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Faith Media Livestream
HOLYNET IN WEST AFRICA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
(PART 1)
HOLYNET IN WEST AFRICA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
DIVERSE BUT UNITED IN CHRIST
EAST AFRICA: HOLYNET DIGITAL JOURNEY OF FAITH From the depth of the Great Rift Valley to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, the people of Eastern Africa: resilient and diverse, thriving in a unique landscape of soaring mountains and arid savannahs landscapes they inhabit. East Africa, fostered to a wide range of lifestyles, from pastoralism in the north to agriculture in the fertile south, known for strong community ties, a warm hospitality culture, and a deep connection to the land and wildlife, where adventure lives. Join HOLYNET as we pioneer a new digital journey of faith to East Africa. Click to connect up on www.holynet.online now
Its becoming more interesting for our Children as its more fun and educational on HOLYNET. Visit HOLYNET Children page on www.holynet.online/children-faith/ now
Do you need re-connection with the Almighty God in Mauritius after time of disconnect? Then worship with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mauritius and experience dramatic transformation like never before. We are in Vacoa, Mauritius. Kindly visit HOLYNET Homepage for church address on google map. Jesus is Lord.
Your Children can now get entertained and spiritually lifted even when away from church. Visit Children Faith page on HOLYNET today for entertaining experience on www.holynet.online/children-faith/ now.
Do you know you can interact with a qualified medical doctor on HOLYNET? Kindly visit HOLYNET Healthcare page for details.
Are you a professional in any field? Kindly catch up with like-minds on HOLYNET today. Visit Professionals page on HOLYNET and rekindle.
Ignorance breeds deformity. Get informed and know vital history. Bible history and prophesies are vital revelations from God that keeps the spiritual lamp burning. Get to know more of the Word of God as they fulfil in our days. Visit History and Prophesy page on HOLYNET for Divine Light of God's Word unto your path.
Nigerian Airforce Hospital Christian fellowship, the Padre Hour have her weekly power-packed gathering of the Eagles on Fridays @ 12pm WAT at the ANC Clinic of NAFH, Sam Ethnan Airforce Base, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Our soldiers and civilians are welcome. Come for a supernatural experience. Jesus is Lord.
HOLYNET IN
WEST AFRICA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
WEST AFRICA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
HOLYNET IN BENIN REPUBLIC WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
A Timely Gospel Message from Benin Republic
HOLYNET IN THE
BURKINA FASO WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
TRANSFORMATION
HOLYNET IN THE
CAPE VERDE WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
GOD'S ETERNAL WORD
HOLYNET IN
IVORY COAST WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
IVORY COAST:
YOU ARE FOREVER LIFTED
HOLYNET IN IVORY COAST WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
HOLYNET IN THE GAMBIA
WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
HOLYNET IN THE GAMBIA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
GOD, MY ENERGY
HOLYNET IN THE GAMBIA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
I DO
HOLYNET IN THE GAMBIA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
GOD'S MERCY AND LOVE
HOLYNET IN THE GAMBIA WITH JESUS AROUND THE WORLD
GOD FACTOR
By 2026, My Name will be on the lips of every Iranians - Jesus Christ
HOLYNET'S VIEW OF ALL NATIONS ON RAPTURE DAY:
Are Nations Prepared For These Disruptions?
WESTERN AFRICAN STORY
HISTORY OF WEST AFRICA
The history of West Africa is a vast narrative of human innovation, starting with early hunter-gatherers and the domestication of agriculture around 2000 BCE. It is defined by the rise of legendary empires like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai that controlled trans-Saharan gold and salt trade, and it was significantly shaped by centuries of European contact, the Atlantic slave trade, and subsequent colonial rule.
1. Ancient Foundations and the Iron Age
Evidence of human habitation in West Africa dates back as far as 10,000 BCE.
Agricultural Cradle: The region was a major center for domesticating crops like yams, African rice, pearl millet, and cowpeas.
The Nok Culture: Developing around 1500 BCE in present-day Nigeria, the Nok culture is famous for its advanced terracotta sculptures and early use of iron.
Trade Networks: By 400 BCE, contact with Mediterranean civilizations began, exporting gold and metal in exchange for salt and textiles.
2. The Great Sahelian Empires
Between the 8th and 16th centuries, powerful states flourished by controlling trade routes across the Sahara.
Ghana Empire (c. 300–1200 CE): Known as the “Land of Gold,” it was the first major empire to rise, prospering through gold-for-salt exchanges.
Mali Empire (c. 1235–1600 CE): Founded by Sundiata Keita, it became even larger than Ghana. Its most famous ruler, Mansa Musa, is often cited as the wealthiest person in history. He turned Timbuktu into a world-renowned center of Islamic learning and trade.
