Religions and mission in the Arab world
SEPTEMBER 2008: Vivienne Stacey

This issue of our magazine is fully focused on Ms Vivienne Stacey, a lifelong missionary in the Muslim World. You will find her major writings in this issue on our frontpage. If you click the button Vivienne Stacey you find many other articles by her hand; we will continue to upload new articles there, so keep coming back!

This week we received the news that our sister Shirley Madany has passed away; her husband, Rev. Bassam Madany, regularly contributes to our magazine. We wish him comfort of God in the certainty that his beloved wife is now with our Lord. Let us pray for Bassam.

We have also made dozens of articles by Bassam and Shirley Madany available in the past weeks. Under the button Madany's you find them.

Please let us know how we can improve St Francis Magazine so that it serves your needs in mission in the Arab World!

Rev Dr John Stringer
 

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PRAYER REQUEST: update #6 on Algerian Christians under pressure, 2 believers convicted
We regret to report that on Wednesday 2nd July two believers named Rachid and Djallal were convicted of “distributing documents to shake the faith of Muslims” by a court in western Algeria. Both were given suspended jail sentences and fined 100,000 dinars (approx. $1,660).

 

 

Greetings in the name of Jesus, head of the Church

 

Algerian Christians continue to face several overt pressures.

 

We regret to report that on Wednesday 2nd July two believers named Rachid and Djallal were convicted of “distributing documents to shake the faith of Muslims” by a court in western Algeria. Both were given suspended jail sentences and fined 100,000 dinars (approx. $1,660). The sentences were given verbally and must be confirmed in writing. Both men are planning to appeal.

 

Rachid had been running an internet café. However, the authorities closed it down in April, allegedly for operating without written permission from the police. Rachid believes that this is common practice in Algeria and simply an excuse covering the real reason of harassing him by closing his business.

 

This is Rachid’s third conviction for his Christian activities. His first was done in absentia last year after he and another believer were stopped by police while transporting a box of Christian literature. He heard about the conviction and two-year suspended jail sentence in May. He applied for a re-trial as per his rights under Algerian law. At a hearing last week the prosecutor requested a much reduced sentence, giving the defence lawyer hope that Rachid might be acquitted.

 

Elsewhere in Algeria several other Christians have been given suspended jail sentences. Many have appealed and are waiting for hearings or judgements. In one case, a female believer has been thrown out of her family home following her conviction.

 

Other overt pressures on Algerian Christians continue, namely the closure of at least 25 fellowships, the denial of visas and residency permits for expatriate priests and other church staff, and a media campaign with some antagonistic coverage.

 

Algerian Christians thank us for standing with them in prayer. They request our continued prayer that:

a.       Rachid, Djallal and others 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.
 
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