North Africa & Middle East: Windows of freedom?

Moving far beyond the borders of Tunisia and Egypt, revolutions and calls for change now criss-cross North Africa and the Middle East.

Countries now involved include Libya (click to read about our relief distribution at the Libya/Egypt border), Yemen, Bahrain, Syria and other nations.

The momentous events of the last few weeks have made it clear that this is a crucial point in the history of the Arab world. In the midst of all the turmoil, it is still uncertain how the Church will be impacted long-term.

The historic Al Rifa'i mosque in Cairo, Egypt

You can help local Christians in the region at any time, by scrolling to the bottom of this page and using the Donate Now button.

Here are excerpts from messages we received in the early days of the crisis:-"Should the events in the Middle East lead to protection of people's beliefs, many new churches would be planted… The main fear is that the wrong groups take advantage of the potentially new freedom in Egypt and would take control of power and then eradicate freedom... This would have adverse affects on the whole region."

Unfolding events have only served to highlight further, how finely the future direction of these issues hang in the balance. Yet there are messages of real hope coming to us from the region.

A leader of one of our partner ministries - again in Egypt - says:- "We are still praying, because how the situation goes could be better or worse for Christians. We are praying for a moderate government that respects the right of Christians. If demands of the protestors are granted, there will be freedom of expression, worship, and political participation, and also freedom of evangelism. And these rights will be transferred to all the Arab countries, and will open more doors for our ministry to help the needy areas."

Imagine the possibilities! Countries that were formerly very restricted could experience windows of freedom they have never known before. People are hungry for change and are willing to listen to new points of view. With media sources like satellite television, radio and internet more accessible than ever, our partners are seeing a surge in interest in Christianity. there is a line here

This is a crucial point in the history of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and the entire Arab world. The agenda of those who come to power in these nations will have impact for decades to come, not only on the people's lives but on the future of the Church.

We are currently working with ministry partners in more than 15 nations across the Middle East and North Africa. These courageous brothers and sisters in Christ will be the ones to carry the huge burdens of whatever lies ahead. But they are ready for the challenge, and you can help.

We are asking you - our friends and partners here in the UK - to pray with us for the Arab world, and consider donating to our North Africa & Middle East Appeal today. Your gift will be used to plant house churches, disciple believers, and train men and women in leadership. Our partners develop media outreach. They translate and distribute the Bible. They provide clean water, care for prisoners, and offer vocational training. They are on the ground, impacting the lives of individuals and transforming whole communities with the Gospel. Please do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help regional Christian leaders take up the new opportunities that are now arising to engage in these crucial areas of ministry.

To support our North Africa and Middle East Appeal now, please click the Donate Now button.

Follow these links to read more of the context our work in North Africa and the Middle East.