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
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.”
Algerian official becomes a Believer!
An Algerian official came to Christ after watching Christian television. When he witnessed to his wife and sisters, they also believed.
Pray that he will continue to reach out and bear fruit for the Lord. "...that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD."
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."
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.”
Arrested for sharing a Bible
An Algerian court sentenced a Christian to a fine and two year suspended jail term on charges of "proselytism" after an undercover policeman insisted that he give him a Bible.
Pray for a successful appeal. Pray also that the Word will not return void. "The LORD has taken away the judgments against you."
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.
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."
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.”
Police close churches in Algeria
Police ordered two more Algerian churches to "cease all activity." One church decided to appeal the decision and keep meeting.
Pray for God's grace as they seek to obey Him alone. "I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours."
MBB arrested with Bible
An Algerian Muslim-background believer (MBB) was removed from a bus and arrested when police found Bibles in her handbag. She has been brought to court for practicing her faith "without a license." The prosecutor told her he would drop the case if she returned to Islam. Otherwise, "if you persist in sin you will undergo the lightning of justice." She is currently free on bail, but police recently stopped and interrogated her in the street.
