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!”
Church Leaders Sentenced
UPDATE: In December in ALGERIA, four church leaders on trial for worshiping without a permit were given two-month “suspended” prison sentences—meaning they will not go to jail, but are condemned as criminals. The Islamic government of Algeria ignores churches’ efforts to obtain permits. Believers fear that if they accept this verdict, other churches that lack permits will be condemned and closed.
Pray that the church leaders’ appeal will be granted. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Overcoming Fear
The church in Algeria has faced fear before and overcome it. When the government cracked down on Christians in 2008, a ministry leader told a government official, “If you are thinking of putting us in prison, you had better enlarge your prisons—because what you have today will not be enough for us.”
Christians Aquitted in Ramadan Case
Two Muslim background believers on trial in ALGERIA were acquitted on October 5. They faced charges for eating lunch at a private work site during the Ramadan fast.
Thank God that they are free! “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.”
Church Leaders on Trial
In ALGERIA this autumn, four church leaders are on trial for conducting Christian activity without government authorization and hosting foreigners without reporting to the police. Their congregation has been ordered to stop worship services.
Pray that the church leaders will be released and that the congregation will be able to continue to meet in its building. “I Myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again.”
Arrest Warrant for Ministry Leader
While the director of a Christian ministry was outside country, the ALGERIAN government issued an arrest warrant against him. The original warrant was for a suspected swindler by a similar name, but officials changed the warrant to the Christian’s name. His lawyer fears that Muslims are targeting him for his Christian activities. He has been under surveillance for several years.
Pray that he will be able to return to Algeria without arrest. “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land.”
Church Attacked by Mob
A church in ALGERIA was attacked by a mob of extremists who burned furniture, appliances, Bibles, and hymnals. The next Sunday, the Christians met as usual, refusing to be intimidated.
Thank God for their faithful perseverance! “Let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.”
Mob Blocks Church
In ALGERIA, believers came together to celebrate Christmas. When they arrived at their church, they found the path blocked by a crowd of over 350 Muslims. When the police arrived, rather than breaking up the mob, they “sent the Christians home to try and negotiate with those who were protesting.”
Pray that the congregation can gather and worship. “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Algerian Church Burned
Islamist terrorists looted and burned a church in ALGERIA to the ground. Police have made no attempt to arraign the arsonists.
Pray that the believers will be able to rebuild their church. “A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.”
Christians Harassed by Government
November 13, 2009
The Muslim government of ALGERIA is harassing Christians. Believers are watched by government security and find it increasingly difficult to get jobs.
Pray that the church will remain strong in the face of rising persecution. "They have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit."
Algerian churches reopen
UPDATE: In 2006, Algeria shut down 26 churches in a widespread crackdown on Christian practice. Recently 22 of these congregations have been officially allowed to gather once again. Praise the Lord!
Pray that the Body of Christ will continue to grow in Algeria. "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."
Algerian Christian leaders acquitted
UPDATE: Three Algerian Church leaders taken to court on false charges by a man who once claimed to be a convert (9/13) have been acquitted.
Pray that their accuser will come to the Lord in truth, and that this decision will help establish greater freedom for Christians in Algeria. "...when my sanctuary is in their midst forevermore."
False convert prosecutes Christians
An Algerian claimed to be a Christian convert suffering persecution. Some time later believers discovered he actually had links with Islamic extremists. Now he is prosecuting three Christians, claiming they threatened his life and insulted Muhammad. Believers continue to offer this man forgiveness and love.
Pray that the Lord will touch his heart and turn him from lies to the truth that brings salvation. "And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear."
Algeria refuses visas for Christians
At least five expatriate believers in Algeria have had their residency permits revoked, and requests for visas for Christian ministers are consistently denied.
Pray that the Church will endure and overcome, by the blood of the Lamb. "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side."
Algerian Christian faces trial
An Algerian Christian, already convicted of "evangelism" and "blasphemy," faces his third trial this year. His internet café was shut down in April, and he reports receiving death threats after his phone number appeared on evangelistic satellite programs. According to a friend, "Authorities have decided to make sure he stops talking about his faith. That has not happened, and according to [him] it will never happen, even if he has to go to prison."
Christians arrested for evangelizing
Six Christians were arrested as they left a friend's house in Algeria. Officials accused them of "distribution of religious material to convert Muslims" and "practice without authorization of non-Muslim worship." Two were acquitted; the other four have been sentenced to fines and suspended jail terms.
