Morocco
The government of Morocco seeks to ensure Islam is the religion of all Moroccans. Churches with former Muslims among their members are not officially acknowledged. The state also refuses to recognize any Christian marriage. Christianity is only authorized for expatriate congregations.
By law, people may possess Bibles, but Arabic Bibles are routinely confiscated. One convert was hounded by his family until he finally committed suicide in despair. Five foreign Christian women who gathered for a Bible study in March 2009 were arrested and deported.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Morocco
Believers Arrested, Questioned
In March, three believers were arrested and questioned in MOROCCO for their Christian activity. Police also tried to find their pastor, but he was warned and got to safety. Some Moroccan Christians fear that the arrests will become a new trend for the Islamist-influenced government.
Pray for courage for these believers. “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.”
Freedom in Morocco?
Abdelilah Benkirane, prime minister of Morocco, recently defended the personal freedom of Moroccan citizens. He said, "I believe in freedom, God created us free. Who is Benkirane to tell Moroccans to shave your beards or to impose the hijab? Individual liberties are sacred and are not to be touched."
Foster Parents Seek Appeal
UPDATE: Accused of proselytism but never formally charged, Christian foster parents and orphanage staff in MOROCCO were deported earlier this year. Now the Moroccan government is trying to dismiss their appeal.
Pray that the parents will be able to return to their foster children. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."
Continued Deportations
UPDATE: The number of Christians deported from MOROCCO has risen to 128. Recently a Lebanese Christian married to a Moroccan was deported and was forced to leave her 6-year-old daughter behind—even though the woman is battling cancer.
Pray that she will be reunited with her family and that God will encourage them during this time. “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD.”
Christians Vilified in Morocco
In MOROCCO, a Muslim has publicized Christians’ identifying information, written defamatory statements about them, and accused them of trying to “shake the faith of Muslims,” which is a violation of Moroccan law. Meanwhile, over 7,000 Moroccan Muslims have signed a statement calling Christian aid work “religious terrorism.”
Pray that God will give these believers courage and protect them from harm. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Authorities Interrogate Convert
In MOROCCO, authorities interrogated an MBB for eight hours, followed him for three weeks, and threatened him with imprisonment or death. Other Christians are being kicked out of their homes by Muslim relatives.
Pray that God will provide support and fellowship for these rejected believers. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with Him.”
Believer Endures Long Sentence
A Muslim background Believer in MOROCCO has been in prison for 5 years of a 15-year sentence. He was convicted of trying to “shake the faith of a Muslim.”
Pray that God will give him endurance and courage, and that his government will stop persecuting Christians who are open about their faith. “Pray without ceasing.”
Christian Outreach in Morocco
Even as Christians are being deported from MOROCCO , a Christian satellite television station is beaming words of hope. The president of the station reassures the world that the church is still on the ground in Morocco.
Praise God for the spread of His Word! “My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which You have redeemed.”
More Christians Deported
UPDATE: Over 100 Christians have been deported from MOROCCO. Many of them were given only 48 hours notice that they must leave the country. Wives who were allowed to remain longer were forced to pack up and sell belongings on their own before they rejoined their husbands. Officials forcibly drugged one man who resisted.
Pray that the believers will be able to return to Morocco, and that their Muslim neighbors will see the testimony of their lives. “I will remind them of Your righteousness, Yours alone.”
Christian Convert in Danger
UPDATE: A MOROCCAN Muslim background believer whose church was raided earlier this year is now being followed.
Pray that God will protect him and enable him to have fellowship with other believers. “On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again.”