What do you think?
Rate this book
Operation World (with CD): The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation
Operation World is the definitive global prayer handbook that will help focus your heart and life towards God's passion for His glory. With over 1 million copies of past versions being sold, this all new 7th edition has been completely updated and revised by Jason Mandryk and covers the entire populated world. Whether you are an intercessor praying behind the scenes for world change, a missionary reaping the benefits of intercession or simply curious about the world, Operation World will give you the information necessary to be a vital part in fulfilling God's passion for the nations. Included in the updated and revised 7th edition: All the countries of the world featured Maps of each country Geographic information People groups within each country Economic information Political information Religious make-up of each country Daily Prayer Calendar Answers to prayer Challenges for prayer Persecution index The additionally included CD-ROM is a full color PDF version of the book featuring full color versions of the graphs, charts, and maps, intuitive user interface, table of contents, menus, navigation, hyperlinks, and a search feature.
978 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
126 people are currently reading
1427 people want to read
About the author
Jason Mandryk
11 books1 followerJason was born in Winnipeg, Canada and grew up and studied there, gaining a Masters in Global Christian Studies at Providence Theological Seminary.
He has lived in England for 15 years, working on the past two editions of Operation World, initially as co-author with Patrick Johnstone and now as author.
The Operation World team has for decades served the global church by researching the salient and strategic issues in each country, and communicating these through statistical information and prayer guides. Jason's own interests directly related to this include the demographics of religious and ethnic populations, the challenges of communicating the gospel cross-culturally, theologies of prayer and ethnodoxology.
Outside the immediate confines of Operation World-related work, he enjoys the outdoors, ethnic cuisine, progressive rock music and the Arsenal.
He has lived in England for 15 years, working on the past two editions of Operation World, initially as co-author with Patrick Johnstone and now as author.
The Operation World team has for decades served the global church by researching the salient and strategic issues in each country, and communicating these through statistical information and prayer guides. Jason's own interests directly related to this include the demographics of religious and ethnic populations, the challenges of communicating the gospel cross-culturally, theologies of prayer and ethnodoxology.
Outside the immediate confines of Operation World-related work, he enjoys the outdoors, ethnic cuisine, progressive rock music and the Arsenal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 8, 2012
Operation World: The Definitive Prayer Guide to Every Nation is a book that can change the world. It’s an amazing book. Imagine what a difference it would make if all Christians prayed specifically for missionaries around the world and for the needs in each country. This is a daunting task but it is made easier by this marvelous book. Operation World lists every country in the world, giving information on Geography, Peoples, Economy, Politics, and Religion for each country. It also lists Answers to Prayer and Challenges for Prayer. Maps and charts are also given. The book is packed with information.
Operation World is designed to be used as a prayer guide with a date listed at the bottom of each page so you can work your way through it in a year. Christians around the world can and will be informed, guided and inspired by this book. When we hear about a country in the news or when there is conflict in a region Operation World is a quick resource to learning about the country, understanding the issues and knowing how to pray. My church is using Operation World in weekly prayer meetings, focusing on one country each week. It can also be used by families during family meetings or prayer times, to teach children about our vast world and to educate them about world geography, the diversity of peoples and the vast need to spread the Gospel. Parents who are home schooling will also find this to be a valuable resource.
The Completely Revised -7th edition of Operation World was published in 2010 by Jason Mandryk so the information is as up to date as it possibly could be. Reading and studying Operation World is a great way to increase our knowledge of other countries and cultures and great way give us a heart for missions and to focus our prayers. And it is guaranteed to lessen our provincialism.
Operation World is designed to be used as a prayer guide with a date listed at the bottom of each page so you can work your way through it in a year. Christians around the world can and will be informed, guided and inspired by this book. When we hear about a country in the news or when there is conflict in a region Operation World is a quick resource to learning about the country, understanding the issues and knowing how to pray. My church is using Operation World in weekly prayer meetings, focusing on one country each week. It can also be used by families during family meetings or prayer times, to teach children about our vast world and to educate them about world geography, the diversity of peoples and the vast need to spread the Gospel. Parents who are home schooling will also find this to be a valuable resource.
