Breakthrough is a monthly call to pray for the Arab world. In each edition we focus on a different country of the region, praying for breakthrough over a particular stronghold.
Welcome to our final edition of Breakthrough for 2017. This month we pray for the country of Algeria and the stronghold of religious suppression.
We’re at the beginning of what is perhaps the busiest month of the year. As Christmas approaches, it’s easy to get distracted by all the things we have to do, yet it should be a special time to reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth. We invite you to ask yourself what you can do this month to make more time for the King of kings. Perhaps you need to save some space in your diary before it fills up, or find a quiet place where you can go and be alone with the Lord.
Whether you have managed to keep up with all or only some of our Breakthrough posts this year, we want to thank you for your partnership. It is no small thing to intercede for the nations, and we certainly have seen God working in the Arab world. We look forward to sharing more with you in the coming year, through Impact. Breakthrough will keep its focus on different Arab nations and on the strongholds that need to be crushed. Please always feel welcome to share your thoughts and give us feedback!
Country Focus: Algeria
Key verse
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)
About
The People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria lies on the Mediterranean coast and borders Morocco, Mali, Niger, Libya and Tunisia. It is the tenth largest nation of the world, the largest nation of the African continent and the largest Arab nation. It has a population of 41 million, who mainly live in the fertile north. About 80 percent of the land is covered by the Sahara Desert.
Algerians are ethnically a mix of Berber and Arab. Most speak Arabic and identify as Arab, but significant numbers identify as Berber and retain the Berber language, with Kabyles being the largest group. About 99 percent of the population is Muslim; however, there are thousands of Christians from a Kabyle background. They are the focus of our prayers this month.
Stronghold
Religious suppression is something that Algerian believers have been fighting against for many years. The Protestant Church of Algeria (EPA) has worked hard to be recognised by the government, but local authorities regularly accuse individuals, churches and other groups of proselytisation.
In November, a church in a north-west town was closed by the authorities, who accused it of illegally printing materials that were intended for evangelism – something they deny. The president of the EPA has stood by the church and says that the accusations are unfounded. Read more about this particular case on the Middle East Concern website. This is the most recent in a long list of legal actions that have been taken against churches and individuals.
Prayer points
- Please lift up our brothers and sisters in Algeria, asking that they would have courage and strength to keep standing strong as they face opposition. Praise God for their perseverance over many years!
- Pray that those who oppose them would hear the gospel and respond to God’s message of grace for all who believe in his Son.
- Pray for the particular church mentioned above – for them to be vindicated and allowed to resume meeting together.
- Lift up those who are seeking and contemplating leaving Islam to follow Christ. Pray that fear would not be an obstacle to faith.
- Pray that Algerian Arabs would begin responding to the message of the gospel. Pray that the Kabyle church would be able to support Algerian Arabs and help them establish strong, fruit-bearing fellowships.
Thank you for your prayers!
The Arab World Media Team