Algeria (MNN) — In Muslim-majority North Africa, Christian persecution often comes from within the family, not from the government.
Unless a family approaches the authorities to report a relative’s Christian faith, the government will not get involved, as Muslim-background believer conversions are seen as a family issue.
Because of this, there is an opportunity for Christians to reach their non-believing families, and North African pastors encourage it even though these Christians may experience physical violence.
Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA interviewed a North African pastor who urges converts to minister to their families.
Often, the response of these new Christians is, “I can’t. I got to run. I need a place to stay. How can the church help me?” Nettleton says.
The pastor “repeatedly has seen those family members later come to Christ, if that person is willing. And it’s a sacrifice to stay because it involves suffering, but it is such an opportunity for witness,” Nettleton says.
One exception to persecution in North Africa being primarily familial, is in Algeria. There, the government is taking action to close churches.
While believers do not typically experience physical persecution from the Algerian government, since 2017, most Protestant churches have been closed.
Despite this, even church closures are a witness to the gospel.
One Algerian Christian that Nettleton spoke with said that even non-believing neighbors responded when a Christian church was closed.
“All of the neighbors came to them and said, ‘We’re so sorry this happened. We know you guys are not troublemakers. We know you’re not making trouble in our city, in our neighborhood. We’re so sorry this happened,” Nettleton says.
“It’s interesting how the Lord works,” Nettleton says. “Even when churches are being closed, the Lord is still able to use that to allow the planting of gospel seeds.”
Please pray that believers in North Africa will be faithful witnesses to their families. Pray for relief for those who are suffering. As Christian persecution endures, pray that Christians will be faithful witnesses to the gospel.
Photo courtesy of Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke/Pixabay
