African Christians are concerned about the sometimes overwhelming needs of their communities, and as they deal with the devastation caused by AIDS, poverty and exploitation, they're looking for some outside help-specifically, Divine intervention.
On May 1, thousands of Christians gathered in stadiums across Africa asking God to transform their communities and nations.

John Thomas said at the podium, "I want to tell you... Right now God is doing some amazing things. We heard a few moments ago, that 17,000 have gathered in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo) to pray."

Praying believers met simultaneously in a total of 137 stadiums. And as leaders, old and young, led the crowds in prayer, they touched some of the continent's greatest needs.

Tim Makamu prayed, "…Protect Africa's orphans and widows…and be their Heavenly Father." A few moments later, he added, "And right now, You have forgiven us, You have heard us and the root of rage is removed from us this day, and we are free today in Jesus Name."

One man prayed for Africa's churches.

"Father, God, you desire the spiritual and social transformation of Africa. Before you can transform the nations of Africa You look for people who will be transformed into Your image. … Africa, now is the time for your obedience."

And the people in the stadium answered: "Africa, now is the time for our obedience."

A South African said from the podium, "I really believe that this day can be a turning point for South Africa," as the crowd clapped with approval. Their applause increased when he declared, "Africa shall be saved!"

The inspiration for the 2003 Transformation Africa prayer movement actually came from South America. In 1995, when 20,000 Christians filled a soccer stadium in Cali, Colombia to pray, the city's crime rates began to drop.

Four years ago South African Christians followed the Colombian pattern, and saw equally dramatic results.

A speaker said, at the podium, "On the first of May, this year, I tell you that in Cape Town [South Africa] the crime rate went down by 40% in the year 2001-2002. And in the last year it went down by another 20%. It is 60% down from what it was."

During this year's day of prayer, African Christians agreed to continue praying daily for the transformation of their countries-and they took a reminder with them: a wristband that reads: "Africa: II Chronicles 7:14."

At the podium, a speaker told the crowd to use the wristband to change the nation.

"Put it on," he said. "Help your neighbor [do so] and make a declaration (to God) 'We enter into a Covenant with You to seek You with all our hearts and souls.' Amen."

The Transformation Africa movement hopes to extend this Annual Prayer Event to every country in Africa. They've also established 24-7 Prayer Watches and are involved in planting new churches.