Ham's Descendants And A Look
At Hell's Valley

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2

Formerly called French Somaliland, Djibouti is a small nation on "The Horn of Africa" (see map above). With frequent droughts and an annual average temperature of 90 degrees, Djibouti is often called the "Valley of Hell." Here's a look at this nation and it's two primary people groups.

Djibouti - Fast Facts

• Population - 1 million
• Became independent of France in 1977
• 66% of the population is under 30 years old
• Annually hosts large numbers of refugees (Eritrea, Somalia & Yemen)

• People were the first on the African continent to accept Islam
• 98% Sunni Islam - the state religion... but many practice Folk Islam (see Afar below)

• 55% of population
• Sheiks ruling tribes help lead constant blood feuds with other tribes (often the Afar)
• Heavily influenced by Muslim Brotherhood

• 33% of population
• A very proud people who claim to be descendants of Ham - one of Noah's sons
• Prestige within the Afar comes from killing one's enemies
• Spirits of the dead considered very powerful. Celebrate a "Festival of the Dead" annually
• Make offerings to the sea for the safety of their villages
• Amulets containing herbs and Qur'an verses are worn by many to ward off evil 

1. Pray for gospel laborers to go to Djibouti.  At least 19 workers needed among the 3 largest people groups
2. Pray for salvation among the Issa Somali (0.12% Jesus followers) and the Afar (0.00% Jesus followers)
3. Pray for a change of hearts and peace between the Issa Somali and Afar. Pray especially for the sheiks who are often at the root of conflict. (Ephesians 2:13-14)
4. Pray for fear and the power of Satan to be broken among the Afar. Pray they would learn that, in Christ, their protection comes from the LORD (Psalm 91:1-2; Luke 10:18-20)
5. Pray for the under 30 age group of Djibouti - they are future of their country
6. Pray for the many refugees in Djibouti - most are Muslim. 

• 1,150 children ages 5-14 have put their faith in Christ and are faithfully being discipled.
•  New areas have been reached with the gospel, as persecuted believers continue sharing Jesus with others.
• Bibles are being read and then passed to other families hungering for God's Word.
• Dreams and visions are still taking place and being used as first steps to coming to Christ. One testimony revealed dreams of baptism and the Lord's Supper before they came to Christ!