Algeria
In 2008, Algeria passed laws forbidding conversion to Christianity and giving the government the right to oversee and regulate all aspects of religion. Despite this chokehold on the church, the Body of Christ in Algeria is growing. A pastor reports, “We have churches that have grown 800%. Many converts have come from Islam with no Christian heritage, no Christian background, no resources whatsoever, no training. But they just believe in God and His Word.” Another eyewitness reports, “In every village and town there are Christians, and there are churches. In one town, actually there are more churches than mosques, which is a big miracle to happen in the Middle East.”
The Church is preparing for the inevitable persecution that comes with rapid and enthusiastic growth in an Islamic country. Muslims are already reacting with great violence—on Christmas Eve, dozens of Muslims gathered around a church chanting “Here is the land of Islam, go pray somewhere else!” and threatened to kill the pastor.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Algeria
Christian’s Hearing Postponed
UPDATE: A Christian appealing a fine and 5-year prison sentence in ALGERIA has had his court hearing indefinitely postponed. He was convicted last year after a Muslim initiated a religious conversation with him and tried unsuccessfully to make him recite the Islamic creed. The Christian was also accused of giving a CD about Christianity to a Muslim.
Pray that his appeal will be heard and granted. “To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.”
Life on Hold
Imagine your life is on hold: at any time, you could be summoned back to court and told to serve your five-year prison sentence. But you don’t know if or when you will be called back. That is the situation of Abdelkrim Siaghi, a convert from Islam who was accused of insulting Mohammed and of proselytism in Algeria.
Churches Denied Registration
The government of ALGERIA withheld registration from 25 churches. Due to a strict law regulating non- Muslim worship, the churches could be closed at any time.
Pray that they will persevere. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach.”
Churches Allowed to Stay Open
UPDATE: Churches that were ordered to close earlier this year in ALGERIA have recently been told that they will be “allowed to continue their activities until they receive the necessary authorization.” The government regulates non-Muslim worship and makes it practically impossible for churches to comply with the regulations.
Pray that the congregations will be able to continue meeting together. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”
Believer Sentenced to Prison
On May 25, an ALGERIAN believer was sentenced to five years in prison and fined heavily for giving his neighbor a CD about Christianity. The neighbor accused him of trying to convert him and of insulting Mohammed.
Ask God to encourage the believer, his wife, and their young daughter. “…[pray] that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.”
Pastor Ordered to Close Church
This spring Muslim authorities in ALGERIA ordered a pastor to close his church within 48 hours. The congregation continues to meet, but the threat has not been resolved.
Pray that the believers will persevere. “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named…”
Churches Ordered to Close
On May 22 the governor of a province in ALGERIA ordered the closure of seven churches. He also threatened that all churches in the country will be closed. Despite threats, the seven churches met as usual the next weekend.
Pray for courage for these congregations. “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.”
Believers Arrested
Two ALGERIAN Christians were arrested on April 14 on charges of proselytizing and blasphemy. One of the believers hosted weekly prayer meetings in his home. He discussed Christianity with his neighbors and tried to answer their questions.
Pray that the charges against the believers will be dropped and that their testimony will bring many Muslims to Christ. “...pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored.”
Church Worships in Woods
A church in ALGERIA must worship in the woods because Muslims’ complaints forced them out of their meeting places three times.
Pray that they will be able to raise the funds that they need to finish a new building. Ask God to protect them from further harassment. “You make known to me the path of life…”
Church Grows in Algeria
Praise God for the growth of the church in ALGERIA! Over roughly two decades, approximately 80,000 former Muslims in a one region have come to Christ.
Ask God to provide for pastor and leadership training, especially in remote regions. “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”