consists of Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Ethiopia and has an estimated total population of approximately 140.7 million people. The Horn of Africa has one of the youngest populations globally — around 60 per cent of its population is under the age of 25.
The Horn of Africa is considered one of the least-reached areas worldwide with Islam being the primary religion in most countries, except for Ethiopia which has a long Christian history.
This region is characterised by a rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups and a complex religious landscape. However, it also faces significant challenges, including poverty, conflict and environmental issues like drought. The United Nations reports that across Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, 22 million people currently face a severe hunger crisis after four consecutive failed rainy seasons.
OM’s focus in the region is on Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Eritrea
OM’s ministry in Southern Europe is reaching the countries of Europe which did not embrace the Reformation.
The countries of Spain, Italy and Portugal have a combined population of approximately 118 million people. According to the national Evangelical Alliances in these countries, an estimated 1 per cent of the population are evangelical Christians who belong to a vibrant community of Jesus followers. About half of this 1 per cent are immigrants, mainly from Latin-America, Africa, and the East of Europe.
In large parts of Southern Europe there are no evangelical churches or Christian witnesses, and Christianity means belonging to a traditional institution, but not being in a living relationship with Jesus. Our aim is to share the good news and engage deeply with the local people, especially reaching and empowering teenagers and young people through discipleship and in small groups.
The total population of Brunei and Indonesia is approximately 277.4 million people. Sunni Islam is followed by over 80 per cent of the population, however, there is also a mix of Sufism and local folk Islam in some regions.
Indonesia has one the largest Muslim populations in the world, and while some places have a growing church presence, the number of Christians engaging in ministry across religious backgrounds is small. With more than 17.500 islands and over 700 languages spoken, there are many challenges to sharing the good news in Indonesia. Brunei the first and only country in East Asia to introduce Sharia law.
OM’s focus in the region is on Brunei and Indonesia.
Over 23.4 million people live in the countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia (including Abkhazia), Armenia, Republics in the North Caucasus Federal District of Russia: Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.
The religious landscape is diverse, with some countries having a large Shia Muslim presence and others some having a large Sunni Muslim presence.
OM’s focus in the region is on Azerbaijan, Georgia (including Abkhazia), Armenia, Republics in the North Caucasus Federal District of Russia: Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.
