Pray for Seychelles

One of the world’s largest tortoise species roams across Seychelles’ towering rock formations and low-lying coral islands. Located in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean north of Madagascar, Seychelles is known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs. The islands were formed from ancient granite rock — surviving fragments of continental crust known as the Seychelles microcontinent. But beyond its stunning landscape and unique rock formations is a painful history of colonialism, slavery, and inequality. France controlled the islands until the Napoleonic War, which gave Great Britain control. The French also brought slavery to Seychelles, creating the social divides seen today in wealth gaps and unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Following independence, Seychelles grew from a low-income to a high-income nation through the expansion of tourism and marine industries. Tourism remains a major part of the economy, employing about 30 percent of the workforce through hotels, restaurants, and other service industries. The tuna fishing industry also provides jobs and supports exports. To reduce dependence on tourism, the government continues to invest in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing. Despite the nation’s economic stability and relatively low poverty levels, citizens on the main islands have more access to wealth and opportunities because resources are concentrated near the capital. The nation has one of the highest reported rates of heroin use in the world. Excessive drinking contributes to liver disease and domestic violence.

Over 90 percent of Seychellois are Christian, and the majority identify as Roman Catholic. A small evangelical population comprises about 6 percent of Seychelles. Despite widespread Christianity, some believers continue practicing healing and protection rituals and use spiritual mediums to communicate with the dead. Remote islands tend to have fewer churches and limited access to ministry resources. Still, the small evangelical population is active through church planting, outreach programs, and youth ministries. Pray that the Church would grow across all islands in Seychelles, expelling unbiblical practices.