Most of Niger is blanketed by the great Sahara Desert. Many Nigeriens are nomadic or living in small villages along the Niger River in the southwest corner of the country.

For centuries, the trade routes crossing the Sahara provided a livelihood for Niger's people. These routes moved salt, gold, and slaves across the desert. Niger was a French colony until its 1960 independence. Islam entered the country along the same trade routes that transported slaves and is now the most popular religion, though older animistic practices remain strong.

Population: 13,272,679

Capital: Niamey

Official language: French

Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF)

GDP per capita: US $700

YFC in Niger desires to see a new generation of young people turn from sin and acknowledge the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Our current ministries focus on evangelism and discipleship through seminars and theater. We?ve also recently started a music program and a soccer program in order to reach non-Christian young people.

A newly built school has completed its second successful year of operation with 93 students enrolled. The school was made possible through God's provision of partners to our ministry. We are excited to see how God continues to use this Christian school within a Muslim community. We are adding another grade (40-50 students) in October 2008.

• Praise God for the ongoing success of our new school.
• That the Niger government will continue to allow Christians and churches to operate freely.
• Guidance and wisdom in contributing to the development of the country's youth with practical ministries.
• God to raise up committed and godly leaders and volunteers willing to partner with the ministry.
• Spiritual revival in Niger.
• Political, social, and economic stability.
• God's provision of daily financial and living needs as drought plagues our people.