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David is an Interserve Partner based in the UK working with believers from Muslim backgrounds around the world. Here he reflects on recent conversations with Christian leaders across the Arab World and North Africa:
A few weeks ago, just before war broke out, I attended a conference of church and mission leaders from across North Africa and the Middle East. In almost all of the countries represented at the conference, alongside the recent challenges posed by conflict in the region, the Church is also suffering under varying degrees of persecution. This is especially true for those choosing to follow Jesus from Muslim backgrounds. Yet the church leaders from many of these countries were also full of joy and hope. Despite the pressure, the Church is growing in many of these countries.
It was remarkable to hear from Libyan leaders of the underground Church, where for many years they have been led by outside workers (including many from sub-Saharan Africa), but now God is a raising up a generation of indigenous Libyan leaders. It was sobering hearing stories of the renewed persecution of the church in Algeria, where almost all church buildings are locked up, over 30 pastors are in prison and it is illegal for more than five believers to meet together. Yet they told how they have been rediscovering the power of small group discipleship, and how the Church is growing even when they are prevented from meeting. It was heartbreaking to hear continued stories of the war in Sudan and the humanitarian tragedies there, yet at the same time to learn of the growth of the Church amongst Sudanese diaspora (especially those from Muslim backgrounds) in refugee camps in nearby countries.
The Church is present, and the Church is growing, even in the most difficult of circumstances. In many countries it is illegal to meet as believers, but yet God still grows His Church. It reminded me that even when things are difficult in my own church, that God may still be at work in hidden ways, growing His Church even if on the outside it looked like the opposite. Please continue to pray for the Church in the Middle East and North Africa.
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