The Completely Revised -7th edition of Operation World was published in 2010 by Jason Mandryk so the information is as up to date as it possibly could be. Reading and studying Operation World is a great way to increase our knowledge of other countries and cultures and great way give us a heart for missions and to focus our prayers. And it is guaranteed to lessen our provincialism.
January 1, 2015
I wouldn't say "5 stars because it was amazing," but it's hard not to give this all the stars it can get, considering its importance. Sure, it's 15 years out of date, and basically every single statistic in it is no longer accurate, but the gist of it is all true - and the needs for prayer are probably even more true now than they were 15 years ago. I hope that doesn't sound cynical, just a generic observation. What did I learn through this journey? I was encouraged by so many of the "answers to prayer" sections. I was somewhat discouraged by the warnings and cautions Johnstone gave us 15 years ago about so many "trouble spots" that have since blown up in "our" (not mine, personally) faces. Was everyone so busy partying in 1999 they assumed no one around the world was thinking ill of anyone? Why did no one listen to anyone urging caution? Will they listen now? or are they too busy apologizing for "misunderstanding" the "other's" point of view? Again, trying not to be cynical with my inquiries. I think my personal view of world missions has matured thanks to this journey, especially because I was refreshed by Johnstone's view of international missionary work. I don't know if my prayers for these groups and nations and organizations have done any good, but my knowing wasn't the point anyway - they did what God wanted them to do, and that's just fine by me. I didn't read it for what I could get out of it anyway. Will I do this again someday? Indeed, yes (though I'll probably wait until the 8th edition comes out, hopefully any time now).
October 17, 2016
As someone else said, "Operation World is one of the most important Christian books in the world because it mobilizes the church to reliably informed intercession."
Jesus commanded his disciples, "Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" (Jn. 4:35). At this point the disciples were not thinking about harvesting people, much less the despised Samaritan people group. But later, by the help of the Holy Spirit they did "lift up their eyes," and catch a vision for reaching the ends of the earth with gospel of their Risen Christ!
Over the years, through using this resource in private prayer and in our family worship God has "lifted up my eyes" to the harvest and given me bigger vision both for what God is doing and the vast needs that still remain among the 7 billion people in this world. This book has not only informed me about gospel work, but has reminded me often that I server a BIG God who is doing GREAT things in HIS world. I often feel the wonder of the privilege it is to be apart of this unstoppable mission through informed prayer! I heartily agree with the words in the preface of this book, "Each and Every prayer is a tiny piece of a great cosmic puzzle, which when fitted together will allow for the completion of the grand picture of the Almighty Lord's plan for humanity and the universe. We don't merely pray ABOUT the many points featured herein, we pray TOWARD something, and that something is magnificent - the fulfillment of the Father's purposes and His Kingdom come."
I recommend to you, if you know Christ and long for His kingdom to come, get a hold of this book, read it, pray it, and trust that one day you will meet people in heaven who are there because you prayed. Who knows, God may even call you or others in your family to go make disciples in one of these places."From William Carey's 'Enquiry' of 1792 to Operation World today, God has worked mightily across the centuries through statistics and maps, using them to propel men and women of faith and devotion to the places on earth" (p974)
Lastly, I also want to recommend the abridged version of this book, "Pray for the World" (April 2015). I recently stared using this smaller book (331 instead of 978 pages) and found it ideal for praying through the nations as family. Not only is the content abbreviated to about one page per country, but they organized the countries alphabetically by region. So instead of praying for Argentina and Armenia back to back (in Operation Wold), you pray for Argentina and Brazil back to back in this book. This helps provide a geographical context especially with kids.
Jesus commanded his disciples, "Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest" (Jn. 4:35). At this point the disciples were not thinking about harvesting people, much less the despised Samaritan people group. But later, by the help of the Holy Spirit they did "lift up their eyes," and catch a vision for reaching the ends of the earth with gospel of their Risen Christ!
Over the years, through using this resource in private prayer and in our family worship God has "lifted up my eyes" to the harvest and given me bigger vision both for what God is doing and the vast needs that still remain among the 7 billion people in this world. This book has not only informed me about gospel work, but has reminded me often that I server a BIG God who is doing GREAT things in HIS world. I often feel the wonder of the privilege it is to be apart of this unstoppable mission through informed prayer! I heartily agree with the words in the preface of this book, "Each and Every prayer is a tiny piece of a great cosmic puzzle, which when fitted together will allow for the completion of the grand picture of the Almighty Lord's plan for humanity and the universe. We don't merely pray ABOUT the many points featured herein, we pray TOWARD something, and that something is magnificent - the fulfillment of the Father's purposes and His Kingdom come."
