SESELWA

The Seychelles consists of a series of about 110 islands in the Indian Ocean, 1 800 km east of the African coast. Being a tropical island group, two seasons are experienced: a hot season from December through to May with a high humidity and a cooler season from June to November.

When first discovered in 1609 by a British expedition, these islands were uninhabited. French explorers arrived in 1742 and formally annexed the islands in 1756. In 1810 France surrendered these islands to Britain. The Seychelles became a British crown colony in 1903 and gained its independence in 1976. Today, the Seychelles is a one party state with the president serving as head of the state.

Seselwa is not the name of a people group; rather, it is the mother tongue of the Creole people. More than 95% of the population are Creoles, a mixed people of African, European, Indian, and Chinese origin. Being a Creole language, it is very similar to Mauritian Creole. However, it is not intelligible with Reunion creole. Rapidly growing in status, Seselwa is used in the first four years of schooling and 20% of all radio programmes are broadcasted in Seselwa. Some Bible portions and a dictionary are also available in this language. Main export items are copra, cinnamon bark, vanilla, essential oils, tea, and coconuts. However, most food products are imported. The fishing industry is also being developed with French assistance. Good health care facilities are provided by the government.

Nearly all Seselwa claim to be Christian; however, they are still steeped in superstition and witchcraft and only depending on outward church rites such as baptism and confirmation. It is quite common for a baby to be baptized in the church and then be taken to a witch doctor for protection rites. Some Seselwa see no contradiction between Christianity and magic.

Family structures are weak and informal; the majority of children are born to unwed mothers."

• Country: Seychelles
• Population (Year): 72 000 (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 97.3%
• Percent Evangelical: 4%
• Openness to missionaries: Visas difficult to obtain ??"

1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them?

2% Believe Jesus is the Son of God
95.3% Mixes Christianity with an animistic concept

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 (true) believer to every 50 persons (total believers: 1 368)(2%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Churches to population: 1 church for every 1 954 persons (total churches: 35)

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No, only portions of the Bible are available in Seselwa.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

Visas for missionary work are difficult to obtain.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Literature: Yes

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

Yes, a new wave of renewal seems to be sweeping through the church.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, many of those claiming to be Christian have no saving knowledge of Christ."