On 6 June, on appeal, Pastor Rachid Seighir and his bookshop assistant, Nouh Hamimi, received one-year suspended sentences on a faith-related charge and were fined.
Christians in Algeria request continued prayer for both, thanking God that the earlier prison sentences have now been suspended. The two Christians are required to pay approximately $2,000. They will appeal the verdict to the high court.
Pastor Rachid leads the Oran City church and also owns a book and stationery shop where Nouh Hamimi works as a salesman.
Source: Middle East Concern
In September 2017 police raided the bookshop, finding Christian books, publications (including Bibles) and printing machines. On 27 February 2021 both were convicted in absentia of “proselytising”, as the bookshop contained books that were considered to “agitate the faith of Muslims”.
An article in the law regulating non-Muslim worship criminalises “…producing, storing, or disseminating printed documents, audio-visuals, or using any other means with the intent to undermine the faith of a Muslim.”
An appeal was heard on 16 May with the verdict postponed several times. On 4 June, the administrative court of Oran issued an implementation order to close three churches in the area, the church of Pastor Rachid, the Ain Turk House of Hope and a church in El Ayaida. A court order to close these churches was issued on 15 July 2020, but the churches remained open. It is not yet known when the authorities will seal the churches. These three churches will bring the number of churches that have been sealed to 16.
Let us pray.
- Thank God for the suspended sentences and pray that they will be acquitted on all charges on further appeal.
- Pray this case will be used by God to advance His kingdom.
- Commit to the Lord the three churches ordered to be closed; ask for wisdom and behalf of the church leaders as they guide and encourage their congregations.
Praying
Lord, I thank you for these 2 brave Christians in Algeria, Pastor Rachid and Nouh who openly declare Christ in a hostile country. Thank you the sentences are suspended but I pray especially they will be acquitted on appeal.
May this situation be used to your glory and the advancement of your Kingdom.
For the 3 churches ordered to close, may you give the church leaders wisdom as they continue to gather wherever you allow for this to happen. I thank you that church gatherings are not inhibited by buildings.
I was just thinking about open air meets, cave meets, woodland meets, small group meets, and I suddenly thought ‘you can fit about 10 people in a van either one that works and can drive to different locations or an old rust bucket perched in a dump area that no one takes any notice of..
It is very wrong that the Algerian government discriminates against Christians We the world are watching and praying for freedom as we have in our country
Blessed Lord Jesus, head of your church in this world, we thank you for the suspended sentences of Pastor Rachid Seighir and his bookshop assistant, Nouh Hamimi and pray that they will be acquitted on all charges on further appeal. We do ask that this case will be used by you to advance your kingdom.
Commit to the Lord the three churches ordered to be closed; the church of Pastor Rachid, the Ain Turk House of Hope and a church in El Ayaida and ask for wisdom, strong faith and perseverance on behalf of the church leaders as they guide and encourage their congregations. Bless your people Lord suffering in Algeria and may your Gospel continue to triumph in lives across this nation and all to your Glory. Lord have mercy.
Gracious Lord,
How Majestic is your name throughout the earth.
We pray for acquittal on all charges and your wisdom to the 3 church leader’s for the right decision. Amen