I recommend to you, if you know Christ and long for His kingdom to come, get a hold of this book, read it, pray it, and trust that one day you will meet people in heaven who are there because you prayed. Who knows, God may even call you or others in your family to go make disciples in one of these places."From William Carey's 'Enquiry' of 1792 to Operation World today, God has worked mightily across the centuries through statistics and maps, using them to propel men and women of faith and devotion to the places on earth" (p974)
Lastly, I also want to recommend the abridged version of this book, "Pray for the World" (April 2015). I recently stared using this smaller book (331 instead of 978 pages) and found it ideal for praying through the nations as family. Not only is the content abbreviated to about one page per country, but they organized the countries alphabetically by region. So instead of praying for Argentina and Armenia back to back (in Operation Wold), you pray for Argentina and Brazil back to back in this book. This helps provide a geographical context especially with kids.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Operation World is the definitive prayer handbook and reference guide. Packed with informative and inspiring fuel for prayer about every country of the world, it is essential for anybody who wants to make a difference. It was the winner of the 2002 Gold Medallion Book Award and has been quoted in numerous journals and articles. It contains information for all the continents and every country in the world.
REVIEW: This book is very long and has taken me over a year to read, a few pages a day, as I discovered the status of Christianity in each country in the world. I must say it was an eye opening read and left me with several major thoughts. First, Christianity is not dead and is a growing faith in many parts of the world. Second, God tells us to go out and spread the gospel and there is still so much work to do in so many places. Third, those countries fighting the most problems economically, politically, socially, and militarily tend to be predominantly Muslim. Fourth, the Muslim faith is being spread by any and all means available. This book is a real wake-up call to Christians that there is still mjuch work to be done before the Second Coming.
REVIEW: This book is very long and has taken me over a year to read, a few pages a day, as I discovered the status of Christianity in each country in the world. I must say it was an eye opening read and left me with several major thoughts. First, Christianity is not dead and is a growing faith in many parts of the world. Second, God tells us to go out and spread the gospel and there is still so much work to do in so many places. Third, those countries fighting the most problems economically, politically, socially, and militarily tend to be predominantly Muslim. Fourth, the Muslim faith is being spread by any and all means available. This book is a real wake-up call to Christians that there is still mjuch work to be done before the Second Coming.
December 20, 2023
Operation World serves as both an encyclopedia and a devotional, wrapped up in one package. What I appreciate most about this book is that it provides specific details to support prayer so that Christians can pray in an informed manner about all the nations of the world. The country profiles provide further insight into each nation, with everything from population statistics to a breakdown of religious groups and the percentages of growth among Christian denominations. Although the book includes a disclaimer at the front that statistics are always ever-changing, the heart of the data is meant to give a snapshot of how God is working in the nations. Readers will be encouraged by seeing the answers to prayer, and inspired by what believers are doing around the world.
Moving beyond merely providing country snapshots, Operation World excels in listing out the challenges to prayer, which serve as prayer prompts for readers. The nature of these prayers is well-defined and precise. There is little ambiguity so that when you pray, you are not only referencing the country by name, you are given information about the ministries working in that nation, the particular challenges facing that nation due to unique political or economic circumstances, and the types of outreach that are taking place. Christians with a heart for the nations and unreached people groups will find this book an excellent resource, helping families to become educated and prayerful about the world that God has created.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
Moving beyond merely providing country snapshots, Operation World excels in listing out the challenges to prayer, which serve as prayer prompts for readers. The nature of these prayers is well-defined and precise. There is little ambiguity so that when you pray, you are not only referencing the country by name, you are given information about the ministries working in that nation, the particular challenges facing that nation due to unique political or economic circumstances, and the types of outreach that are taking place. Christians with a heart for the nations and unreached people groups will find this book an excellent resource, helping families to become educated and prayerful about the world that God has created.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
December 3, 2018
More of an ongoing resource rather than a book to read from cover to cover
Read
June 26, 2019my copy is actually a 1991 version... a GOOD reference book !!
