Recently in Algiers december 2009

Rather than going into detail concerning my 3 week trip to Algeria, I would like to give you a summary of what I saw for myself in the form of a prayer request. This verse accompanied me throughout my stay and enabled me to continue to stand firm, “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just...” Psalm 37v30.

Following the introduction of the shameful law prohibiting all non-Muslim gatherings in 2006, many small churches (of which many are house churches) who joined the EPA (Federation of Algerian Protestant Churches), must renew their authorisation with their local council in order to continue as a religious organisation. The conditions are extremely strict and include, having premises that conform with official standards, a sign outside indicating that the building is used as a church, have a minimum of 15 members, leaders revealing the names of all those participating in the service to the authorities, along with the text of the sermon. Of course, everything is done to discourage enterprise; delays in giving appointments, an ever-growing list of documents that must be produced, harassment, regular summoning of church leaders etc.. besides all the rumours concerning Christians, accusing them of all sorts of ills, national betrayal, defection, being sympathisers with the West, the enemy, which is synonymous to depravation, stirring up social division etc. The majority are harassed at work by their unscrupulous, grasping and corrupt colleagues, who cannot stand their righteousness and honesty. They are falsely accused and slandered all day long; derision and contempt are their daily bread.

In the midst of all of this tension, the churches, rather than staying united, are splitting. Some prefer to go back underground, others consider the EPA’s attitude and response to the country’s religious authorities as not accommodating enough so they blame the organisation for the difficulties they are facing. In other words, many believe things are falling apart...

The local mosque is situated 200 metres from where I live and every Friday the pavements fill with young and old men come to hear the Imam preach through the loud speakers. I have never seen that before; streets and pavements gradually taken over by small groups and individuals each with his prayer rug and in no time at all there is no room to pass. It’s as if the mosque overflowed outside right up to our own front door. But despite appearances, what comes over is that they are there because it’s the done thing at the moment.

My conviction...

I am convinced that God’s hand is forming the Algerian church of the 3rd century, the same church that will be taken up to heaven. Now is the time to acknowledge one another and come together again; it is God’s time for revealing “one heart in unity”. Please pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, who is at work in this land despite appearances to the contrary, leaders may have their minds renewed and be brought into unity together, speaking as one voice.

Pray, too, that God would cause the authorities to be favourable towards Christians and do not forget all those who are harassed at work, in particular my friend Héni and his family, who are going through painful trials at the moment.

For those of you who would like to help in some way, please contact me and I can tell you how. I would like to finish on a more encouraging note: the translation of the Bible both Old and New Testament, in the Kabylie language has just been finished and is now available.