Songhai Empire (c. 1464–1591 CE): Replacing Mali as the dominant power, it was one of the largest empires in African history until it fell to Moroccan invaders.
3. Coastal States and the Forest Empires
South of the savanna, powerful forest states developed their own unique political and artistic traditions.
Benin Empire: Located in modern-day Nigeria, it was famous for its intricate bronze casting and was described by early Dutch visitors as having cities as large and beautiful as Amsterdam.
Oyo Empire: A dominant Yoruba state known for its organized military and powerful cavalry.
Asante Empire: A major power in present-day Ghana, recognized for its wealth in gold and the “Golden Stool” as a symbol of unity.
4. European Contact and the Slave Trade
The arrival of the Portuguese in 1445 marked the beginning of a period of drastic change.
Atlantic Slave Trade: From the 16th to the 19th centuries, the trade in human beings debilitated the region’s population and economy, as millions were forcibly taken to the Americas.
Shift in Power: This trade diverted wealth from traditional trans-Saharan routes to the coast, empowering coastal states but weakening the interior.
5.Colonialism and the Path to Independence
The late 19th-century “Scramble for Africa” saw European powers divide the region.
Primary Powers: France controlled the majority of the land (French West Africa), while Britain held territories like Nigeria and Ghana.
Resistance: Leaders like Samory Ture and Queen Yaa Asantewaa led fierce but ultimately unsuccessful resistance movements.
Independence: Following World War II, nationalist movements grew. Ghana became the first colony to gain independence in 1957, led by Kwame Nkrumah. By 1974, almost all West African nations were autonomous.
RELIGION OF WEST AFRICAN PEOPLE
West Africa is characterized by a “triple religious heritage” consisting of Islam, Christianity, and African Traditional Religions. While Islam and Christianity are the most widely practiced today, many people follow syncretic paths, blending these global faiths with indigenous ancestral beliefs and rituals.
1. Islam
Islam is the predominant religion in the northern and Sahelian regions of West Africa.
Demographics: It represents approximately 54% of the region’s population, totaling over 135 million adherents.
Distribution: It is the near-absolute majority in countries like Mauritania (100%), Senegal (94%), Mali (90%), The Gambia (90%), Guinea (85%), and Niger (85%).
Practice: Most West African Muslims are Sunni, with a significant influence from Sufi brotherhoods such as the Tijaniyyah and Mouridism.
2. Christianity
Christianity is more prevalent in the southern coastal regions.
Demographics: About 36% of West Africans identify as Christian.
Distribution: Christians form the majority in Cabo Verde, Ghana (71%), and Liberia (85%). Nigeria is nearly equally split between Christians and Muslims.
Denominations: Major groups include Catholics, various Protestant denominations, and African Instituted Churches (like the Aladura) that incorporate traditional African styles of worship.
3. African Traditional Religions (ATR)
Indigenous religions are the ancient roots of the region and remain influential, even where people nominally identify as Muslim or Christian.
Core Beliefs: Most ATRs involve a Supreme Creator who is often distant, a pantheon of lesser deities (spirits of nature), and the veneration of ancestors who act as intermediaries.
Notable Traditions:
Yoruba Religion (Nigeria/Benin/Togo): Centered on deities called Orishas (e.g., Shango, Ogun) and the Ifá divination system.
Vodun (Benin/Togo): A major religion emphasizing spirit possession and healing, practiced by 30–50 million people.
Akan Religion (Ghana/Ivory Coast): Known as Akom, it features the creator Nyame and the trickster-god Anansi.
Serer Religion (Senegal/Gambia): Centered on the supreme deity Roog.
4. Syncretism and Duality
A defining feature of West African spirituality is syncretism—the fusion of different beliefs. Many individuals attend a mosque or church while also participating in traditional ceremonies for healing, protection, or honoring ancestors. For example, in the Vodon tradition, some practitioners interpret Jesus Christ as a vodun spirit.
OUR FATHER OF FAITH ON DIGITAL EVANGELISM
“I strongly encourage the use of online platforms for evangelism, considering it a crucial, modern-day method for reaching a global audience. I believes that while traditional in-person methods remain important, digital tools allow the message of God to transcend geographical barriers and reach people who might not otherwise be accessible.”
Pastor E. A. Adeboye
General Overseer, RCCG
ABOUT HOLYNET
HOLYNET is a platform that is committed to sharing the message of Jesus Christ through innovative digital outreach. Our mission is to inspire faith, create hope, and unite believers globally, embracing diversity and overcoming cultural and geographical barriers.
ABOUT HOLYNET COORDINATOR
Oludayo Olusola Fagbemi (also called Olugbemi), an evangelist and digital outreach coordinator of the World Communications Online International, leads the HOLYNET frontline. The Lord directed him to front the online evangelicals years ago. He has been very active for the Lord Jesus Christ in Nigeria gospel settings, cutting across campus, medical, church and military Christian missions. He serves in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Emmanuel Parish, Mauritius. He is married with Children.
The Redeemed Christian Church of God
Mauritius
Are you bored, weak, weiry and hopeless?Jesus offers strength to the weak, rest for the burdened, Divine presence to the lonely and everlasting life beyond limitations on earth.
Jesus said, “come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Join us this coming Sunday for a life- transforming service with Jesus Christ at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Emmanuel Parish, Mauritius.
Venue: RCCG Emmanuel Parish
Beside Splash Restaurants, Sonah lane, Club road, Vacoas, Mauritius.
Time: 9.00 Hours
You will not remain same again.
WORLD GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE AND FAITH
World geography, culture, and faith are deeply interconnected, each shaping and being shaped by the others through historical spread, environmental influence, and shared identity.
Interconnectedness of Geography, Culture, and Faith
Environmental Influence: Natural landscapes—such as rivers, mountains, and climate—shape religious beliefs and cultural practices by providing resources and inspiration for sacred sites.
Cultural Landscapes: Faith often leaves a physical mark on the geography of a region through the construction of temples, churches, and mosques, which define a location’s cultural identity.
Diffusion and Migration: Globalization, trade, and migration have allowed religions to spread from their “hearths” (places of origin) to new regions, sometimes blending with local cultures to create unique traditions.
The Five Major World Faiths
Most global religious systems can be categorized into these five major faiths, which account for the vast majority of the world’s population as of 2025:
Faith Estimated Adherents (2025) Core Geography Key Sacred Sites
Christianity ~2.4 Billion Europe, Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa Vatican City, Jerusalem
Islam ~1.9 Billion Middle East, North Africa, Asia-Pacific Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem
Hinduism ~1.2 Billion South Asia (India, Nepal) Varanasi, Ganges River
Buddhism ~500 Million East and Southeast Asia Bodh Gaya, Lumbini
Judaism ~15 Million Israel, North America Western Wall (Jerusalem)
Key Concepts in Cultural Geography
Universalizing vs. Ethnic Religions: Universalizing Religions (e.g., Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) actively seek converts and aim for a global appeal, breaking from specific regional or ethnic boundaries.
Ethnic Religions (e.g., Hinduism, Judaism) are typically associated with a specific ethnic group or geographical area and do not generally focus on conversion.
Sacred Space and Pilgrimage: Faith transforms physical geography into “sacred space.” Major pilgrimage sites attract millions annually, providing spiritual renewal and connecting believers to their historical roots.
The Unaffiliated: Approximately 16% of the global population (1.2 billion people) identifies as religiously unaffiliated, making them the third-largest “group” globally.
WORLD CHRISTIANITY SPREAD
The Christian faith continue to spread with the number of adherents projected to reach approximately 2.67 billion people, representing about one-third of the world’s population. The primary drivers of growth are in the Global South (sub-Saharan Africa and Asia), while the faith is experiencing slower growth or decline in many Western nations.
Key Global Trends in 2026
· Overall Growth: The Christian population is growing at an annual rate of approximately 0.98%, slightly outpacing the general world population growth rate of 0.88%. Projections indicate the number of Christians will top 3 billion by 2050.
· Geographic Shift: A major ongoing shift is the movement of the center of Christianity to the Global South.
· Africa is a hub of rapid growth due to high birth rates and revivalist movements, and by 2050, it is projected to be home to more Christians than any other continent. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is on track to eventually surpass the United States as the country with the most Christians.
· Asia is also experiencing significant growth, with conversions and strong house church movements reported in countries like Iran and China, despite persecution.
· Decline in the West: In contrast, the proportion of Christians is declining in many Western countries (Europe and North America) due to lower birth rates and an increase in the number of people with no religious affiliation.
Factors Contributing to Spread and Challenges
· Demographics: High birth rates in the Global South are the single biggest driver of Christian population increase.
· Evangelism and Missions: Active missionary work, the widespread availability of Bible translations and apps (such as YouVersion nearing 1 billion downloads), and major evangelistic initiatives contribute to growth and spiritual engagement.
· Persecution: In some regions, like Iran and parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the faith is growing despite intense persecution and pressure from extremist groups.
· Youth Engagement: In some contexts, young people, including Gen Z, are showing high levels of church attendance and engagement in movements like campus revivals.
· Competition: While Christianity is growing, Islam is growing at an even faster rate (1.57% annually), largely due to higher fertility rates, and the gap between the two largest religions is narrowing.