August 22, 2019
Wonderful survey of people groups. Wonderful asset to prayer. Problematic biases at times and downright blind assessment of historical events at others.
All in all, a wonderful resource.
All in all, a wonderful resource.
Read
November 3, 2020978 pages
May 1, 2021
Very useful guide for praying for evangelism round the world.
July 17, 2021
Prayer guide for the world. Statistics are 15 years out of date because the compiler/author did not have time to make yearly updates, but it is still valuable as a prayer guide.
October 25, 2022
Super helpful reference book. The app is also useful
Read
January 10, 2023amazing tool! Only downside is that it’s not completely up to date since it’s a paper copy. Will be going through it every year!
May 20, 2019
Every Christian should own and regularly look through this book! One star taken away because their definition of "Christian" is not sufficiently narrow.
May 28, 2012
FINISHED!!!!! A 2 year project. Reading Operation World cover to cover has taught me a great deal and shaped my understanding of the church in the world today and of mission. Some major themes:
- The church is growing rapidly in almost every developing country. There are still come very closed countries, but even in those places the church is growing fast. Church planting is associated with most of this growth.
- On the other hand, in the previously Christian developed nations the church is mostly in serious decline.
- The repeated and major need for mission activity in developing nations is for biblical teaching/training of leaders. This is repeated over and over again in country after country.
- There are still significant groups of unreached people in almost every developing country. Even in countries where the church is exploding, there are large isolated groups of people who haven't heard the gospel.
- Australia is the best place in the world to live (and I'm being objective about that -- seriously!), but no poster child for the church. Other religions are growing much faster than Christianity here. However, we have amazing opportunities to share the gospel with immigrants from unreached people groups, because many of them have large populations living in Australia. Australia also has a fantastic position to make a major contribution to the growth of the church in nearby countries in the Asia-Pacific.
- The church is growing rapidly in almost every developing country. There are still come very closed countries, but even in those places the church is growing fast. Church planting is associated with most of this growth.
- On the other hand, in the previously Christian developed nations the church is mostly in serious decline.
- The repeated and major need for mission activity in developing nations is for biblical teaching/training of leaders. This is repeated over and over again in country after country.
- There are still significant groups of unreached people in almost every developing country. Even in countries where the church is exploding, there are large isolated groups of people who haven't heard the gospel.
- Australia is the best place in the world to live (and I'm being objective about that -- seriously!), but no poster child for the church. Other religions are growing much faster than Christianity here. However, we have amazing opportunities to share the gospel with immigrants from unreached people groups, because many of them have large populations living in Australia. Australia also has a fantastic position to make a major contribution to the growth of the church in nearby countries in the Asia-Pacific.
March 22, 2012
This books is almost like a spiritual or Christian version of a world almanac. It's an interesting read even from a secular point of view.
For a person like me, who worries about politics a lot, this book was very helpful.
The review of one European country said, "Despite greater than ever freedoms,unhappiness,suicide, self-harm, and mental health problems have reached alarming levels. This country leads Europe in abortion, teen pregnancy,binge drinking, drug abuse, violent crime, and non-participation in either school or workplace".
I'm a person who believes there is a link between economic and spiritual decline. Also, I believe the allure of ever increasing freedom is actually an illusion.
Western Civilization is in a demographic downward spiral though most of our newspapers choose to ignore this. Our children are not taught about the positive achievements of Western Civilization or the high points of Western Culture. How many kids today can name more than one classical composer?
This book gives a positive spin to many of the problems we have today and is a useful guide for meditation and prayer in regards to spiritual matters.
For a person like me, who worries about politics a lot, this book was very helpful.
The review of one European country said, "Despite greater than ever freedoms,unhappiness,suicide, self-harm, and mental health problems have reached alarming levels. This country leads Europe in abortion, teen pregnancy,binge drinking, drug abuse, violent crime, and non-participation in either school or workplace".
I'm a person who believes there is a link between economic and spiritual decline. Also, I believe the allure of ever increasing freedom is actually an illusion.
Western Civilization is in a demographic downward spiral though most of our newspapers choose to ignore this. Our children are not taught about the positive achievements of Western Civilization or the high points of Western Culture. How many kids today can name more than one classical composer?
