(This story was compiled from several sources., including Mission Network News, MNN, mnnonline). In January, 2024 MNN reported that Christians in Algeria are allowed to practice their faith, but it isn’t made easy for them. Since 2019, Algerian churches have faced forcible closure and opposition from the government, or, as Voice of the Martyrs calls it, “squeeze” persecution. Moreover, evangelism of Muslims by non-Muslims is prohibited by the nation’s Constitution.
Algeria is a country in North Africa bordered on the north by the Mediterranean Sea. Covering an area of 2,381,741 square kilometers, Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the tenth-largest in the world.
It’s population is 47, 390,000 and the main religion is Islam (99.8%), with a Christian population of 0.1%. There are 37 people groups, 34 of whom are unreached. Most Christians are converts from Islam and often face pressure from family, society, and authorities. Many churches have been closed in recent years, and believers often meet quietly.
It’s capital is the city of Algiers. Algiers also holds the record for the city with the largest population in the country. However, about 90% of its land is covered by the Sahara Desert, meaning roughly 91% of its population lives along the narrow Mediterranean coastline. As an OPEC member, Algeria is a powerhouse in the energy sector and ranks as the world’s 7th largest exporter of natural gas.
Algeria has quite a rich history. This is largely due to the number of nations that have ruled the country. Ancient Algeria passed through many empires and dynasties. At some point in its history, it was being ruled by Byzantines, Turks, the Spanish, Romans, and even Germanic tribes.
The inhabitants of Algeria converted to Islam when Muslim Arabs captured Algerian in the 7th century. The French ruled from 1830 to 1962 when Algeria gained its independence.
Please:
* Pray for openness to the Gospel among families and young people.
* Pray for courage and protection for believers meeting quietly.
* Pray for Scripture and discipleship resources in local languages.
*Pray for dreams and revelations of Jesus.