Libya crisis appeal

There are very few Christians in Libya, and they have faced great pressure and persecution over the years. Now, conflict in their country means they are in particular need of our help.

Our partners are one of very few Christian churches which are reaching out to people in Christ’s name in Libya. They are based in the capital, Tripoli, but have outreach in several areas of the country.

Obviously we cannot print specific details about our Libyan partners here, to protect their safety. Here, we will simply call them the ‘UCM’. They have 6 churches in different cities, with a total of 2000 members and over 1000 other people who attend regularly.

Libyan Christian lady

Libyans have come to Christ through UCM's work – friendship evangelism, literature publication and distribution, and practical help to those in need.

Libya is of course right in the news at the moment. Because of the uprising, and the effective division of the country, it has been difficult to contact the UCM for some weeks. However, we are now back in contact and we know that they are continuing their work, and have even more people needing their help.

They are facing the same privations, shortages and risks from explosions as everyone else in Libya. In addition, they are in danger of attack as the government looks for scapegoats and to destroy anyone who it feels might be a source of opposition.

Pray for Libya, for a quick end to fighting and for a just peace. For details of how to give, scroll to the bottom of this page.

“What help does UCM in Libya need right now?”

Our UCM colleagues have asked us for extra resources for their ministry at this time. Many people in need are seeking their help. They are visiting the hospitals regularly to minister to those who have been hurt in the fighting or are sick. Some families need food, or help in their anxiety about loved ones.

In particular they have asked our help in their ministry in the prisons. The government lock up many thousands of people – many of whom are innocent of any crime except to have come under suspicion of disloyalty. The prisons are filthy and dangerous. Prisoners are often not fed, and are given no means to clean themselves. Our partners are supplying food, and hygiene packs for them.

Many women are arrested and their children are taken to prison with them. This is no place for children, and our partners arrange for the children’s release and have a safe home for them until their mothers are free again. Many of the women arrested are from a community of Africans from further south, who have come to Libya seeking work – like the ladies in our photograph.

This is a very special partner ministry, doing amazing work in one of the most difficult situations imaginable. Your gifts of any size will help, as we seek to raise £50,000 extra to send to them as soon as possible.

Please help us to enable our partners in Libya to have a powerful ministry at this strategic time.

HOW TO DONATE

Click the red 'Donate Now' button on the Home Page.
Postal donations: Please make cheque payable to 'WorldShare'. Add 'Libya' and your name & address to the reverse of the cheque, and mail to 'Freepost WORLDSHARE'. (That's all you need to write on the envelope, and if posting it in the UK you do not need to add a stamp. For our full postal address, click here .)
Credit Card donation line: 01302 775209.

LINKS TO PREVIOUS ARTICLES

Lines in the sand - who is helping Libya's refugees?

Background to the crises in Libya and North Africa