Algeria (MNN) — The Body of Christ is growing in Algeria. Believers boldly proclaim Jesus in and around Al-Qaeda terrorist camps. However, sharing the Gospel with Arabs can pose serious problems.
As part of an effort to stem the rapid growth of Christianity, the Algerian government bans unregistered religious gatherings. However, he will not grant assembly or construction permits to Christians.
“They assume that every group that gathers is against the law and the government. » A3‘s Yemathen* said.
After dozens of church closures In recent years, Algerian Christians have found a workaround.
“Most Christians are now scrambling to find another way to do church or meet without risking another (church) shutdown,” Yemathen said.
“A number of leaders hold their meetings at home, and sometimes in nature or in forests. »
Unfortunately, this approach is not foolproof. “One of my leaders in Algeria decided to meet in the bush (in the wilderness) because they had just started a church,” Yemathen explains.
“They were followed by 20 police officers who stopped the meeting and inquired about the nature of the meeting. They (the police) asked for their identity documents, recorded their names and (the believers) can be summoned for trial.
Ask the Lord to strengthen and encourage persecuted Christians in Algeria. Learn more about A3’s work in the Middle East/North Africa region here.
“THE churches are growingnot necessarily in buildings, but spreading everywhere,” says Yemathen.
“The fact that they are persecuted (adds) value to the faith professed by our brothers and sisters because they stand on the truth and on the conviction that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life , and that there is no other way. »
*Pseudonym
Header image is a representative photo courtesy of Artem Zhukov/Pexels.
