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6-25-08: New Prayer Requests

(Source: Middle East Concern)In May last year we requested prayers for an unjust situation concerning an African believer in a North African country. In 2001 he wrote to a media ministry requesting Christian literature. He wrote in English, but the ministry saw his address and sent materials in Arabic. Our brother was arrested when he went to his PO Box to collect the materials. He does not speak or read Arabic. We regret to report that he remains imprisoned. Efforts are continuing to secure his release. Prayers are requested for his release and well being.

6-18-08 New Prayer Requests:

Algerian Christians continue to face several overt pressures, says Middle East Concern.

First, at least 14 believers have been formally charged with evangelism, possession or improper distribution of Christian materials, holding religious activities in places not designated for such purposes or insulting Mohammed. Several have on-going court cases. Four have been acquitted. Nine have been convicted and received suspended jail sentences of ranging from two months to three years and been fined amounts ranging from 300 to 5,000 Euros. Most have appealed their convictions. In one case an appeal submitted on 12th April has yet to be heard.

A common occurrence is that those convicted are told verbally what their sentence will be and it than takes some time for the definitive written verdict to be issued. In one case, three men were verbally sentenced on 12th February and the written confirmation was not received until 28th May.

Second, the enforced closure of some fellowships, affecting at least 25 groups. Some have chosen to ignore the order, others have chosen to close and subsequently reopen and some have respected closure order.

Third, at least five expatriate Christians have had their residency permits revoked and requests for visas for priests and other religious staff to visit Algeria are being consistently refused.

Fourth, an intense media campaign has continued. Some coverage is supportive of Christians, including calls for the government to not persecute Christians. Some coverage is very antagonistic.

Algerian Christians thank us for standing with them in prayer. They request our continued prayer that:
a. Those with suspended jail sentences against them will know the peace and presence of Jesus each day
b. The appeals will be successful and our brothers and sisters acquitted
c. That all closed fellowships will be allowed to reopen
d. That all members will find worship and fellowship with others
e. The media attention will have a positive impact on the church, drawing more people to respond to the love and truth of Jesus
f. All believers will be strengthened in their faith and fulfil the purposes of God within their communities
g. All officials involved will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and respond to His love.

5-28-08 New Prayer Requests:

May 28, 2008: (Open Doors, Barnabus Fund) - Christian churches in Algeria are under massive attack. Over the last six months, Algerian authorities have closed half of the Protestant churches in the country. If the trend continues, the Algerian Protestant church will be non-existent by the end of 2008. Algerian officials have closed 26 Algerian churches by either written order or verbal warning since November 2007. Ranging in size from several dozen to more than 1,000 members, 32 congregations in Algeria belong to the Protestant Church of Algeria, while another 20 small fellowships exist independently. Algeria, a country of 33 million in northern Africa, is home to at least 10,000 Protestants. Click here to read more.