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.”

Update on previous prayer request: Believer Sentenced to Prison

LEARN MORE: 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.

His crime? While he was out shopping one day, a merchant started a conversation with him about religion. His answers didn’t align with the teachings of Islam. The merchant got upset and tried to make him recite the Muslim creed, professing faith in Allah and Mohammed. Abdelkrim refused. The merchant was offended, and accused him of giving a CD about Christianity to someone.

In May of 2011, a judge sentenced Abdelkrim to a fine and five years in prison—a sentence over and above even the prosecutor’s request. He appealed that sentence. Reportedly the judge hearing his appeal has not been able to find any evidence against him. But instead of granting his appeal, the judge has postponed the trial indefinitely. Abdelkrim doesn’t have to serve the sentence yet, at least until the appeal is heard. But his name isn’t cleared, and his life, along with the lives of his wife and their young child, could be interrupted at any time. In July we prayed for encouragement for the three of them. Please join us today in praying that the appeal will be heard and granted.

“Behold, we consider those blessed who remain steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” –James 5:11