This book gives a positive spin to many of the problems we have today and is a useful guide for meditation and prayer in regards to spiritual matters.
February 9, 2017
I first picked up a copy of Operation World at Urbana 85. Yep, I'm that old. I started reading it but never really got that far and it sat collecting dust on my bookshelf. At some point or another it got tossed. Perhaps after a flood. Anyway after reading a book on missions I was convicted to purchase this book again and read through it. I am glad I did. It is eyeopening.
While the print addition of this book is no doubt out of date the moment it is printed in our rapidly chaning political landscape I still enjoyed the print edition.
While the print addition of this book is no doubt out of date the moment it is printed in our rapidly chaning political landscape I still enjoyed the print edition.
June 18, 2012
With this book, you basically pray for one country per day, alphabetically, as the year advances. So in January you start with Afghanistan and move on to... a Z country I guess. Last night was Hungary. If the country is bigger, you pray for it longer - so we're about to start praying for India and we won't stop until July 4. And it breaks the larger nations up into provinces (which typically have a greater population than the average country). A great way to get to know the nations of the world better - and to have a heart which is concerned with the needs of the world! I HIGHLY recommend this book. At times there's just a faint socialist hint, as when it bemoans the gap between the rich and the poor - as if the rich are necessarily causing poverty or as if perhaps we should take their wealth and give it to the poor - but overall, it's an invaluable (and one-of-a-kind) resource. It really gives one a missions heart.
March 7, 2007
Part CIA World Factbook, part church strategy, this is an invaluable for us missionaries at home. A great daily guide to praying for the world's lost. "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whome they have not heard? And how can they hear withotu someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15
November 11, 2012
You want to know about other cultures and their belief, then thus is a book for you, basically everything you need to know. If you travel thus is a good book to carry with you or to study before you go to other places, so you will know something about thee people before you invade their land. A good bok to have in your collection.
November 25, 2014
The standard text on missions to the nations, Operation World is comprehensive as it is systematic. An excellent reference tool to have on your shelf, as you join countless other believers in praying for the nations. Definitely a must have for the Christian who understands the importance of proper missiology both away and at home.
Brent McCulley
Brent McCulley
May 6, 2014
Operation World is a book that every Christian needs on thier coffee table. It is a constant reminder to pray for the nations and the people groups around the world. For someone who has a heart for missions this book is a must. When I watch the news or a movie or any situation it is cool to look it up and find out how I can pray for that country.
Read
February 11, 2012This is one I'll be reading all year. It is filled with fascinating information and guides to praying for every (?) nation in the world. Recommended in "Radical."
Since I'm not making progress, I've moved this to not finished.
Since I'm not making progress, I've moved this to not finished.
April 22, 2013
There is so much information in this book; it's an amazing work. I could not help but be motivated to pray as I read. I recommend this for anyone who has a heart for the world, or wants to have a heart for the world.
November 19, 2013
Operation World is a book every praying Christian should get their hands on. If I were limited to keeping just two books in my personal library, I'd choose the Bible and Operation World. This book gives you insight into global needs that enhances the impact of your prayer life.
June 24, 2015
A great resource to see what is going on in the world and how to pray for it. Each country is methodically research and the needs are not generic rewrite of each other. I've gone through this book twice and been very encouraged both times
January 17, 2016
I read this book at a season in my life that I was just learning about the sincerity of third-world Christians. I was fascinated by the information, and even just the geography was mind-opening. I haven't been the same person since!
Currently reading
August 16, 2016I loved this book. I pray for a page a day and I highlight the word "pray" in yellow and I say "Lord Jesus I pray ...." I've started through it a second time and am anxious to know when the next edition will be released. I encourage everyone to pray through this book and help our world.
Read
June 29, 2023Operation World is an amazing prayer resource that was created to help us pray for the specific needs of every nation, tribe, and tongue. This is a must-have for all Christians!
Until all have heard,
Kaya :)
Until all have heard,
Kaya :)
September 7, 2007
hopefully something i will continue for the rest of my life here on earth.
9/8/07 - i realize, i forgot to bring it to TW -_-
9/8/07 - i realize, i forgot to bring it to TW -_-
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews