Christians in Algeria request prayer for another church in Bejaia city, as the authorities’ campaign to close churches and prosecute individual Christians appears to be escalating.
The church of Aouchiche was informed on 6 April of a 21 March administrative closure order issued by the Wali (governor). The church is to cease worship immediately.
The church of Aouchiche, with more than 300 active worshippers, is a longstanding member of the EPA, the umbrella organisation of the Algerian Protestant Church.
This closure brings the number of EPA affiliated churches closed by the authorities since November 2017 to seventeen. Several non-EPA churches have also been ordered to close or cease activities. Fearing repercussions, they don’t wish their names to be known.
During the same time period, at least twelve Christians have been convicted on faith-related charges, including blasphemy and proselytism. They have received prison sentences between six months and five years.
Within increased government targeting, several other churches and individual Christians involved in court cases anticipate negative verdicts.
Source: Middle East Concern
Let us pray.
- Pray those affected will know the comfort of the Father and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
- Pray for Algerian church leaders, that they will persevere in the face of increasing challenges against churches and individual Christians.
- Pray that the Christians will not give up meeting with one another and as they do, pray they will be unified in love for the Lord and one another.
Lord Jesus, you are calling to yourself a people out of darkness into your marvellous light. We pray for your people in the nation of Algeria as they seemingly face increasing opposition and persecution for their Kingdom activities. We rejoice in their faith and witness and ask for your hand of grace and strength to be outstretched for them that they might remain faithful and bold in spite of the pressure to cease following you.
We especially pray for those effected by church closures and bans on fellowship that they will know the comfort of the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1) and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
We pray for Algerian church leaders, that they will persevere in the face of increasing challenges against churches and individual Christians. Give them courage and wisdom as they lead your people. Have mercy on them and their families as they seek to be faithful and true to the lord Jesus Christ.
We also plead that believers will not give up meeting with one another and pray they will be unified in love for the Lord and one another. Lord have mercy and bless your people with joy and the winning of many souls in spite of the evil one’s best efforts. May your Gospel progress quickly in this nation and all to your glory.