“There is a lot of suffering, especially for those who lose their family.”
– Ibrahim, Muslim background believer
Christians in Algeria are facing increasing obstacles for following Jesus. Laws ban anything that would “shake the faith of a Muslim”, making it dangerous to share their faith openly. Harrassment, beatings, and threats, as well as pressure to adhere to Islamic customs, are also common for Algerian Christians.
Churches are pressured by state officials, who listen to radical Islamic teachers. Protestant churches are the main targets, with several recently sealed shut.
Most Christians live in the Kabyle region. Many of these people are from the Berber ethnic group and speak their own language. The Christian community is flourishing while authorities continue to discriminate against them. However, the pressure remains intense.
Many believers are converts from Islam and face strong opposition from their family and community. These Christians choose to face pressure and violence from those they love most to continue following Jesus.
– Pray that God will provide communities for Christians to worship with and encourage one another.
– Pray for good relationships between Algerian Christians and local Islamic leaders.
– Pray that recently closed churches may be able to re-open and bless their communities.
